How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Garage Door

Buildings come in all shapes and sizes with different functionalities. There are apartment blocks with small businesses on the ground floor or offices with coffee shops. Trying to organize every part of a commercial space into one cohesive design can be a challenge. However, it's much easier than you think when it comes to a garage door's finish. 

Here are some of the top considerations and options to look out for when looking for a durable security door finish.

Considerations When Choosing a Garage Door Finish

Garage doors can be made from different materials and feature various styles. The finish you choose will affect the garage door's durability, insulation, and maintenance level. Consider how the garage's purpose and how each coat, covering, finishing, and application will benefit the use of the door in the long run.

Durability

Powder coatings are the go-to for roll-up, steel, aluminum, and overhead garage doors. This finish option keeps the material of the door protected and insulated and can also keep whatever metal you choose rust-free. Other advantages of powder coatings include:

• Resistant to chemicals
• Resistant to corrosion
• Protection from weather

Environment

Consider the garage door's material and the climate it will be exposed to during the day. For example, wood materials will require a finish for moisture and humidity, but metal doors need more scratch resistance. Additionally, ultraviolet protection is essential for garage doors with a lot of sun exposure.

A topic that should be discussed more is the insulation of commercial garage doors. While overhead doors protect property from external weather, they also protect indoor environments from temperature changes. This way, property owners can keep the cold air out in the winter and the warm air out in the summer. Additionally, they can maintain proper air filtration inside.

Garage door finishes can affect the insulation and protection the door has against the exterior environment.

Style

You have options for rolling doors, loading dock doors, steel roll-up doors, and slide folding closures. However, the door's appearance will also come down to the finish itself. Consider the functionality and operations of the garage door and how certain finishes might work for its style.

What Is the RAL Color Chart?

The RAL color chart is a color-matching system that started in 1927. The collection initially began with a palette of 40 colors. Since then, it has expanded to hundreds of colors for different uses and industries. RAL standardizes colors, allowing different industries to recreate colors to match previous or duplicate products.

It can be highly beneficial to consult the RAL color chart when deciding on rolling door or security door finishes. The best way to do so is by looking through a physical, color-accurate RAL swatch book. This way, you can view the most accurate example of each color.

With that in mind, read through our options for garage door finishes below.

Powder Coatings

Powder coatings are added to the material as a dry powder, which is then baked onto the surface to form a thick top coat. Garage doors get an added protective layer from powder coats. This finishing option is easy to maintain and encourages the longevity of your garage door.

The benefits of using a protective coating are:

• Environmentally friendly
• Scratch resistant
• Can provide a unique texture
• Can be applied to several different types and materials of garage doors
• Come in multiple color options to fit your design

1. GalvaNex™

GalvaNex™ is an exclusive finish given as a foundation for steel curtains and hoods. It includes an ASTM A653 galvanized base coating, and is then treated with a polyester enamel finish coat.

Some benefits of choosing GalvaNex™ include:

• Resistance to corrosion and abrasion
• Suitable as a finish coat
• Works for other garage door components to achieve a seamless finish

2. SpectraShield® Powder Coat

SpectraShield® is an environmentally friendly, factory-applied polyester powder coating. It's the top layer of the standard GalvaNex™ finish. The powder coat is created with a zirconium pre-treatment and a baked-on polyester powder coating layer.

The powder coat is available in over 180 standard RAL colors. If you're looking for a specific color, ask about custom colors. Aluminum or steel garage doors can be coated with Spectrashield® powder coating.

3. CycleShield™ Powder Coat

CycleShield™ finish is available for the High-Performance Garage Door collection. It features a low coefficient of friction wear resistance. The base coat is consistent with ASTM A653.

After a zirconium pre-treatment, a layer of rust-inhibiting polyester powder coat is baked on the garage door. The rust inhibitor is also resistant to acids, alkalis, and oils. This finish is recommended for exteriors with abrasive environments or in extreme climates.

Protective Coatings

Specific projects need to endure more than standard abrasion, weather, and usage. When this is the case, consider upgrading and adding extra protection layers to your commercial garage door finish.

1. Galvanex® Ultra™ and SpectraShield® Ultra™ 

Both the GalvaNex® and SpectraShield® coats can be upgraded to an ultra powder coat finish. The upgrade includes a polyester-based, textured, wear-resistant clear top coat that gives added durability against deterioration. The top coat also comes standard for the ImageMatch™ printed graphics.

Chat with our team about the warranties included against flaking, blistering, peeling, and fading.

2. AtmoShield® Textured Powder Coat

AtmoShield® is a textured layer that is perfect for harsh weather conditions. The layer provides added protection and is more resilient to scratches and abrasion. The result is a thicker, more scratch-resistant coat for door protection.

This coating is durable and highly resistant to ultraviolet exposure. It is available in various colors, including rust, terra cotta, dark roast, and platinum.

Customization

There are those projects that require a little something out of the box. Instead of a solid single or duo color, it needs a wow factor.   

If you are looking for something completely different, then have a chat with us about custom-made commercial doors. We offer online resources and solutions for those who have something a little different in mind. 

If it is not the design but the actual functionality, then consider our optional add-ons and accessories. We have performance upgrades and damage prevention options, along with energy-efficient sealing packages and retrofits, for you to choose from.

Need More Inspiration?

You can access our online project gallery for ideas and inspiration. We also have an entire Architectural Resource Center with information, specifications, and details to support your project. You can find all types of online tools, such as:

• 2D door drawings
• 3D door models
• Glossary of industry terms and conditions

Browse Garage Door Finishes at Cookson Door Today

If you're considering garage door finishes for your next project, Cookson Door is here to help. With years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you choose the best rolling door finish for your commercial garage door project. When you choose Cookson Door, you have access to tools and resources from our Architect Design Support Team to help you make the best decision.

Browse our products today, or contact us to get in touch with our team.