Have you noticed that your garage door has lost its colour? Garage doors tend to fade gradually over time, often so slowly that homeowners may not realize it. If your garage door has faded, here’s how you can restore it.
What Causes Garage Doors to Fade?
Several factors can cause a garage door to fade, with the primary culprit being the sun. Ultraviolet light from the sun reacts with the paint’s surface, breaking down molecular bonds over time, which leads to fading.
However, the sun isn’t the only cause of a faded garage door. Wind and rain also significantly contribute to this issue. This is especially true for coastal residents, as salt can damage the garage door through the oxidation process.
Is It Time to Restore My Garage Door?
If your garage door has faded, the first question to ask yourself is, “Should I restore it?” The answer depends on the extent of the damage. If the door has minimal to no damage, restoration is a viable option. However, if there is significant damage, you might need to consider a replacement.
A heavily damaged door often shows extensive oxidation (rust) or numerous cracks. In such cases, professional help can be beneficial for revitalizing or replacing the door.
Steps to Restore Your Garage Door
Restoring a faded garage door involves cleaning, repairing, and refinishing the door to bring back its original look and protect it from further damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Cleaning the Garage Door
- Start by thoroughly cleaning the door to remove dirt, grime, and any loose paint or rust.
Materials Needed:
- Mild detergent
- Water
- Soft brush or sponge
- Hose or pressure washer (use on low setting)
Steps:
- Mix a mild detergent with water.
- Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the door gently, paying attention to any particularly dirty areas.
- Rinse the door with a hose or pressure washer.
- Allow the door to dry completely before proceeding.
- Removing Rust and Flaking Paint
If the garage door has rust spots or flaking paint, these need to be removed.
Materials Needed:
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wire brush (for metal doors)
- Rust remover (for metal doors)
- Safety goggles and gloves
Steps:
- Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove rust spots.
- Apply rust remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Sand any areas with flaking paint to create a smooth surface.
- Wipe the door with a clean cloth to remove dust.
Repairing Damages
- Inspect the door for any dents, cracks, or other damages and repair them.
Materials Needed:
- Filler (wood filler for wooden doors, auto body filler for metal doors)
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
Steps:
- Apply the appropriate filler to any dents or cracks.
- Smooth the filler with a putty knife and let it dry completely.
- Sand the repaired areas until they are smooth and level with the rest of the door.
- Priming the Garage Door
Applying a primer helps the paint adhere better and provides a more durable finish.
Materials Needed:
- Primer (appropriate for the door material)
- Paintbrush or roller
- Painter’s tape (to protect edges and hardware)
Steps:
- Apply a coat of primer evenly across the door.
- Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Painting the Garage Door
Choose a high-quality exterior paint that is UV-resistant and suitable for the door material.
Materials Needed:
- Exterior paint
- Paintbrush or roller
- Paint sprayer (optional for a more even finish)
- Drop cloths (to protect the surrounding area)
Steps:
- Stir the paint thoroughly.
- Apply the paint in thin, even coats, starting from the top and working your way down.
- Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
- Apply as many coats as necessary to achieve the desired coverage and color depth.
- Remove painter’s tape after the final coat is dry.
- Maintaining the Revitalized Door
Regular maintenance will help keep the door looking good for longer.
Tips:
- Clean the door periodically to remove dirt and grime.
- Inspect the door regularly for signs of rust or damage and address any issues promptly.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint every few years or as needed to maintain the door’s appearance.
By following these steps, you can revitalize your faded garage door and protect it from future wear and tear.
For the best results, consider hiring a professional service like NewLook Coatings to restore and refinish your garage doors. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to ensure a high-quality finish that will last.
Restoring faded garage doors is straightforward. You can opt to rejuvenate or recolour them. At NewLook Coatings our process not only revitalizes your garage doors but also helps slow down future fading. Alternatively, our professionals specialize in recolouring services. Contact us today to learn how we can restore the beauty of your garage doors.