How to Paint the Garage Area

While many garages go without paint, it is generally recommended to have at least a basic coat on the walls for appearance and for promoting a clean space that can be easier to maintain.

Often a low priority, the garage can be done after other interior rooms are complete, then after this is done:

1) Remove all items from the walls and areas to be painted. Clean the room, dusting all cobwebs and clearing away insects. A portable blower makes short time of this task. Countersink any risen nails or drywall screws and patch over to match the existing surface. Patch and sand areas of indentation such as from swung open car doors and breaches in the wallboard.

2) If any new hooks or devices of attachments are to be hung from the walls or ceiling and these background surfaces are to receive paint, determine which should be pre-set in order to avoid marking the fresh surface afterwards. Wall cabinets generally should have a base coat on first, if feasible, before hanging. Wire storage racks and hooks, such as for the storage of screens and heavier items should usually be lightly set and removed, followed by the painting, then returned and permanently set again to get the cleanest look with the least amount of hassle.

3) Remove the wall plate covers and get replacements as needed. Disconnect any auto openers as the situation calls for, or take other measures to ensure the prevention of unwanted openings and closings of the doors.

4) Either [a] mix the paints into a single pail, making sure there is enough for completion and future touch-up if necessary (since the same paint will not be arrived at) OR [b] prepare the paint as you otherwise would after it having been onsite. If the paint is older, and yet still usable, it will likely have to be shaken or thoroughly stirred and strained with an inexpensive 2 gallon or 5 gallon strainer. Working out of a 5 gallon bucket is suitable for most garages. Also, while flat paint is generally cheapest, some sheen level helps keep the dust down during normal usage. This is one project where mismatch colors from the paint store can be gotten quite cheap, down to a couple dollars a gallon. Do not however mix and match different bases of paint materials - stick with latex. 5) Since most garages have a higher ceiling height than the other rooms, roll on the paint with a long handle roller pole and a thicker nap cover to speed the job (half inch or maybe 3/4" for heavy drawn textures) after cutting in the trim. Depending on the layout, some garages will mean breaking out the taller step ladder or maybe even working from an extension ladder for those areas that extend up into the second story height.

The floor should be covered as as needed, protecting it from drips and spatters even if it has not been painted. For doing the walls only, drag a runner below as you proceed around the room.

Adjust the garage doors for temperature and circulation.