Need Help Painting Your Interior Garage?

You have finally decided to give your garage the makeover it deserves. First, you clean. And then, you paint. Well, at least you decide to paint. Starting is a significant process. Before applying that first coat of paint to your newly cleaned garage, there is a list of things you’ll want to do first.

One of the initial things you will have to think about is which items to leave in your garage during the painting process, and which items to leave out.

Some things won’t last very long if you try to leave them out in the elements. They may need to be moved inside your house, to a storage facility, or even to a friend’s house. Make sure you have a way to transport some of your initial items as well.

After taking this first step, there are several other pieces of advice we can offer that will help you have an organized and streamlined painting process. Follow these tips, and you won’t feel overwhelmed by this big project!

Repair Cracks First

First off, it is important to remove everything from the walls of the garage – which we assume is covered with drywall. For items that you remove from the walls which you don’t plan on returning to the same spot, you will probably want to cover up the holes and cracks left behind. Hangers and nails often leave spots that can be easily filled in with a drywall compound. Make sure the new and the old drywall is completely dry before starting your paint process. You should especially be aware of this if you are going to wash your walls and baseboards first.

The Ceiling Painting Process

Applying a base coat is always a wise first step when it comes to the actual painting process. However, the necessity for a base coast depends on whether or not your ceiling and wall are in good shape, and if they already have a base coat. There is a basic rule that can be remembered here: latex (water-based) paint can be applied on top of alkyd (oil-based) paint, but not vice-versa. Most people tend to use water-based paints nowadays, as the quality has drastically improved and offer resistance to stains and water damage. It is important to invest in a good quality paint, especially since you will not want to be re-painting your garage walls every couple of years.

Our suggestion for color is to go with a light paint, as it will help to reflect more light and offer a nice, open feel. Typically, residents like to use white for the ceilings and a slightly darker gray or brown for the walls. This color helps cover up dirt easier and provides a beautiful natural tone.

Clean Your Concrete Floor

You may need to clean your garage interior’s walls, but cleaning the concrete floor is another task you will have to undertake as well. It is important to give your floor a good cleaning. Many people like to use a degreaser for the floor – if this is the case, make sure you wear protective gear before applying the materials. Offer three parts water for one part bleach, and use any detergent to remove gas or oil stains. Make sure you are providing yourself with plenty of ventilation opportunities throughout the garage while you apply cleaning products.

Do you have cracks or breaks in your concrete floor? You can use a patching compound to fill them. Consider a grinder so the cement adheres properly. Wait until everything is dry, then polish the entire floor surface for an even look. Invest in a resurfacer, which is 100% acrylic sealant for concrete, with a resin finish. This can help give your garage floor a more attractive feel. After you put products on the floor, you must wait 24 hours to apply the next step.

Painting on the Concrete Floor

Remember again to make sure that the floor is completely dry before applying paint. Once you are ready, it is suggested that you use a latex paint, 100% acrylic with polyurethane and a satin finish. This is more affordable than epoxy paint and can provide a better look. Make sure to paint one coat every 24 hours.

If you still decide to use epoxy paint, you need to add some form of catalyst. It is easiest to divide your floor into four parts and do one at a time, since the epoxy catalyst will dry very fast. Typically, it only takes 45 minutes to dry. Prepare just enough paint for one area to cover, and apply the epoxy liberally. Once you are done, it takes 24 hours to dry before you can walk on it, and it takes between four and seven days before you can park your car on it.

Now you’re finished! Remember that the most important quality to have during this project is patience. If you don’t feel like you have the patience for this project, you should invest in a professional painter right away, especially one who is specialized in concrete floor covering.

Do You Need a Garage Door?

While you are cleaning your garage interior, check out the quality of your garage door. If you feel like your door is in need of a tune‑up, or if you need an entirely new garage door, please contact us at 613-546-4566. We can help provide you with an in-depth quotation, and we can send a representative to your home to advise you on the best garage door for your needs. We can help you determine your style, budget, and other important factors. Make your own virtual garage door with our Design Centre and check out our image gallery to see what others have made.