How To Update An Old Garage Door

Garage doors aren't cheap, so if you could simply make your old, but functional garage door look like new you'd do it right? It may take a little work, but you can do it. It'll leave your neighbors asking you how much your new door cost you. There are a handful of ways to update your old garage door. You can use gel stain, paint, and even add faux windows or actual window panels. See below for instructions to update your old door.

• Paint/Stain. You'll need to first power wash your door on a low setting (so as to not damage the door). Power washing helps remove old paint or stain easily. Allow the door to dry completely before painting or staining it. You can use (outdoor) latex paint or gel stain to cover the door. Add more than one coat if needed to achieve the color you desire. Be sure to allow dry time between coats.
• Faux Windows. Give your doors faux windows by using either vinyl cut to size, or paint windows on your garage door. Simply measure the length/width you want your windows to be and figure out how many you want across your door. Then use painter's tape to create a cross which will give you a four section window. Paint around the painter's tape in a square with black glossy paint. Take the tape off carefully and immediately after painting, this way it won't peel the paint off with the tape. Repeat the process all the way across the top row of your garage door. 
• Real Windows. Invest in window panels that can be added to aluminum doors. You need to just take out the top panel of your aluminum door and add the new panel with windows in it. This could be a pretty big job, as you need to take your garage door apart. It may be better to leave this task to a professional if the job is too big for you.
• Embellishments. Add embellishments such as spade door handles and faux hinges. Add the door handles in the middle of your garage door and the hinges along the sides. This will help give you the look of a barn door or carriage house door.

Updating your old door is fairly simple, it just takes a bit of time. If your garage door is not in good shape, such as dented or rusted, you may want to think about investing in a new garage door instead.

Share