
How to Fix Peeling Paint on a Steel Garage Door.
- 1. Scrape all the chipped, bubbled and peeling paint off the steel garage door with a rigid, metal putty knife.
- 2. Sand the areas with medium-grade sandpaper where the paint has been removed to lightly roughen the surface of the steel garage door, advises The ...
- 3. Sand off any rust on the steel garage door with medium-grade sandpaper.
- 4. Wash the garage door with a solution of 1/3 cup trisodium phosphate and 2 gallons warm water and a sponge. Use rubber gloves to protect your hands ...
- 5. Wipe down the areas where the chipped or peeling paint has been removed, using a clean, dry cloth.
Is the paint on your steel garage doors peeling?
If the paint you have on your steel garage doors is beginning to peel, there is no reason to panic. This situation can be rectified with a little know-how and simple materials. The article below will show you exactly how to repair peeling paint on your steel garage doors.
How do you fix a peeling paint job on a door?
Wipe down the areas where the chipped or peeling paint has been removed, using a clean, dry cloth. Apply a coat of rust-inhibiting steel primer with zinc to the bare areas, says Spectrum Overhead Door. Wait two hours for the primer to set or to dry to the point where it is only slightly tacky to the touch.
How do you remove paint from a metal garage door?
Examine the steel garage doors carefully. Look for spots where the paint is peeling, and use the paint scraper to remove the paint. Sometimes the paint will be free of the metal but has yet to crack. For this reason, you will go over the door with a paint scraper in areas with no visual damage.
Why is my painted door peeling off?
Painted doors look nice, but they often peel and chip over time. One of the downsides of a painted door is that with time, wear and tear, the paint starts to chip and peel. The peeling can happen due to poor quality paint, lack of primer, and sometimes, too much moisture in the air.

How do you fix peeling paint on a metal garage door?
Can You Paint Over Peeling Paint?STEP1: Remove Peeling Paint from Metal Door. Remove the peeling paint with a spatula or a putty knife. ... STEP2: Thoroughly Clean the Bare Metal. ... STEP3: Etch the Bare Metal. ... STEP4: Apply Primer Coat. ... STEP5: Apply Sealing Primer. ... STEP6: Apply the Top Coats.
Why is my garage door paint peeling?
Peeling paint on steel garage doors is often caused by paint being applied to the metal surface prior to it being sanded or scoured. Steel is a non-porous material that does not absorb paint like wood does and it will need to be lightly roughened in order to make microscopic grooves to which the paint adheres.
How do you paint over peeling paint on metal?
Remove all loose, peeling paint down to the bare metal.Clean the exposed metal of any contaminants, such as dirt, oil, etc., and treat them with an etching liquid. ... Rinse the surface with clean water. ... Apply a galvanized metal primer.Repaint with a high-quality paint.
Can you paint over peeling paint?
When peeling or chipping paint is found in a small area, you may be able to simply brush off the peeling paint and then prime the wall and paint over it. As long as the remaining edges of the peeling area are stable, this solution will work.
What is the best paint for a garage door?
Acrylic latex exterior house paintGarage door paint: Acrylic latex exterior house paint is a great choice for garage door paint.
What kind of paint do you use on a metal garage door?
Acrylic latex exterior house paintAcrylic latex exterior house paint is generally your best choice for metal garage doors. But don't make the mistake of purchasing cheap paint. You won't regret paying a little more for a paint that will look better longer. It may even save you money in the long run because you won't need to apply several coats.
How do you touch up paint on a garage door?
0:593:18How To Touch Up an Ultra-Grain Garage Door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKeep the brush just a little bit of paint on. It. Once you're done you're gonna want to remove theMoreKeep the brush just a little bit of paint on. It. Once you're done you're gonna want to remove the tape quickly before it dries.
How do you prepare a metal garage door for painting?
If you're painting a brand new garage door, it may already have a powder or primer coat so you can skip ahead to step five.Remove old paint. Lay down a dust sheet and put on a mask and goggles to protect yourself from dust. ... Clean the door. ... Protect fixtures. ... Apply metal primer. ... Apply the first coat of paint.
Why does paint peel off metal?
Car paint peeling (also called de-lamination) occurs when one or more of these layers lose adhesion with the surface under it. Primer may lose adhesion to the bare metal, paint may lose adhesion to the primer, and the clear coat can lose adhesion to the paint.
How do you cover up peeling paint?
