The Top 7 Best Paint for Aluminum Garage Doors [Plus 17 Painting Tips]

The best paint for aluminum garage doors is not only durable but should improve your curb appeal and your home’s aesthetics in general.

Most times, we paint our garage doors because we want to sell our homes or hide the stains covering the once-beautiful finish.

Experts may advise against painting metal doors (aluminum or steel) because the factory finish (powder coat or baked enamel) is meant to last long with little maintenance if any.

However, there is no harm in painting your garage door just to improve your home’s exterior. The only downside is that with paint, you need to do more frequent maintenance.

In this article, we review the top seven best paint for aluminum garage doors.

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The Best Paint for Aluminum Garage Doors Are:

1. USSC Direct to Metal (Satin)
2. Rust-Oleum 8781502 (for aluminum galvanized metal)
3. The BEHR ULTRA® Exterior Satin Enamel
4. The Montage Signature Paint
5. Diamond Brite All-Purpose Enamel
6. The POR-15 45401 Rust Preventative Coating
7. Rust-Oleum 7215502
8. Zinsser Perma-White RUST-OLEUM 03101

8 Best Paint for Aluminum Garage Doors

To paint aluminum garage doors, the choice of paint is very critical. In most cases, choosing the best paint depends on whether the paint is latex or oil-based, the color, and lastly, the finish.

The best exterior paint for garage doors made of aluminum that we’ve provided below are arrived at based on the type, finish, and resistance to external weather conditions.

DTM Direct to Metal – High Performance, Satin Finish, Water Base Paint/Coating.

The USSC Direct to metal paint is a high-performance metal coating that will definitely provide the desired protection and aesthetics. The USSC is water-based paint and therefore is safe both for the user and the environment.

One of the features we liked most about this paint is that it has a very low odor and the painting tools can easily be cleaned with water and do not require harmful and smelly solvents.

The USSC is tough and resistant to both abrasion and water/weather. This paint is probably the best paint for garage doors made of aluminum, especially if you have an average budget. The curing and drying times are extremely fast.

The USSC DTM is suitable for garage doors made of pure metals, galvanized metals, steel iron, properly prepared substrates, and primed metals. This paint is a top-quality paint and is a formulated 100% Acrylic water-based coating.

For coverage per gallon, the estimated range is between 350-400 square feet. The USSC DTM paint for aluminum garage doors dries within 30 minutes and won’t peel off when touched. For concrete, brick, masonry, stone, or pavement, the USSC DTM doesn’t disappoint.

Top Features

• Dries and cures very fast
• Extremely durable
• Strong therefore both water and weather resistant
• Application is by all conventional tools like roller, brush, airless spray equipment.

The HGTV Weathershield Semi-Gloss Exterior Paint by Sherwin-Williams

This Sherwin-Williams garage door paint, the HGTV Weathershield, is ideal for surfaces that need weather elements like moisture and heat, like your garage door. It is both a paint and primer, which helps obscure stains, residue, and dirt. It comes with advanced all-weather protection shields to protect your door from the elements. It dries fast, does not drip, and has a soft sheen to it.

Features

• Advanced all-weather protection shields
• One-coat
• Resilient 100% acrylic formula
• Soft sheen

Pros

• Dries fast
• Excellent adhesion
• Affordable
• Comes with protection from peeling, runs, sunlight, blistering, moisture, watermarks, and cracking in both sunny and rainy seasons.
• You only need to use one coat
• Mildew and algae resistant
• Flows to remove brush and roller lines
• It does not drip
• Easy clean-up
• Easily covers the previous color on the surface

Cons

• You may need more than one coat, depending on your aluminum door
• Some customers have found that the paint runs, dripping over other surfaces below what you are painting.
• Some customers have had problems with the spread.

Verdict

What makes the HGTV by Sherwin-Williams the best paint for aluminum garage doors is that in most cases, all you need is one coat. It spreads well and is very adhesive to your aluminum door. There might be minimal issues depending on the surface, like uneven spread or dripping, though. It is overall excellent paint for your aluminum garage door.

