Best garage pros near Bourbon, MO

You should lube your garage door components every three to six months depending on how frequently you open and close the door. Lubricant helps keep garage door components operating smoothly for longer; you can expect a much longer lifespan out of a garage door when you properly care for it, including frequent lubrication. Regular maintenance is much more affordable than the cost of replacing a garage door prematurely.

The best paint for a garage door depends on the door's material, the desired finish, and durability requirements.

Paint Type

The type of paint you need often depends on the material of your garage door:

• Aluminum Doors: Typically require exterior acrylic paint.

• Vinyl and Wood Doors: Exterior latex paint is usually recommended.

• Steel Doors: Professionals often use latex or oil-based paint.

You can choose between acrylic, oil-based, and latex paints. Acrylic paint offers excellent UV and weather resistance and dries quickly, but may require multiple coats. Oil-based paints are very durable and may only need one coat, but they dry slowly and emit more VOCs. Latex paint is available in a wide range of colors and is forgiving to apply, but it can crack over time and may require a primer for even coverage. For an eco-friendly option, consider acrylic latex paint.

Paint Finish

You have a wide variety of finishes to choose from, including semi-gloss, gloss, satin, eggshell, and matte. The choice is largely based on personal preference, but many people opt for a semi-gloss or gloss finish. These finishes dry to a hard, durable surface that stands up well to humidity and regular wear and tear.

Regardless of the type or finish, it's crucial to use a quality exterior paint that can withstand the elements. Using a primer before painting will ensure better adhesion and a more even, long-lasting result.

Garages are often equipped with lighting, electrical boxes, and sometimes even heating and cooling, while carports rarely have utilities. A garage is an enclosed structure that can lock and usually has an automatic door. A carport is often wood or plastic and is designed only to protect a car from elements like rain, snow, and hail. Carports are commonly seen on property where an attached garage is unfeasible but can be a cost-effective solution for car protection for anyone without a completed garage. 

It is highly recommended to prime a metal surface, like a garage door, before painting. Primer creates a stable surface for the paint to adhere to, which helps prevent bubbling, chipping, and peeling. This ensures the paint job will last longer. Painting metal without a primer can lead to poor adhesion and allow rust to bleed through the new paint. If the surface already has rust spots, you can cover them with a zinc chromate primer before applying the final coat. While priming adds an extra step and cost, it is a worthwhile investment for a durable, long-lasting finish. For best results, also use a paint specifically designed for metal.