ASTA Door Paint Recommendations
MAINTENANCE AND PAINTING INSTRUCTION FOR PRE-PAINTED STEEL DOORS
MAINTENANCE
While factory-applied finishes are so durable that they will last many years longer than ordinary paints, it is desirable to clean them thoroughly on a routine basis. Apparent discoloration of the paint may occur when it has been exposed in dirt-laden atmospheres for long periods of time. Slight chalking may also cause some change in appearance in areas of strong sunlight. A good cleaning will generally restore the appearance of these coatings and render repainting unnecessary. An occasional light cleaning will also help maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance. To maintain the original finish of the garage doors, the only regular maintenance necessary is that of annual washing. Mild solutions of detergents or household ammonia will aid in the removal of most dirt, and the following are recommended levels: One cup of Tide™, or other common detergents, which contain less than 0.5% phosphate, dissolved into five gallons of warm water. NOTE: The use of detergents containing greater than 0.5% phosphate is not recommended for use in general cleaning. CAUTION: NEVER MIX CLEANSERS OR DETERGENTS WITH BLEACH.
SURFACE PREPARATION FOR PAINTING
Wax on the surface must be removed or paint peeling/flaking will result. To remove this wax, it will be necessary to lightly scuff the surface with a gray (not green!) 3M Scotch Brite pad saturated with soapy water. A final wipe and rinse should be done with clean water only, to remove any loose dust or soap film. Surface scratches, which have not exposed the metal substrate, can be lightly buffed or sanded with 0000 steel wool or No. 400 sand paper to create a smoother surface. Care must be taken to not expose the substrate under the paint (see Note No. 2). Once this exposed condition exists, the likelihood for rusting is greatly increased. See the following paragraph if the metal substrate is observed. Exposed substrate must be treated to prevent rust from forming (see Note No. 2). Sand the exposed area lightly and paint with high quality metal primer to protect from corrosion. Follow drying time on primer can label before applying topcoat. The surface to be re-coated must not be to smooth or the repaint material will not adhere to it (see Note No. 2). It is advisable to test a representative area to evaluate adhesion. If poor adhesion is observed, the surface must be abraded by sanding or buffing using grades mentioned above. Care must be taken to not expose the substrate under the paint.
PAINTING
After the surface has been properly prepared it must be allowed to dry thoroughly, and then coated immediately with premium quality latex house paint. Follow the paint label directions explicitly. Oil base paint is not recommended. Please note that if substrate is exposed, painting with latex paint may cause accelerated rusting of steel. NOTES:
- Re-painting of finish cannot be warranted as this condition is totally beyond door manufacturer’s control.
- If the steel door surface has a finish painted textured surface representing wood grain, stucco, etc., this step should not be attempted as danger of exposing substrate is greatly increased.
- Consult a professional coatings contractor if in doubt about any of the above directions.
- Follow directions explicitly on the paint and solvent container labels for proper applications of coatings and disposal of containers. Pay particular attention to those directions involving acceptable conditions in which to paint.
