How to Fix Cracked Garage Door Paint (and Make It Look Brand New Again!)

How to Repair Cracks Paint on  Your Garage Door 

If your garage door has cracks, peeling paint, or sun damage — don’t worry, you can bring it back to life! Whether your goal is to repaint it or create a beautiful wood grain finish, the secret to a long-lasting result starts with prep and priming.

Let me walk you through the process using this garage door project as an example.

Step 1: Assess the Damage Before You Fix Cracked Garage Door Paint

Before you grab a paintbrush, take a good look at your door. In this project, the door had several areas where the paint cracked and lifted (as you can see in the second image). These cracks allow moisture to get in, which causes even more peeling down the road — so you’ll want to repair them properly before painting.

Step 2: Sand and Clean to Fix Cracked Garage Door Paint

Start by sanding the damaged areas with 120–150 grit sandpaper until the surface feels smooth. For deep cracks or peeling paint, use a scraper first to remove loose material, then follow up with sanding.

Once the surface is smooth, clean the entire door with TSP to remove dirt, dust, and oils. Any residue left behind can prevent your new finish from sticking properly.

Step 3: Patch and Spot Prime

In this project, I used a high-quality exterior primer to seal the exposed areas before refinishing. I recommend Zinsser Cover Stain, excellent for adhesion and durability.

Spray the primer only on the repaired spots (you can see this step in the first photo). Let it dry completely before going on to the next step.

Step 4: Prime the Entire Door

Even if you’re only repainting part of the door, it’s a good idea to prime the entire surface for an even finish. This step helps the new paint bond properly and prevents future peeling or cracking.

Use a high-quality primer made for exterior surfaces, especially if you’re planning to create a decorative faux wood finish. My go-to is STIX® Primer— and for good reason! It sticks to just about anything — even slick surfaces like metal, vinyl, or previously painted doors — and provides the perfect foundation for your paint to grab onto. It dries smooth, levels beautifully, and prevents peeling or lifting down the road. Plus, it’s water-based, which makes cleanup a breeze.

When you start with a reliable primer like STIX, your finish not only looks better but also lasts longer — and that’s the secret to a professional-looking result every time.

Step 5: Paint or Create a Faux Wood Finish

Now for the fun part — transforming your garage door! If you want that real wood look, my wood grain technique  gives instant curb appeal. Using the right tools, colors, and glaze, you can mimic the rich warmth of natural wood on almost any surface.

The results are absolutely stunning — and your neighbors will never guess it’s paint!

Or you can simply paint the garage door in your favorite exterior paint color.

If you love learning creative ways to transform ordinary projects into something extraordinary, you’ll want to join my weekly blog! Each week, I share hands-on tutorials, painting tips, and easy techniques to help you refresh your home — and maybe even spark a new business idea.

That’s exactly how my journey started! What began as a passion for painting turned into a thriving business, and now I teach other women how to do the same.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your creative skills into income, come learn how inside my Empowering Women community. You’ll discover step-by-step how to turn your hobby into a business you love — just like I did.

Stay inspired, stay creative, and remember — your next masterpiece could be the start of your business!

Cheryl,