Garage Doors

[Ed Gibbons]

I will be painting aluminum garage doors. Should I prime them first? Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Maurice Mcmurry]

If they are vinyl clad aluminum I scuff with red scotch-brite or 220 sanding sponges and use XIM primer before painting. I get it tinted if there is much of a color change. For older aluminum with baked on paint I wash with TSP to remove any chalkiness, rinse and paint with good quality latex or acrylic paint.

[Stan Calow]

Prep is probably a good idea. However, my doors have been painted twice with the same Sherwin Williams paint as the outside of the house (masonite panels) by the house painters, with no problems.

[Tom M King]

I would clean them with Liquid Sandpaper and a stiff brush with a long handle, if there is nothing downhill from them that washing with a water hose would damage. I used it before Varnish on the carved parts of these entry doors.

[Jonathan Pace]

May be prepping and priming beforehand to ensure everything goes on well and adheres properly.