Your garage door can add quite a bit to the look of your home, or it could take it away. If the color of your garage door doesn't quite match the rest of your home, you can change the color of it. A little bit of gel stain can transform the color of your metal, fiberglass, or wood garage door. Here's how you can use gel to change the color of your garage door.

Supply List

• Urethane topcoat
• Gel stain
• Mineral spirits
• Garden hose with water
• Drop cloths
• Cup
• Steel wool
• Bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Work gloves
• Rolling tray and nap roller
• Angled and flat paint brushes
• Clean cloths

Prep the Surface

Before you can apply the gel stain, you will need to rough-up the surface of the garage door. This is done with the steel wool. Put on a pair of work gloves to protect your hands and begin scouring the surface of the garage door. Use only enough pressure to lightly scratch the surface, not gouge it.

Now that the door has been roughed, it's time to get all of the dust, dirt, and grime off of it. The cleaner the door is, the more uniform the color will be when you're done. Spray the door with the garden hose to remove as much of the loose dirt as possible.

Now, apply some mineral spirits to a clean cloth and wipe the surface of the garage door. The mineral spirits will work best to break down the grime that has built up on the door over the years. Take your time as you clean the door as it will make a huge difference in the appearance after the project is complete.

Apply the Stain

Now, cover the ground below the garage door with the drop cloths. The gel stain will stain the concrete as quickly as it stains the door.

Shake and stir the gel stain very well. Pour some into a cup so that you can easily carry it with you while you work. Start with the trim work. Use an angled paint brush to trim the edges and get into the crevices – anywhere that your roller will not be able to easily coat.

After you've completed the trim, pour some gel stain into the roller tray and roll the roller to coat it completely. Then, apply the stain to the garage door evenly.

Before the stain has dried, use a clean cloth to wipe the stain off of the door. You aren't painting the door with the stain – you are staining it. It is easier to accomplish this task with a little help. Have someone follow behind you wiping the gel off of the surface after it has stained the door.

Tip: Use a wood-grain rocker tool to remove the stain instead of a cloth if you want to create a wood-grain look.

Seal the Door

Once the gel stain has cured, urethane topcoat is applied to protect it from moisture and sun damage. Use a paint brush and roller to completely coat the door and protect it for years to come.

If you need a new garage door or need services for your current door, contact a professional like Durbin Garage Doors LLC.