Many garage owners have a garage door rust problem. Rust can eat through metal, especially garage doors that often face the elements and have been in use for a while. If you notice some rust on your garage door, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
How to remove garage door rust?
Here are some safe and effective ways on how to remove garage door rust.
*Method 1: Using garage door cleaner and a rag
First, buy a garage door cleaner. It usually comes in a spray can with a hose attachment. Put on safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any chemicals that may splash into your eyes or onto your skin. Spray the garage door with the cleaned. Start at the top and work your way down, so no parts are missed. Once it’s fully covered, use a rag to wipe the area clean. Repeat if there is still rust left on the metal surface.
This method can remove light amounts of rust but may not be effective for deep or heavy rust stains. This method will also depend on how much cleaner you use to remove the rust. If you use too much, it may strip away any existing paint as well as rust, rendering your efforts useless.
*Method 2: Using acids and a brush
Other solutions that can be used include vinegar or muriatic acid. You will need eye protection and gloves again for both of these methods. To use muriatic acid, you will have to dilute the concentrated acid with water. Pour the solution onto a brush and start scrubbing away at any rust stains on your garage door. If using vinegar, simply pour some over the affected area and allow it to sit for around one hour before rinsing it away with cold water.
*Method 3: Using sandpaper
If your garage door has heavy rust, you will need to remove the rust using sanding. Start by wetting down any rust stains with water before using fine-grit sandpaper to gently rub away at the affected areas in small circular motions. You may want to wear a mask while doing this to avoid inhaling rust dust. Use cold water to rinse away the rust. You will need to do this several times before the area is completely clean again, so be patient and persistent.
This method should remove all traces of rust but will not guarantee that your garage door surface is completely rust-free. If you notice any small spots still showing up after sanding, apply the same treatment used in method one before using paint to cover up any spots.
Any garage door is subject to rust stains. If you want to avoid having a rusted garage door, follow these simple tips:
-Wash your garage door regularly with soap and water or an all-purpose cleaning solution. Window cleaner works well on most door surfaces.
-Apply a coat of wax to your garage door’s surface every couple of months. Apply the wax in small, circular motions and allow it to dry for around 15 minutes before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth. This will help seal any existing paint or prevent new rust from forming.
*Method 4: Painting over rust
As a last resort, you can paint over rust stains as a way to cover up any affected areas. Paint with rust-resistant primer first, and then apply an exterior enamel or metal paint that comes in a spray can. You may need several coats of each to fully cover the rust. Once complete, let it dry for 24 hours and use the garage door as per normal.
This method is not permanent, but it can be effective if you want to keep your rust stains covered until you are ready to replace the metal surface entirely. If applying paint is not an option for you due to allergies or other concerns, you can call a professional garage door repair service like Peachtree Garage Door and ask about other solutions.
Final thoughts,
The garage door rust is not something you want to leave untreated. It can cause garage doors to deteriorate much more quickly, leading to greater damage down the road. Follow these tips to ensure garage doors are cleaned regularly to avoid stains from appearing in the first place.