The BEHR ULTRA® Exterior Satin Enamel

The BEHR ultra exterior has a satin sheen that gives your garage door a shiny finish. A little goes a long way as you only need one gallon for every 250 to 400 square feet. It is also fast drying. It is a paint and primer, which means that you only need one coat in many cases.

Features

• 100% acrylic paint
• Paint and primer in 1
• Thick
• Advanced Nanoguard Technology

Pros

• Durable with very minimal fading
• Mold, moisture, mildew, stain, and dirt-resistant
• Fast drying
• Easy clean-up
• Excellent coverage
• Protection from peeling or fading
• Flows well and nicely levels out without brush marks.

Cons

• You may need extra tools like a paint sprayer and a roller in addition to your paintbrush, depending on your aluminum garage door.
• You may need more than one coat, depending on your aluminum garage door.
• Some customers have complained that the coat is skinny.

Verdict

We definitely recommend the BEHR Enamel. It spreads well and is thick. You only need one coat in most cases. The fact that it is both a paint and primer makes it adhesive and durable. It protects your garage door from extreme weather conditions. However, if you use the ultra-white BEHR to cover a garage door that had been previously painted, you may need more than one coat.

The Montage Latex Signature Paint

The Montage Signature Latex Paint is the best paint for aluminum garage doors. It is ideal if you are looking to paint your aluminum garage door. It allows for smooth and even brushing while ensuring maximum coverage. It is environmentally friendly as it is upcycled. Surprisingly, it has a low odor, something that sets it apart from other recycled paints.

Features

• Eco-friendly.
• Sealing technology making it easier to clean and avoids issues like blistering.
• Variety – available in semi-gloss, low-sheen, and eggshell
• Perfect consistency
• Upcycled

Pros

• Excellent coverage
• Mold and mildew resistant
• 10-year warranty
• Dries quickly
• Low odor
• Easy clean-up
• Uniform finish
• You do not need a primer

Cons

• Some customers have complained about poor coverage
• The swatch behind the can is tiny, which may make it difficult to know the exact paint color.
• The paint color may separate, so you may need extra tools like an electric screwdriver to keep mixing it.

Verdict

The Montage Signature Paint is high-quality paint. It offers value for money because it is upcycled. In most cases, you only need one coat. Extra points for excellent customer service, as several customers have pointed out on Amazon.

However, the swatch on the can is really small, which makes it hard to know the exact paint color without opening.

Diamond All-purpose Brite Enamel Paint

Unlike other paints in this review, the Diamond Brite is a bit dated. This gloss enamel paint is specifically designed for windows and doors. It can, however, be used on aluminum garage doors due to its thickness and glossiness.

Diamond Brite Oil Based Paint is known to provide top-quality, professional alkyd, high hide finish and is known for excellent stain removal.

This paint is perfectly durable with a gloss enamel for protecting your interior and exterior surfaces including your aluminum garage door against repeated abrasion, household chemicals, and rust.

Even if your garage door receives high traffic use, this paint will suffice as it dries extremely hard. You can use the Diamond Brite Oil-based paint on multiple surfaces including drywall, wood, metal, well-bonded wallpaper, plaster, stucco, cinder block, and aluminum.

It takes roughly 10-12hrs to dry with a recoat possible within 24 hours. To clean the surfaces, you can use mineral spirits.

For best results, if you are doing the painting yourself, mix the paint with a stir stick or paddle and ensure any loose particles at the bottom of the paint is completely mixed up and is smooth. Shake the paint well before mixing.

For the surfaces, they need to be cleaned and prepared before painting to ensure the paint sticks to the surface properly. Before applying subsequent coats, ensure the current coat is dry (at least 12hrs apart).

For best results, apply the paint when the air and surface temperatures range between 60°F-90°F (15°C-32°C).

Features

• Highly adhesive
• Oil enamel
• Alkyd finish
• You can roll, spray or brush it
• Each gallon covers

Pros

• The glossiness makes it easy to clean
• Resists fading, peeling, scuffs, and cracking
• Shiny look
• Keeps moisture and rust away
• Can withstand UV exposure
• Protects your garage aluminum door from freezing

Cons

• It takes quite a long time to dry.
• You need to wait at least 24 hours before applying a new coat.
• Cleaning the brushes can be difficult.

