5 Things to Know About Repainting Your Edmonton Garage

1. Surface Type Matters More Than You Think

Before selecting paint, you need to identify the exact surface material of your garage:

• Wood paneling requires sanding and sealing.

• Vinyl siding needs proper cleaning and flexible paint to handle expansion and contraction.

• Metal doors may have factory coatings that resist adhesion unless scuffed or primed.

• Concrete block or stucco walls demand masonry-specific coatings.

Each of these surfaces reacts differently to Edmonton’s freeze-thaw cycles. Using a one-size-fits-all paint system is a fast way to waste money—and invite premature peeling.

2. Don’t Skip Thorough Cleaning and Prep

A garage is often subject to road salt, engine oil, and airborne dust—not to mention cobwebs and mildew buildup. That means prep isn’t optional. It’s the backbone of durability.

At minimum:

• Pressure wash the surface 24–48 hours in advance.

• Degrease any stains with trisodium phosphate (TSP).

• Scrape off loose or flaking paint.

• Sand glossy areas for better adhesion.

• Fill in cracks or gouges with the appropriate filler.

Prep isn’t the glamorous part—but in Edmonton’s tough climate, it’s the difference between a coat that lasts 2 years and one that holds for 10.

3. Choose the Right Paint System for Alberta Weather

Not all “exterior paint” is built for Edmonton. You’ll want coatings that perform in -30°C winters and +30°C summers, resist UV fading, and don’t blister under snowmelt.

Recommendations:

• 100% acrylic latex for flexibility and adhesion.

• Elastomeric coatings for stucco or porous surfaces.

• Epoxy-based systems for interior concrete floors or walls (especially garages with heat).

Make sure you choose garage-appropriate paint, not just generic exterior or interior options. And never use interior-grade paint on garage doors or exteriors exposed to the elements—it won’t hold up.

4. Timing is Everything in Edmonton

You need optimal conditions for paint to cure properly. In Edmonton, your best exterior painting window is between late May and early September, depending on the year.

Avoid painting:

• During or just before rain.

• When temperatures drop below 10°C at night.

• When the surface is in full sun and overly hot to the touch.

If you’re painting the garage interior, you have more flexibility, but make sure there’s adequate ventilation and that the surface is dry.

Pro tip: Schedule repainting when temperature swings between day and night are minimal to avoid condensation and flash drying.

5. Garage Painting Is a Safety and ROI Opportunity

A fresh coat of paint in your garage isn’t just cosmetic—it improves usability and even resale value. Edmonton buyers are increasingly focused on clean, functional garages.

Here’s what you get with a well-done repaint:

• Improved lighting with brighter wall colors (especially in darker garages).

• Moisture protection from slush and snow off tires.

• Better resale value, as garages are often part of a buyer’s first impression.

• More pleasant utility space, especially for workshops, gyms, or storage.

You can even mark zones or add anti-slip paint to garage floors—ideal for safety in icy seasons.