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MAINTENANCE / PAINTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRE-PAINTED DOORS
MAINTENANCE
While factory-applied finishes on steel garage doors are durable, it is desirable to clean them on a routine basis. Some discoloration of the finish may
occur when a door has been exposed to dirt-laden atmosphere for a period of time. Slight chalking may also occur as a result of direct exposure to
sunlight. Cleaning the door will generally restore the appearance of the finish. To maintain an aesthetically pleasing finish of the garage door, an annual
washing of the door is recommended. A mild solution of detergent and water will aid in the removal of most dirt. The following solution mixture is
recommended: One cup of Tide™, or other common detergents, which contain less than 0.5% phosphate, dissolved into five gallons of warm water.
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 fine
steel wool pad, saturated with soapy water. A final wipe and rinse should be done with clean water only, to remove any loose particles and any soapy
film residue. 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 the substrate is exposed, the
likelihood for rusting is greatly increased. See the following paragraph if metal substrate is observed. The exposed substrate must be treated to prevent
rust from forming (see
NOTE
no. 2). Sand the exposed area lightly and paint with a high quality metal primer, specifically intended for galvanized
surfaces, to protect the area from corrosion. Follow drying time on primer can label before applying topcoat. The surface of the factory-applied finish, that
is being painted, must not be too smooth, or the paint will not adhere to it (see
NOTE
no. 2). It is advisable to test in an inconspicuous area, to evaluate
adhesion. If poor adhesion is observed, surface preparation for painting the factory- applied finish must be repeated until desired results are achieved.
Again, 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, then coated immediately with premium quality latex house paint.
Follow the paint label directions explicitly. Oil base, or solvent base paints are not recommended. Please note that if substrate is exposed and not
properly primed, painting with latex paint may cause accelerated rusting of the steel in the exposed area.
NOTE
:
1. Repainting of finish painted steel doors cannot be warranted, as this condition is totally beyond the door manufacturer’s control.
2. If the finish painted steel door surface has a textured surface representing wood grain, stucco, etc., this step should not be attempted as danger of
exposing substrate is greatly increased.
3. Consult a professional coatings contractor if in doubt about any of the above directions.
4. Follow directions explicitly on the paint container labels for proper applications of coatings and disposal of containers. Pay particular attention to
acceptable weather and temperature conditions in which to paint.
DÉCOR LITES ACRYLIC GLAZING CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Clean acrylic glazing with nonabrasive soap or detergent and plenty of water. Use your bare hands to feel and dislodge any caked on particles a soft,
grit-free cloth, sponge or chamois may be used to wipe the surface. Do not use hard or rough cloths that will scratch the acrylic glazing. Dry glazing with
a clean damp chamois.
2. Kerosene may be used to remove grease and oil. When using kerosene for cleaning purposes, make sure that you are familiar with its proper ties,
using it only in a well ventilated area away from any sources of sparks and/or fire.
3. DO NOT USE: Window cleaning fluids, scouring compounds, gritty cloths, gasoline, or solvents such as alcohol, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, etc.