Paint Garage Doors With Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original

You want your garage doors to look good, and over time, exposure to the elements can leave them faded, rusted, and tired-looking. Paint garage doors to instantly enhance their appearance and restore their durability.

Using Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original to paint garage doors is an excellent way to rejuvenate their appearance and protect them from further damage. This guide will walk you through the process on how to paint a metal garage door, from rust prevention and surface preparation to choosing colours and maintaining the finish.

Types of Garage Doors To Paint

When envisioning a residential garage door, the typical image is one that lifts vertically and stores overhead when open. However, the world of garage doors extends far beyond this common type. There are a variety of other garage door designs, such as twin-opening doors and roller shutters. In commercial and industrial settings, like warehouses, factories, workshops, and supermarkets, the variety and functionality of garage doors expand significantly to meet diverse operational needs. Here are some key examples:

1. Sectional Garage Doors

Composed of panel sections that are hinged together. When the door opens, the panels bend along a curved track and move overhead, parallel to the ceiling. Typically made from steel, aluminium, or insulated panels.

• Examples of Use:
  • Warehouses: For loading docks and general access.
  • Fire Stations: Allowing quick exit and entry of fire trucks.
  • Commercial Garages: Providing secure and insulated access points.

2. Roll-Up Garage Doors

Constructed from horizontal slats or steel curtains that roll up into a coil above the doorway. Usually made from galvanised steel, stainless steel, or aluminium.

• Examples of Use:
  • Storage Facilities: For individual storage unit access.
  • Industrial Buildings: In areas with limited space for door operation.
  • Loading Docks: Where space efficiency and security are critical.
  • Shopping units: Security for glass-fronted shops including shipping centres and supermarkets.

3. Overhead Garage Doors

Heavy-duty doors that operate by moving up and over, usually on a track system. Made from steel, aluminium, or fibreglass.

• Examples of Use:
  • Large Warehouses: For accommodating tall and wide vehicles.
  • Aeroplane Hangars: Providing large openings for aircraft.
  • Industrial Facilities: Where robust, large-scale access is needed.

4. Sliding Garage Doors

Doors that slide horizontally along a track. They require space on one or both sides of the opening. Steel, aluminium, glass, or composite materials are typically used for sliding doors.

• Examples of Use:
  • Factories: For wide access points in production areas.
  • Agricultural Buildings: Allowing large equipment to pass through.
  • Warehouses: Where vertical space is limited and wide openings are needed.

5. Full View Aluminium Garage Doors

Feature large glass or acrylic panels within an aluminium frame, providing a full view through the door.

• Examples of Use:
  • Car Dealerships: Showcasing vehicles while providing security.
  • Commercial Buildings: Enhancing aesthetic appeal and natural light.
  • Fire Stations: Allowing visibility and quick access for emergency vehicles.

6. Steel Garage Doors

Solid doors made from heavy-duty steel, offering maximum security and durability. Typically made from galvanised or stainless steel, often insulated.

• Examples of Use:
  • Factories: Offering secure and durable entry points.
  • Warehouses: For areas requiring high security and impact resistance.
  • Secure Facilities: Such as data centres or vaults, where maximum security is essential.

Garage Door Paint: The Benefits of Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original

Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original is a high-quality, direct-to-metal paint that provides excellent adhesion, durability, and rust protection. It’s designed to offer a smooth, professional finish while protecting metal surfaces from rust and corrosion. Here’s why it’s a great choice to paint garage doors:

• Rust Prevention: Contains rust inhibitors that protect metal surfaces from corrosion.
• Durability: Provides a tough, long-lasting finish that withstands harsh weather conditions.
• Ease of Use: Can be applied directly to bare, rusted, or previously painted surfaces with minimal preparation.
• Versatility: Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, allowing you to match your garage doors to your home’s exterior.

Rust Prevention

1. Importance of Rust Prevention: Rust can significantly weaken metal surfaces, leading to structural damage over time. Preventing rust is crucial for maintaining the integrity and appearance of garage doors.
2. Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original: This product is specially formulated to prevent rust. It contains rust-inhibiting properties that protect the metal surface and extend the lifespan of your garage doors.

Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is essential to achieve a smooth and durable finish. Here’s how to prepare your garage doors using products available at Rawlins Paints.

1. Cleaning the Surface:

• Remove oil, grease, and other surface contaminants using alkaline cleaning or high-pressure steam cleaning with suitable detergents.

2. Removing Rust:

• Remove rust scale, loose mill scale, loose rust, and loose coatings by employing methods such as scraping and wire brushing to achieve a St 3 standard (ISO 8501-1:1988). Light blast cleaning or sanding is also recommended for optimal surface preparation.

3. Sanding the Surface:

• Lightly sand the entire surface to create a smooth, even texture. This helps the paint adhere better to the surface. Wipe away any dust with a clean, damp cloth.

4. Priming (if necessary):

• Product Recommendation: Rust-Oleum 3302 CombiPrimer Adhesion Primer.
• Garage doors made from, or with areas made of aluminium, galvanised metals, or zinc, must be primed first to provide adhesion for Comi-Color Original. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before painting.

Colour Options

Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original is available in 4,400+ colours, allowing you to choose the perfect shade for your garage doors. Using codes from RAL, NCS, and British Standard ensures you can exact-match existing colours Whether you prefer classic neutrals or bold, modern hues, there’s an option to suit every taste.

• Classic Colours: White, Black, Grey, and Brown are timeless choices that complement most home exteriors.
• Modern Shades: Anthracite Grey, Midnight Blue, and Chartwell Green add a contemporary touch.
• Bold Hues: Bright Red, Canary Yellow, and Sky Blue can make a statement and add a pop of colour to your home.

Application Process

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original
• Paint roller, brush, or spray equipment
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths or plastic sheets
• Sandpaper (medium grit)
• Cleaning materials (ND14 Cleaner Degreaser, water, cloths)

Application Steps:

• Preparation: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from rust and debris. Mask off areas you don’t want to paint with painter’s tape and cover the surrounding area with drop cloths.
• First Coat: Stir the paint thoroughly before use. Apply a coat of Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original using a roller, brush, or spray equipment. For best results, use a roller for large, flat surfaces and a brush for edges and details.
• Drying Time: Allow the first coat to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions – usually 16 hours if at 20°C, with time increasing in warmers weather and increasing if colder.
• Second Coat: If applying by roller the coating may require a second coat to achieve the correct thickness for a more durable and even finish. Ensure even coverage and smooth out any drips or uneven areas.
• Final Touches: Remove the painter’s tape before the paint fully dries to avoid peeling. Clean your tools and equipment immediately after use with Rust-Oleum 7301 CombiColor Thinner.
  

 

Garage Door Maintenance

To maintain the appearance and durability of your painted garage doors, follow these maintenance tips:

Regular Cleaning:

• Clean the doors regularly to remove dirt, dust, and grime, keeping your garage doors spotless. Use a mild detergent and water, and avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the paint.

Inspect for Damage:

• Periodically inspect the doors for any signs of damage or wear. Touch up any scratches or chips with Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original to prevent rust from forming.

Repainting:

• Depending on exposure and wear, you may need to repaint the garage doors every 5-10 years to maintain their appearance and protection.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer Application:

• Advantages: Warm temperatures and dry conditions are ideal to paint garage doors. The paint dries faster and adheres better in these conditions.
• Tips: Avoid painting in direct sunlight or during the hottest part of the day to prevent the paint from drying too quickly and causing brush marks.

Winter Application:

• Challenges: Cold and damp conditions can slow down the drying process and affect adhesion. Weather can be unpredictable, quickly changing temperatures and rain showers can prove tricky to manage.
• Tips: Choose a mild, dry day for painting if possible, ideally with the day after also being forecast as good. Ensure the surface is completely dry before beginning. Always follow the manufacturer’s temperature guidelines for application and drying.

By following these guidelines and using Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original, you can transform your garage doors, providing them with a fresh, durable, and rust-resistant finish. With proper preparation, application, and maintenance, your garage doors will look great and remain protected for years to come.

If you have any questions before you paint garage doors, including commercial and industrial doors, please leave a comment below for Rawlins’ technical team to review.