If you have a garage just waiting for a facelift, you won’t find a better DIY job than painting it. Consider renting a paint sprayer for the day, and get ready for a transformation. The real work involves preparing the siding before painting, which depends on its condition. If the siding is just dirty, that means cleaning it with a scrub bush and garden hose or power washer. But if the siding has old chipped paint or damaged siding, you’ll have to scrape, sand and smooth the surface, and then repair any damage before painting.
To paint a typical two-car wood siding garage with a door and trim, a painting contractor will charge $1,448, which includes labor and material. A handy homeowner can do the job for $325, which covers the cost of paint, primer and renting an airless spray. That’s a 78% saving you’ll pocket by doing the work yourself.
Do one exterior side of the garage at a time. Use a paint brush to cut in and outline the siding around doors and window trim, applying the paint evenly. Follow the directions of the sprayer to apply an even coat of paint. When one side is completed, work your way around the garage. Start at a shady side so you’re not painting in direct sunlight.
You’ll need a paintbrush, masking tape, drop cloths, a hand scraper, sandpaper, a garden hose and a ladder. Lay down drop cloths to protect any shrubbery or plantings around the garage from scraped-off paint chips. At the rental center, ask for directions about operating the sprayer, especially how to work the adjustable nozzle that controls the flow of paint.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$1,448 — $325 — 28.3 — 32.5 — $1,123 — 78%
