How to Fix Dents in a Metal Garage Door

Dents in a metal garage door are common in many homes. These dents can occur in several different ways, including by bumping your car into the door while parking or as a result of children using the door as a backstop for baseball or hockey. Because these dents are unsightly, it's ideal to fix them soon after they happen. Fixing the dents is preferable to replacing the door, which is expensive and takes considerable time to accomplish.

Sponge
Soap
Body filler
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Primer
Paint
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the dents thoroughly with a sponge and soapy water, and then allow the water residue to fully dry. Removing dust and dirt from the door's dents prior to fixing them is important to ensure the body filler adheres to the door.
- 2
  Dip a putty knife into a can of body filler, and rub the filler into the dents on the door. The filler is available at home supply stores and auto supply stores. It's a putty-like substance that is also ideal for filling dents in cars. Allow the body filler to dry for the amount of time indicated on the instructions.
- 3
  Sand the excess body filler off the door with 220-grit sandpaper. Avoid sanding so much that you make a divot in the filler; the transition between the filler and the door should be smooth.
- 4
  Prime the spots on the door that you filled with primer suitable for using on body filler. Allow the primer to dry for the length of time specified on the can.
- 5
  Paint over the primed areas with paint that matches the garage door.

Asphalt Sinking Issues

How to Correct Foundation Drainage

Exterior Home Repair