Touch-Up Painting a Garage Door

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-412 -- More Projects »
PHOTO
Host Henry Harrison shares tips for touching up the paint on a garage door using a touch-up sprayer. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a one.

Tools:

air compressor and lightweight hose
gravity feed touch-up sprayer
stool
bucket
coffee can
plastic cups
sponge
brass bristled brush
tongue depressor
320-grit wet-sanding sandpaper
fine strainer
cardboard
clean cloth
dust mask
safety glasses
turpentine
all-purpose cleaner
spray primer
paint to match original color on door

Steps:

1. Spray area with all-purpose cleaner and thoroughly clean off any dust and debris. Brush off loose paint with wire brush.

PHOTO

Figure A
PHOTO

Figure B
2. Feather edges of peeling paint with fine wet 320-grit sandpaper (figure A). Dip paper in water and sand until no bumps or edges can be felt where the paint has peeled.

3. Clean the area again to remove any dust or loose bits of paint.

4. Prime the area with spray primer. Wear a dust mask and safety glasses when working with spray paints. Use a piece of cardboard as a shield to protect surrounding areas. Start your hand moving before you actually start spraying to ensure a smooth, even coat (figure B).

5. Let the primer dry for a half-hour or so. Power up the air compressor and get the touch-up sprayer ready.

6. If using original paint, you may need to thin it out with a bit of turpentine. Mix well and pour through a strainer to remove any lumps or contaminants.

PHOTO

Figure C
7. Load up the sprayer and practice using it on a piece of cardboard and make adjustments to the sprayer if needed. Once you're comfortable with the operation, start spraying the door using the same technique you did when applying the spray primer (figure C). Remember to wear a dust mask and safety glasses.

8. Let the paint dry for 30 minutes then come back and apply another coat.

Also in this Episode
Help Around the House : Episode ARH-412
•Window Pocket Repair
•Wooden Shutter Repair
•Touch-Up Painting a Garage Door
•Toolbox: Bonding Tape