Steel garage doors are long-lasting, durable, and add value to your home – but they can be less beautiful when they’re scratched. Scratches on your steel garage door can eventually cause the surface of the door to rust. You can prevent this from happening by repairing the scratch and taking steps to avoid future scratches.
How to Repair the Scratch
It’s important to repair scratches on your steel door as soon as possible. Start by cleaning the area. Clean the scratch with a soft, microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water. Dry the scratch thoroughly with a dry cloth, then use a cotton swab to apply rubbing alcohol to the exposed steel. This will help remove any remaining dirt in the scratch.
Once the scratch has been fully cleaned and dried, then it’s time to apply paint to the scratch. You’ll need a rust-proof, exterior-grade paint that specifically states it can be used on steel. Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the paint properly. Allow the paint to dry before touching it.
If you’re concerned about matching the color to the existing color of the door, apply the paint to a piece of paper or cardboard and hold the painted piece of paper to the door to see how well they match.
How to Avoid Future Scratches
Now that you’ve repaired your door, it’s important to avoid future scratches. Scratches expose the steel and can lead to rusting, more repairs, and more maintenance.
Common sources of scratches include:
- Pets
- Lawnmowers
- Tools leaned up against the garage door and left there
- Bicycles
- Everyday accidents
Talk to your kids and other members of your family about the scratches you’re seeing on your door. Try to identify the cause, and if you are able to identify the source of the scratches, take action to prevent future scratches.
Know When to Repaint or Replace Your Steel Garage Door
While it’s acceptable to repair one or two scratches on your door, if your door is badly scratched in multiple areas and rusting due to exposure to moisture, you may need to take more dramatic action.
If you’re on a budget, fully repainting your garage door is one way to fix your problem. Contact a professional to sand out the rust and apply more paint to the door. This is a relatively inexpensive way to refresh the look of your door without full-on replacement.
If your garage door is beyond repair, the professionals at Overhead Door Company of Oklahoma City can help! Call today to discuss solutions and potential replacement.