Using a scraper or 100-grit sandpaper, remove any loose, cracked, or peeling paint from the damaged area. Remove any dust or debris from the area with a water-dampened rag. Using a putty knife, apply a thin layer of patching material to the damaged area. Allow it to dry.
Will a sealer stop paint from peeling?
Using a problem surface sealer you can encapsulate the rest of the paint and stop further peeling.
What is the best primer for peeling paint?
A popular choice is Zinsser's Peel Stop, which is a water-based primer that penetrates chalky surfaces and helps to glue-down the edges of cracking and peeling coatings to the substrate so they can be successfully painted over. It can be used on both interior and exterior applications in lieu of paint stripping.
Why is my newly painted door peeling?
The peeling can happen due to poor quality paint, lack of primer, and sometimes, too much moisture in the air. Good surface preparation and the proper choice of paint are important in successfully repainting the door -- and repainting is the only sure way to remedy the peeling.
What kind of paint do you use on aluminum garage doors?
latex exterior house paintIf the garage door is steel or aluminum you'll want to use high-quality latex exterior house paint. In addition, it's worth noting that you should never paint metal outdoors in extremely wet, cold, or hot weather conditions.
How do you paint a door with peeling paint?
0:435:43How To Fix Peeling Paint. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis peeling paint and sanding this door jamb also got myself a five in one tool right here to doMoreThis peeling paint and sanding this door jamb also got myself a five in one tool right here to do any scraping of any loose paint. And got our extension cord hooked up to this thing we're going to
How do you touch up paint on a garage door?
0:593:18How To Touch Up an Ultra-Grain Garage Door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKeep the brush just a little bit of paint on. It. Once you're done you're gonna want to remove theMoreKeep the brush just a little bit of paint on. It. Once you're done you're gonna want to remove the tape quickly before it dries.
Why does paint peel on a steel garage door?
Steel garage door paint can also peel if it was not applied correctly, or the wrong type of paint was used . Unlike wooden garage doors, steel doors do not have a porous surface that readily absorbs paint. Peeling paint on steel garage doors is often caused by paint being applied to the metal surface prior to it being sanded or scoured.
How long does it take for paint to dry on a door?
Wait two hours for it to dry. Place a piece of masking tape over the paint and peel it off. If the paint comes off with the masking tape, it will not stick to the door and will chip or bubble after drying. This could be caused by air that is too humid or the wrong temperature.
How long does it take for acrylic paint to dry?
Wait two hours for the primer to set or to dry to the point where it is only slightly tacky to the touch. Test the acrylic-latex paint by applying a small square of it to the door, using a paintbrush. Wait two hours for it to dry. Place a piece of masking tape over the paint and peel it off.
Can you return paint cans?
Most hardware and home improvement stores will allow you to exchange or return paint can s, even after it has had color added to it. If you find that you purchased the wrong type of paint or added the wrong color, you may be able to exchange the paint for the correct type and color.
Can you use trisodium phosphate on steel doors?
Handle trisodium phosphate with care as it is a skin irritant. Do not use oil-based exterior paint on your steel door. Some manufacturers will void your warranty if oil-based paint is applied to its steel doors.
How do I fix a peeling garage door?
In order to fix the peeling problem, you have to eliminate the cause. Examine the steel garage doors carefully. Look for spots where the paint is peeling, and use the paint scraper to remove the paint. Sometimes the paint will be free of the metal but has yet to crack. For this reason, you will go over the door with a paint scraper in areas ...
How do I clean a steel garage door?
Fill a bucket with the hot water and several drops of the dish detergent. You want the water to be soapy. Thoroughly soak the sponge and wring out the excess water to make the sponge damp. Wipe down the steel garage doors to remove the dust and debris. Wipe the garage doors down with a clean rag.
Why do I need multiple coats of paint on steel garage doors?
This is why it will take multiple coats of paint in order to get good coverage on steel garage doors. If the paint you have on your steel garage doors is beginning to peel, there is no reason to panic.
Can steel garage doors be painted?
Steel garage doors are difficult to paint, but once finished, they look great. Like all materials, especially metal, the paint can begin to chip and peel.
Can you paint steel garage doors?
Steel garage doors are difficult to paint, but once finished, they look great. Like all materials, especially metal, the paint can begin to chip and peel. This issue certainly applies to steel garage doors.
Why is Paint Peeling Off Metal Garage Door?
Are you disappointed that Paint is Peeling Off your Metal Garage Door? You thought you had chosen the best paint in the market and had worked really hard applying it. So what went wrong?
