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Refresh your garage door.
Up-and-over, sectional or wooden garage door — sanded, primed and 2-coat finished without replacing it.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any decorator starts on garage Door Painting.
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Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Rust bleed-through
Existing rust spots not properly treated. Always sand to bare metal, treat with rust-converter, prime.
UV fading
South-facing garage doors fade fast. Specify UV-stable acrylic or solvent-based finish.
Cracking at panel edges
Sectional door panels flex; paint cracks at the joints. Use a flexible exterior gloss.
Tracks and rollers painted shut
Cheap mask jobs paint over the operating mechanism. Mask carefully.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Single garage up-and-over doorUp to 8 m²
£120–£280
Double garage up-and-over doorUp to 16 m²
£200–£450
Sectional door with horizontal ribsMore complex masking
£180–£400
Roller doorEach slat individually painted
£250–£500
Hardwood garage doorsHeritage doors, more prep
£250–£500
Garage door + matching wood trimWhole frontage refresh
£250–£650
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Decorator briefing.
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Decorator explained
A repainted garage door has the biggest impact on the front of the house for the smallest spend. Expect to pay £150–£500 for UK garage door painting, depending on door size and material.
What Does the Work Involve?
Existing paint is degreased, sanded smooth, and any rust spots treated (steel doors with Rust Beater). Bare metal primed with zinc-rich primer. Bare wood primed with knot-block + wood primer. Two top coats of finish — usually direct-to-metal (Dulux Trade DTM), Hammerite Smooth, or specialist garage door paint. Sprayed finish gives best results but requires extensive masking; brush is the alternative.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single garage up-and-over door | 120 | 280 | Up to 8 m² |
| Double garage up-and-over door | 200 | 450 | Up to 16 m² |
| Sectional door with horizontal ribs | 180 | 400 | More complex masking |
| Roller door | 250 | 500 | Each slat individually painted |
| Hardwood garage doors | 250 | 500 | Heritage doors, more prep |
| Spray finish premium upgrade | +£100 | +£250 | vs brush |
| Garage door + matching wood trim | 250 | 650 | Whole frontage refresh |
How Long Does It Take?
Single door brush: half day to 1 day. Double door brush: 1 day. Spray finish (with full masking): 1–2 days.
DIY or Professional?
DIY-able for brush finish on simple doors. Spray is professional. Roller doors with multiple slats are tedious — professional often makes economic sense.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A decorator with exterior experience. Ask about paint type for metal — direct-to-metal (DTM) products simplify the system. Confirm UV-stability for sunny elevations. Get the colour confirmed on a sample before starting.
UK Regulations
No specific regulations. Listed buildings or conservation areas may have colour restrictions.
Common Problems
- Rust bleed-through: Existing rust spots not properly treated. Always sand to bare metal, treat with rust-converter, prime.
- UV fading: South-facing garage doors fade fast. Specify UV-stable acrylic or solvent-based finish.
- Cracking at panel edges: Sectional door panels flex; paint cracks at the joints. Use a flexible exterior gloss.
- Tracks and rollers painted shut: Cheap mask jobs paint over the operating mechanism. Mask carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best paint for a garage door?
Hammerite Smooth (metal), Dulux Trade DTM, Crown Trade Sandtex (masonry over metal), Bedec MSP. For wood doors, Sikkens Cetol or Dulux Weathershield Exterior Eggshell.
Can I paint over rust?
Only after rust treatment. Sand to bare metal or apply Hammerite Rust Beater first. Painting direct over rust gives 6–12 months before paint flakes.
How long does garage door paint last?
South-facing: 5–7 years. Shielded: 8–12. Annual touch-up of high-wear areas extends the gap between repaints.
Spray or brush?
Spray gives a factory-perfect finish but masking is extensive. Brush is more forgiving and faster overall for one-off domestic jobs.
Colour ideas?
Match the front door colour for cohesive look. Otherwise: anthracite grey, off-black, Heritage Green, classic white. Avoid bright colours which fade fast on south elevations.
Can I paint a uPVC garage door?
Yes — with plastic primer. Hairline cracks may show after time as uPVC flexes more than metal.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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