Repairing Minor Rust Damage To Your Metal Garage Door

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Even a small amount of rust has the ability to eat right through the surface of your metal garage door. The good news is, removing this rust and repairing the damage can be a relatively easy task if completed in the early stages of rust development. The step-by-step instructions outlined below can help you to complete these repairs:

What You Will Need

  • rough grain sandpaper
  • liquid rust remover
  • wire brush
  • metal epoxy filler
  • rust-resistant exterior spray paint
  • cleaning cloths

Step 1: Sand The Rusted Area

Begin by using a rough grain sandpaper to remove the rust and paint from you door's surface. If you are having trouble removing the paint chips from the around the damaged area or inside of detailed designs, a rotary tool equipped with a metal sanding tip can be used to help make this process easier.

Step 2: Remove Remaining Rust

Next, you will need to apply a generous layer of liquid rust remover. Allow the rust remover to sit for a few minutes until you see the rust beginning to bubble. When this happens, you are ready to scrub the rust away using a wire brush. Once all of the rust has been removed, simply use a cleaning cloth to wipe away any residue and rust remover that may still be on your door.

Step 3: Fill Hole With Epoxy

Using a putty knife or other small tool, begin filling in each hole with a metal epoxy filler. Be sure to push the epoxy all the way into the hole so that you repair patch will be strong enough to stand up to the test of time.

Once the hole is filled completely, use the edge of your tool to remove any excess epoxy and smooth out the surface of the repair patch. Allow the epoxy to dry according to the package instructions. This process can take anywhere from an hour to a day depending upon the exact product that you purchase so be sure to always consult the directions which accompany your epoxy.

Finally, use your sandpaper to smooth out the repair patch completely by making short strokes across the epoxy going in one direction only and applying a very light amount of pressure.

Step 4: Apply Protective Finish

In order to restore the look of your garage door and prevent future rust problems, you will need to paint the door using a rust resistant, exterior spray paint. If you are able to perfectly match the existing color of your door, you can choose to simply paint the area that was just repaired. However, if you are not able to achieve a perfect color match, you will need to paint the entire door in order to achieve the best results.

A Final Thought

While repairing minor rust damage is a relatively easy task that most homeowners can complete on their own, dealing with more severe rust damage can be a whole different story. If the rust on your door has interfered with its safe operation, or if it has rusted straight through the door panel, you will need to seek out the assistance of a professional garage door contractor in order to ensure that this damage is repaired correctly and that your door is safe for use.

If you want more help, contact garage door repair professionals with your questions and concerns.

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15 May 2015

Finding the Right Garage Door

When my husband and I first built our home, we had no idea which kind of garage door would blend in with the exterior facade of our place. However, after we mulled over a bunch of different options, we decided to go with a few fancy, carriage door styled garage doors. In addition to adding an old-world feel to our place, they also worked incredibly well. I know that it sounds silly, but our garage doors are one of my favorite things about our new place. I want you to love your garage doors as much as I love mine, which is why I built this website.