Tools and Materials
Materials
- Latex Gloves
Mineral Spirits
- Oil-Based Primer
Paint
Learn How to Paint a Rusty Metal Fence
When iron is exposed to oxygen and water, it begins to rust. This can impact your fence’sand ruin its appearance. The good thing is that you can always get rid of the rust and repaint your fence to restore them.
Before you start your metal fence painting, make sure you’re using the proper safety gear. Use latex gloves, safety glasses and a safety mask to prevent injuries and chemical exposure. Also, remember to place a drop cloth under the railing. This is to protect the porch and surrounding landscape from the paint and cleaning chemicals used in the process.
Remove the loose rust and any old paint using a wire brush, especially on the curved areas. Start by removing only the rusted layers. Then scrape away the stubborn sections of rust using a putty knife.
Use a cordless drill and a wire brush attachment to remove rust from curved areas easily.
Tap the metal lightly using a hammer to check if it is strong enough to be painted. If the metal is not structurally stable, it will collapse. If it collapses, you will need to replace your fence. However, if your metal fence is structurally stable, you can move forward with the following steps.
Using a power sander, sand down the rusted metal and the surrounding areas. This smoothens the surface of the metal fence across the rusted and non-rusted areas.
Remove any residue on the fence using a cloth soaked in mineral spirits, as they are great cleaners and household degreasers. Rub the cloth over the entire fence and scrub hard to ensure no residue is left behind. Make sure to wear gloves during this process and avoid using water to clean the iron as it can cause the metal to rust.
Remove the rust by cleaning the metal with sandpaper. Then, apply a primer to prevent it from rusting again. Oil-based primers are good at resisting the elements that cause rusting. Remember to apply it to the surface as it makes them a great choice for your fence.
When using an oil-based spray primer, remember to wear protective gear and spray when it’s not windy. Hold the primer eight inches away from the fence and spraying a back-and-forth motion. You might want to use a second coat to ensure complete coverage on the fence.
Allow the primer to dry. For that, leave it for 2 to 4 hours before painting. Remember, this drying period depends on the weather conditions and the type of primer you use. Generally, spray primer takes about 2 hours to dry completely.
A primer forms a strong base coat for the paint’s adherence. You must select a spray primer designed for metal surfaces. Apply as directed by the product manufacturer.
When painting a metal fence, it is not recommended to paint directly on the rusted surface as it might not give you the desired final finish. It's also important to understand the type of metal used to make the fence. Wrought iron and steel fences might be prone to rust, which requires a rust-inhibiting primer before painting. Whereas aluminum fencing and chain link fences require much less maintenance.
An acrylic-based latex paint can expand and contract at extreme temperatures. An exterior-grade enamel spray paint is recommended to protect your wrought iron fence from corrosion, rust, and other environmental stressors. While freezing temperatures aren't a concern, high temperatures can easily impact any painted exterior surface. High heat can cause metal expansion, cracks and even lead to corrosion.
You can escape such problems by using spray paint to coat your metal fences. It provides ease of application and even coverage. Start by applying the first coat in a sweeping motion from top to bottom. Ensure that each pass of the sprayer overlaps the previous one to prevent visible lines between them. Then, allow this first coat to dry for 24 hours. Next, spray a second coat in the same manner to ensure a thick and protective covering on the fence. Remember to pay meticulous attention to the crevices, crannies and nooks to ensure you have left no areas exposed.