Verdict

We would recommend the Diamond Brite if you have patience (or at least if you do not have to complete your project in a day). The paint takes a really long time to dry, and you need to wait 24 hours before applying a second coat. Cleaning the brushes may also be a little tricky, and you may need to buy brushes you can dispose of. It is advisable to paint on a hot day.

POR-15 45401 Semi-Gloss Black Rust Preventative Coating

Sometimes you may choose to use a rust preventive coating on your aluminum garage door instead of colored paint. The POR-15 is ideal if your garage door has rusted. It dries to a non-porous and hammer-tough finish. It needs to be top coated as it is sensitive to the sun’s UV light.

Features

• Lead-free
• Hammer tough finish
• Permanent Moisture Barrier
• Non-Porous
• Repels all fuels and oils
• Chemical Resistant
• Self-leveling

Pros

• Does not chip, peel, or crack
• Rust and moisture resistant
• No need to remove rust before applying
• It can be painted over

 Cons

• It still needs a topcoat.
• You may need to use a primer before painting the topcoat so that the paint can stick to the aluminum surface better.
• Hard to wash off if it gets on your skin
• You need to use a respirator after using the paint and ensure proper ventilation.

Verdict

If you opt to coat your aluminum garage door with a rust-preventive coating, then the POR-15 is ideal. However, since most garage doors are exposed to sunlight, you then need to add a topcoat.

Zinsser Perma-White RUST-OLEUM 03101

Perma-white is 100% acrylic paint that is highly mold and mildew resistant. The Zinnser is the best paint for aluminum garage doors because it has an excellent cover, though 2 coats are required in most cases. It is high hide and has an excellent touch-up. It is tintable to a variety of off-white to mid-tone colors. You will need a maximum of 4 ounces of universal colorant per gallon.

Features

• 100% acrylic
• Self-priming
• Tintable to a variety of off-white to mid-tone colors.

Pros

• Easy to apply
• Prevents mold and mildew
• Moisture and fade resistant
• Fast-drying. You can recoat in 2 hours
• Durable and washable finish
• Excellent adhesion
• Low odor
• No need for sanding or glossing

Cons

• Slow drying. You need to wait for 24 hours before applying a second coat
• Some customers have found that it does not entirely cover stains.

Verdict

We recommend the Perma-White if you are looking to paint your garage door white and have mold and mildew issues in your area. You need 2 coats in most cases. The paint has excellent adhesion, and you do not need a primer since it is self-priming. You can tint the white paint to pastel, medium colors, or off-white.

Rust-Oleum 7215502 Hammered Metal Finish

The Rust-Oleum is oil-based, which makes it weather and corrosion-resistant. You can apply it over rust. You need 2 coats, and the first coat dries within 30 minutes.

Features

• Oil-based
• UV resistant
• Highly sticky
• 150 square feet per quart
• Durable, Protective & Corrosion Resistant
• Resists Peeling, Cracking & Chipping
• Withstands Weather & Elements
• UV Resistant
• Prevents Rust
• Superior Coverage

Pros

Cons

• It gives off strong fumes, so you need to work in a properly ventilated area.
• It takes a really long time to dry. It could take even 30 days.
• The paint color while in the can never look even.

Verdict

We definitely recommend the Rust-Oleum if you are patient enough and are well versed with painting. The paint takes really long to dry. In most cases, you will need 2 coats. Even if the paint color looks uneven in the can, it does not affect the final results.

Depending on your garage, you may want to use a roller rather than a paintbrush to prevent brush marks from showing.

Do You Need to Use Primer Before Painting Your Aluminum Garage Door?

The primer that you choose will determine the topcoat. Metal garage doors have a primer coat (factory applied) that helps to protect them from the elements. However, if you need to prime your garage door’s surface before painting, ensure that you get a good quality primer.

An oil-based primer leaves you with more options as you can use any paint as the topcoat. However, a latex or acrylic timer can only have latex or acrylic paint as the topcoat. You may also need to use a bonding primer on your aluminum door surface to ensure proper adhesion.

