How Do I Paint Outside Wrought Iron Fencing?
When you have a wrought iron fence outside your home, you want it to look its best. You also don’t want it to rust or chip, which could ruin its curb appeal and the value of your property. The good news is that a few simple maintenance steps can keep your wrought iron fencing looking great and protect it from rust.
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First, you’ll need to strip the old paint and rust off of your wrought iron fence. This can be done by hand, or you can use a sandblaster or a rust remover to speed things up. Regardless of how you choose to strip your fence, make sure you wear protective gear — gloves, a dust mask, and safety goggles — to protect yourself from paint shards that can cause a lot of damage if you get them in your eyes or ears.
Once you’ve removed all of the old paint and rust, you can start to prepare your fence for repainting. This is a big job and may take several days, depending on the size of your fence.
Begin by cleaning your wrought iron fence with a brush to get rid of any dirt or debris that’s stuck to it. This will also help you find any loose spots or splatters of old paint. Next, sand your fence thoroughly using 150-grit sandpaper to smooth the rough spots. This will ensure that your new paint will stick to the fence and not chip or peel off.
Then, you need to prime the fence with a rust-inhibitive primer that’s made specifically for metal. You can find these in liquid or aerosol at your local hardware store. They’re easy to apply and provide excellent corrosion protection, which is a crucial factor in preventing your wrought iron fence from corroding.
Wait two to four hours for the primer to dry, then start painting. The length of time this will take depends on the type of primer used, as well as weather conditions.
Before you begin to paint, cover the area in which you’re working with drop cloths or tarps so that overspray won’t harm nearby items. This can include nearby shrubs or any other materials that you don’t want painting.
You’ll also need to protect yourself from the elements, so don’t work in the heat of the sun or on a windy day. In addition, you’ll need to wear long sleeves and pants that will prevent irritation if paint shards hit your skin.
Lastly, you’ll need to use an oil-based paint that is specially designed for outdoor wrought iron surfaces. This will give your wrought iron fence a better finish and a longer lifespan.
Spray-on wrought iron fence paint is a good choice because it’s easier to use than a paintbrush and can be applied in thin coats without covering the entire surface with one. You should also use paint that has excellent rust-preventive properties.
Once you’ve finished painting, you can enjoy your newly-restored wrought iron fence!
