Garage door rust happens. When you see signs of it on your garage door, you should take action immediately as rust only gets worse over time. 

Rust is an unwanted garage door element. It detracts from your garage’s appearance and reduces your home’s curb appeal. It can also corrode elements of your garage and interfere with its functionality. 

Fortunately, garage door rust repair and prevention are possible. Let’s review how to remove rust from your garage door so you can keep your home in terrific shape. 

Signs and Causes of Garage Door Rust

It’s important to catch rust early before it causes costly damage. Inspect your garage door often and thoroughly, paying close attention to areas where rust is likely to form. Rust often forms at the bottom of the door, on the edges, and on exposed metal surfaces. Rust will appear as bubbles forming under the paint, paint-free spots, and reddish-brown flakes. 

If you notice rust, don’t ignore it. You’ll need to take action to keep your garage door in tip-top shape. 

Common Causes of Rust on Your Garage Door

Several factors can lead to a rusty garage door. Common ones include:

• The Environment: Environmental factors like rain, snow, and high humidity can cause garage doors to rust. Pollutants can also contribute to corrosion. 
• Paint Application: Paint your garage door with rust-resistant paint to prevent corrosion. Even a professionally painted garage is susceptible to rust. If the paint chips, it can leave a hole for rust to penetrate. A rust-resistant paint will prevent this process. 

Ways to Remove Rust from Garage Door

Here are the steps you should take to remove door rust: 

• Prep the Area: Prep the area by ensuring proper ventilation. Remove objects or pieces of garage door hardware that get in your way. Take a picture to help with reassembly. Lay down drop clothes to prevent walkways and equipment from rust and paint particles. 
• Apply a Solution to the Garage Door: Some people will get straight to brushing the rust off their garage doors, but you may apply a solution to loosen the rust before starting. You can use a vinegar and water or baking soda and water solution. Apply the solution directly to rusty areas and leave it on for 30 minutes. Then wash and rinse the area before proceeding to the brushing stage. 
• Remove Loose Rust and Debris: Use a steel wool or wire brush to loosen flaky rust, peeling paint, and other debris. Use moderate pressure and a back-and-forth motion. Brush in one direction to remove the loose material. 
• Repair Holes in Your Garage Door: Even garage doors with rust-related holes can be repaired. You may be able to fill the holes with metal bonding chemicals. Apply the chemicals to the holes and allow them to dry. 
• Sand the Rusty Areas: Use 120-grit sandpaper to sand over the holes and remove remaining loose rust. Once all traces of rust are removed, repeat the process with 180-grit sandpaper. Work your way up to finer grains until you reach 140-grit. 
• Vacuum the Surface: Use a vacuum to remove all the dust particles from the garage door surface. Then spray a rust converter over the sanded area according to package directions. It will convert the rust into a protective chemical barrier. Use a microfiber cloth to spread the converter easily. Allow the solution to dry for several hours. 
• Wash the Garage Door: Use a mild soap and water solution to remove excess dirt, dust, and debris. This process will ensure your garage door is ready to be painted with rust-resistant paint.

Useful Tips for Painting

Once your garage is rust-free, consider adding an attractive coat of paint. Here are some tips that will ensure your paint looks great and withstands the test of time. 

• Use Rust-Resistant Paint and Primer: Primer provides a surface for paint to lock onto. It will help the paint last longer. Use a rust-resistant paint and primer to protect your garage from rust. 
• Apply Two Coats of Paint and Wait Between Coats: Apply two coats of paint for optimal coverage. Wait between coats to allow the first coat to dry to ensure a clean finish. 
• Check the Weather Conditions: Check the weather conditions before painting the door. Avoid painting when rain is in the forecast. 
• Paint in Warm Weather: Paint goes on smoothly in warmer weather. Schedule your paint job for a spring or summer month. 

Time for a Rust-Free Garage Door

Rust prevention is a necessary part of garage door maintenance. Early intervention will prevent rust from spreading and make your garage door look unsightly. That way you can ensure your garage door runs optimally and you can prevent rust from causing a hole in the garage door. 

Professional assistance can also ensure your door stays in top shape. A professional contractor will provide maintenance. They will spot signs of rust and help you get rid of it before it leads to costly repairs. 

Raynor Door Authority is a trusted garage door contractor. We provide quality garage doors, maintenance, and repairs. We will ensure your garage door remains in top shape. 

Contact us to learn how we can help you prevent or fix garage door rust.