17 Tips for Painting your Garage Doors

• If your topcoat is significantly different, you may want to use a tinted primer coat.
• Use the same paint color as your siding; otherwise, always go for white.
• Remove loose, peeling paint and rust from your surface before painting.
• The door type matters. On metal doors, you are likely to keep painting your garage doors more frequently as the paint wears out faster than the factory finish that metal doors come with.
• You can use cheap brushes that you can dispose of if you find cleaning too messy.
• Wash off dirt, chalk, or grease using detergent or powerwash.
• Don’t paint your garage door if the surface exceeds 200°F (93°C).
• When choosing your garage door color, you need to see how they look like just before sunset and when the sun is bright. This will help you see the effect of changes in the contrast ratios and colors. A bright color could easily look dull, making it difficult to contrast it with another dark shade, which could have been your goal.
• Do not use gasoline, turpentine, or lacquer to thin paint.
• If your garage door has mildew stains, you need to remove them using a mildew stain removing product before painting.
• Use xylene for hard-to-clean brushes.
• If both your garage door and front doors face the street, paint them the same color.
• Etch or scuff sand your metal garage door, rinse, and allow it to dry before painting.
• If the garage door’s surface is too rough and you are concerned that the paint may not stick, you can use a Graco sprayer first.
• Ensure that all surfaces are dry during the time of application.
• If your garage door is uncoated, use a primer first. If necessary, you can use more than one coat to cover stains.
• Some paints require that you paint on a hot day (air and surface temperatures should be between 60 and 90°F, and humidity should be below 85% to ensure proper drying).

How to Store Leftover Paint

Most of the time, when you are done painting your aluminum garage door, you are less likely to use all the paint in your can. You can store the leftover paint for future use. However, if you do not store it properly, it hardens and sticks to the sides of the can. Here are some tips on how to store leftover paint:

• Store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, and where the temperature does not get to freezing.
• Wipe any excess paint on the can
• Place plastic wrap over the can’s opening before replacing the lids
• Use taps from a rubber mallet to firmly seal the lid.
• Store the can upside down.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Aluminium Garage Doors

Review our responses to common questions about how to go about painting your aluminum garage door.

What kind of paint do you use on aluminium doors or garage doors?

We recommend using 100% acrylic latex exterior house paint. However, in most cases, all you need is high-quality paint. You may need more than one coat, though, especially if the color you are painting is lighter than the original.

How do you paint an aluminium garage door?

All you need to do is clean the surface area you want to paint and then use an oil-based metal primer. You then need to apply 100% exterior latex paint.

What is the best paint to paint aluminium with?

From our reviews, we would vote for the HGTV by Sherwin-Williams. It has all the good qualities – strongly adhesive, dries fast, and protects the surface from the elements. It is also both a primer and paint. Mostly, you only need a single coat.

Do you have to sand aluminium before painting?

It depends on the surface and the paint you go for. Oil-based paints like the Rust-Oleum 7215502 Hammered Metal Finish do not need you to sand aluminum. You can even apply directly on rust. However, if you are using spray paint, you need to sand.

How do you prep an aluminum garage door for painting?

Aluminum is generally an easy surface to prep. You first need to ensure that the surface is clean and dry. Clean any oil or grease. Light abrasion is always advisable, though.

What is the best primer to use on aluminium?

There is a reason why we have 2 Rust-Oleum products in our review. They are simply the best for coating, especially if you are dealing with rust or stubborn stains. Rust-Oleum® Professional Aluminum Primer Spray is highly recommended.

Verdict: Which is the best pain for Aluminium Garage Doors?

The best paint for aluminum garage doors is the HGTV by Sherwin-Williams, hands down. It doubles as a primer which means that you do not speed extra money buying primer. It is fast-drying, and mostly, you do not need more than a single coat. The HGTV by Sherwin-Williams also doubles as the best paint for metal garage door.

It protects your garage door from moisture, heat, peeling, runs, sunlight, blistering, moisture, watermarks, and cracking in both sunny and rainy seasons. It is also affordable, and clean-up is easy.