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Stucco is an easy material to paint over, and a fresh coat of paint can give it a new life in a few simple steps. Just ensure the wall is in good condition, and clean the existing stucco before you get started—along with filling in any minor cracks or gaps. Well-maintained stucco should take in the new paint quite well.

Latex paint is a good option to use on wood panels because it's user-friendly and easy to find in home improvement stores. It comes in a variety of finishes ranging from high-gloss to flat. Depending on the amount of paneling, a professional painter’s favorite is often a satin or eggshell finish. They add a bit of sheen and shine, but not too much. Latex paint is also water-based, so cleanup is quick, and you can easily scrub your brushes clean.

One gallon of paint can usually cover up to 400 square feet. Therefore, painting a one- or two-car garage door typically requires one gallon of paint, which should give you enough for the two to three coats experts recommend for this job. However, if you're painting a lighter color over a darker color, you might need more. Using primer can decrease the total number of coats of paint you need.

In most cases, paint primer is necessary before painting over wood paneling. A hardy primer formula covers up stains and leaves a grippy surface for the new paint to hold onto. If you don’t use a primer first, you risk poor adhesion, visible blemishes, and a paint top coat that could flake away later. 

There are two primer choices: oil-based or latex-based. Choose an oil-based primer for durability and adhesion, but prepare for extra dry time and more VOC (volatile organic compounds) fumes. Or, pick a stain-blocking latex primer. They’re easy to apply, clean up, and affordable.