Your garage door is like your home’s first impression! And garage door rust can give a negative impression of your house. Not only does it look unattractive, but it can also lead to costly damage if it’s not cleaned properly.
Most modern garage doors are rust-resistant. But if you have a steel garage door, it may eventually catch rust. Having garage door rust is quite common in places where snow, rain, and other rust-causing materials like dust or road salt collect. If you live near a coastal region, your garage door can likely rust due to humidity present in the air.
As rust can spread quickly, it can eventually start eating holes in it before you even know. That’s why it is crucial to get the rust off your garage door right away. Let’s take a look at 5 easy steps to remove garage door rust.
5 Steps To Remove Garage Door Rust
Here are the 5 easy steps to clean your garage door’s rust and make it look good as new.
1. Wipe down the rust
Use a cloth and soak it in white vinegar. Then wipe down all rusted areas of your garage door with it. This is because vinegar is effective in dissolving rust. After that, get rid of all the rust because even a tiny amount of it can start the oxidation process and continue growing. For this reason, you can use a steel-wool pad to scrub your door.
2. Fill in all holes
Rust can cause holes in your garage door. After getting rid of it, fill the holes (if any) using an auto body filler or any other bonding agent for metal. Once the bonding agent has dried, sand it with a fine-grit sheet. Do it on your entire door. When you’re done, wipe the dust with a dry cloth or a brush.
Note: It may be better to replace your garage door if the rust is extensive or the door is old. If your garage door is near the end of its lifespan, please feel free to contact Garage Door Doctor. Sometimes only the bottom panel of your door is affected by rust. You can replace the individual panel instead of replacing the entire door. Talk to our garage door repair technician to explore more options.
3. Wash the door
Before applying paint to your garage door, it’s essential to clean your door thoroughly. This is because the paint won’t adhere to grease or dirt, and it can also leave bumps on the surface. To wash your door, you can use a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed in warm water. If it’s not available, any solution of warm water and soap will work fine too. Finally, wash your garage door with water and let it dry completely.
4. Cover specific areas on the door
Once you’re done cleaning the garage door rust, cover your door’s handles, window panels, and nearby walls. You can do so by masking paper over them and securing them with tape. This will avoid paint getting onto the areas that you do not want to paint.
5. Paint the door
Before painting your door, it is advisable to apply primer or undercoat to your door to ensure better adhesion. Make sure you use rust-resistant primer and paint designed for metal garage doors. Similarly, check if your garage door’s manufacturer recommends specific products and techniques.
Last but not least, if your garage door is under a warranty that covers rust, avoid removing the rust yourself. Contact your garage door manufacturer and ask them to remedy your garage door’s rust.
The post HOW DO I REMOVE RUST FROM MY GARAGE DOOR? appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.
source https://www.garagedoordoctor.biz/how-do-i-remove-rust-from-my-garage-door
