Whether you’ve just moved into a new house or want to freshen your old one, don’t forget the garage. A new paint job can turn your garage into a comfortable place to work on crafts or projects, work out, or store your overflow from the house or yard.
Beyond getting a more functional space, you can improve the mood and feel of your home. Here are some ideas to help you turn your garage into a space that will make you want to spend time there.
Select Garage Paint Colors That Complement Your Home
Choosing the right color for your garage may be simpler than you think. Look at the color and design scheme in the main rooms of your house; then find a complementary color for the garage.
Another option is to choose a color based on how much natural light the garage gets. If the light is limited, a brighter color like white could be your best bet to make the space feel larger and more welcoming.
Once you’ve picked your color, you’ll want to choose a paint finish. Look for a finish that withstands temperature changes, hides dust and dirt, and cleans up easily. Gloss finishes tend to be the best choice for garages. The high reflectivity works well with rooms with little to no natural light, and the finish is easy to clean.
Tips to Prepare Your Garage for Painting
After you’ve chosen the paint for your garage, you’ll need to do a few things before you can start throwing a fresh coat on the walls. First, you’ll need to plan for supplies and ventilation, then prep your surfaces, and get started painting.
Supplies Needed to Paint a Garage
Besides the paint, you’ll need supplies including:
- Brushes and rollers
- Gloves and goggles
- Tarp
- Primer
- Paint scraper
- Ladder
- Painter’s tape
- Sandpaper
While other items, like a power washer, might come in handy, these basics should get you off to a smooth start.
Ventilate the Garage
You shouldn’t be working with any toxic materials, but paint fumes may make you dizzy or nauseated if your garage doesn’t have proper airflow.
So, make sure you leave your garage door open when you’re painting and the paint is drying. You may also consider wearing a mask if you're especially sensitive to paint fumes.
Prep and Clean Surfaces
Always clean your walls before painting them. That way, you’ll avoid grease, dust, or dirt buildups that would make your paint job look uneven or sloppy.
A mild detergent and a sponge should do the trick for most stains, but for larger garages or thicker buildup, consider renting a power washer.
Apply a Primer Coat
The last step to take before painting is applying a primer coat. A primer coat will not only help your finishing paint stick better, but also make the finishing coat look coherent and smooth.
Be sure to let the primer dry completely before applying your finishing coats.
Paint Multiple Coats
Always paint two or three final coats of paint. You may need more coats if you’re making a dramatic color change or painting a textured surface. Applying multiple coats will also help you avoid bare spots and improve your paint’s sheen and thickness.
Paint Your Garage Walls to Fit the Use
If you’re using only a portion of your garage, you may not need to paint every wall. That's especially true if your garage is on the larger side.
Section off your garage based on how you use those areas. For example, you may not want to paint the walls where you park your car, but you’ll want a modern, painted look for your garage workshop.
Garage Door Paint Ideas That Make a Statement
For remodelers looking to freshen up garage doors, it's smart to find colors that complement your home’s exterior paint and texture. That will help your garage door pop.
Then, you’ll need to consider if you should match your finish with your house’s exterior. For example, wood works well with semi-transparent oil paint.
You’ll also want to think about the material the garage door is made of. If it’s metal, you’ll be better off with oil-based paint. If it’s vinyl or fiberglass, you’ll want to stick with latex paint.
Protect Garage Floors With Paint
Because the floor will be exposed to the most dirt and traffic, you may want to use a different kind of paint that’s more durable. Specifically, consider epoxy paint or latex acrylic paint that’s designed to adhere to a garage floor.
These types of paint can handle temperature changes and humidity without cracking or drying too much, making them a great choice.
Garage Ceiling Paint Ideas That Pop
Whether you’re coordinating the ceiling color with the garage walls or going for something more distinctive, you'll want a color that works with the rest of your garage.
Even if you might not look at it as much, the ceiling color can affect your garage’s lighting and feel. So, choose a color that doesn’t clash with your floor or walls.
Paint Your Garage Cabinets to Revive Your Space
Painting your garage cabinets can reinvigorate and refresh your garage, but choose the paint carefully. Oil-based paints will work well for wood and metal, and latex paints are better for vinyl and fiberglass.
You may also want to consider spray-on paint for a cabinet job, because it’s easier for smaller objects. If not, rolling paint will work fine.
Regardless of what you have in mind for your garage, a good paint job with a color that complements your house will set the stage.