Can You Paint Over Peeling Paint?
If the paint has peeled in some small parts or sections of the metal garage door, then there is no point in repainting the entire garage door. It will be an unnecessary expense and waste of money.
How to Remove Paint Peeling Off Metal Garage Door?
Now if Paint Peeling Off the Metal Garage Door is widespread, say more than 30-50% then patching up is not worth it. It is better to remove the entire peeling paint and repaint the door afresh.
How to Prepare the Metal Before Repainting?
Now that you have got all the peeling paint removed, the bare metal should be fully exposed. Clean up the surface by hosing it with water and using a sponge dipped in soap water. A degreaser is even better. This will ensure all dust, oil & grease has been removed.
How should the Paint Top Coat be Applied?
Both alkyd enamels or latex acrylic paints can be applied to metal garage doors. Alkyd enamels tend to be more hard wearing and glossy. On the flip side they will highlight all the imperfections of the garage door. They can also produce an unpleasant glare if the sun shines directly on the door.
Can I put a Clear Coat over Latex Paint?
Yes and in fact it is an excellent idea! After your metal garage door has been repainted, go that last mile!
Consider Your Timing
Houston weather can be unpredictable, but it is something you need to consider when fixing your garage door’s paint job. Make sure the weather will be cooperative and not rain for at least 24 hours after the fix. Also, consider the fact you will also need to leave the garage door down for 24 hours after the fix as well.
Prepare Your Garage Door Surface
Of course, to put anything new on, you have to take off the old. Take a putty knife and scrape off all the chipped, bubbled and peeling paint off the garage door. After you have gotten all the chips and peels off, your going to want to sand down all of the areas you scraped off and roughen up the surface of the exposed garage door surface.
Clean Your Garage Door Surface
With 1/3 of a cup of trisodium phosphate added to a couple of gallons of water, wash the door down with a sponge and then rinse off the garage door with a garden hose. Alternatively, you can use your pressure washer on a low setting. Make sure you wash away all the dust and grime and let it thoroughly dry before moving on.
Prep and Protect
Depending on where the spot is on the garage door you need to paint, you might be painting close to your trim or siding. Be sure to put some painter’s tape over these areas. Also, you will want to put either a drop cloth or tarp over your driveway so you don’t leave any lasting drips or paint marks.
Prime your Garage Door
Before you apply paint to the garage door, first you will need to apply primer. Apply a coat of rust-inhibiting steel primer with zinc to the bare areas. Wait two hours for the primer to set or to dry to the point where it is only slightly tacky to the touch.
Paint Your Garage Door
Though it may be tempting to just start painting, testing to make sure your paint job is going to work is a smart step you should not skip. Using acrylic-latex paint, apply a small square of it to the door using a paintbrush. Wait two hours for it to dry. When the test area is dry, place a piece of masking tape over the paint and peel it off.
How do I remove peeling paint from a door?
Step 1. Scrape off the peeling paint with a paint scraper, then sand down the door with your hand sander, paying extra attention to the areas that were peeling. Make the surface as smooth as possible, even if that means you have to sand off the entire previous coat of paint. Paint sometimes peels because it has another layer ...
Why does paint peel off a door?
The peeling can happen due to poor quality paint, lack of primer, and sometimes, too much moisture in the air.
What paint should I use on a metal door?
Coat the door with your paint enamel next. The type of paint you use is key. Use acrylic paint for metal doors. Acrylic (or latex) paint is also resistant to peeling for wood, drywall and other surfaces.

Step 1 – Clean Up
Step 2 – Prepare The Steel
- Now that you have removed the paint you need to remove, make sure that the edges of the surrounding paint are also even with the steel. If you do not do this, you will wind up with raised areas and lines, making the door look sloppy. This also creates a very fine texture for the new paint to adhere to. Use the sandpaper and begin rubbing the bare steel until you can feel a slight …
Step 3 – Second Cleaning
- All of this sanding and scraping is going to leave the metal and paint on the steel garage doors messy. The new paint will not adhere to dust particles. Fill a bucket with the hot water and several drops of the dish detergent. You want the water to be soapy. Thoroughly soak the sponge and wring out the excess water to make the sponge damp. Wipe dow...
Step 4 – Painting
- Match the paint at the paint store if you do not have extra on hand. Wait for the steel garage doors to be completely dry. Now, simply paint over the cleaned up areas.