There Are Some Tricks You Should Know When Painting the Garage

Garages are among the most useful and frequently used rooms in the home. They house our vehicles, lawn, and sports equipment, and occasionally serve as a second attic. They are, however, the least likely to be painted. That's unfortunate because painting a garage not only improves its appearance but can also protect the walls from wear and tear.

What Makes Painting a Garage Different?

Painting a garage is similar to painting any other room: prep, tape and drape, and paint. However, garages have some additional considerations.

They are susceptible to mildew.

Every time you drive a rained-on car or put up a wet lawn mower, your garage is exposed to water. You might think, "Well, that's just the floor; what's the big deal?" However, because walls absorb moisture, they can mold if not properly protected. So, look for mildew-resistant paint, such as paint for a bathroom.

They are subjected to temperature changes.

Garages are subject to extreme temperature fluctuations because they are not climate-controlled. While there is no built-in remedy for this, you can consider switching from latex to oil-based paint. While you wouldn't use this in your home due to the high VOCs, long dry time, and yucky clean up, you might overlook these issues when painting a garage.

This is because you can open the garage door to ventilate and offset VOCs while the paint dries. And because this is a relatively low-traffic room, the longer dry time is less of an issue (no pun intended). The tradeoff is that the paint dries to a hard, protective shell that resists scuffs and is more durable, especially in a room with fluctuating temperatures.

If oil paint is not an option, consider interior latex paints. You can use latex paint with a built-in primer to paint relatively clean drywall or plaster. Start with a high-quality primer if you're painting dirty walls or walls made of concrete or cinder block. This will help cover stains and create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to, which is especially important when working with porous materials like concrete and cinder block.

What Type of Paint Should I Purchase?

In this case, purchasing more expensive paint is worthwhile. This is because higher-quality paints contain more solids, resulting in a more durable, long-lasting finish. It will also save you money because you will most likely only need one coat of paint, especially if you prime first.

When it comes to finishes, avoid matte and high gloss when painting a garage. Both of these have inherent flaws that make them unsuitable for garages. (Matte is the least durable/cleanable finish, while high gloss reflects light and reveals every flaw in the walls.) Instead, opt for a midrange finish such as eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss. Semi-gloss is the most durable, but only if you can achieve a perfect paint surface. Otherwise, like high gloss, every ding will be visible.

Our interior painters can give your garage a new look while also ensuring that it can withstand whatever you throw at it. Allow our color consultants to assist you in selecting the best color for your garage.

Schedule your free consultation today.