What Is the Best Way to Remove Rust From My Garage Door?
Your garage door is the first impression of your home! Additionally, garage door corrosion might detract from the appearance of your home. It not only looks unappealing, but it can also cause significant harm if not properly cleaned.
The majority of new garage doors are rust-proof. If you have a steel garage door, however, it may rust with time. Garage door rust is very common in areas where there is a lot of snow, rain, and other rust-causing materials like dust or road salt. Because of the humidity in the air, if you live near the ocean, your garage door is likely to rust.
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 from Florida Garage Door Guru.
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 the Florida Garage Door Guru. 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, avoids removing the rust yourself. Contact your garage door manufacturer and ask them to remedy your garage door’s rust.
