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How to Repaint Wrought Iron Fences?

If you have an older wrought iron fence and want to make it look better, you can give it a new coat of paint. A rusty or chipped wrought iron fence can look unsightly, so make sure you get the job done properly. 

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Before you can repaint your fence, it will need to be cleaned. You can use a brush or a sander to get the surface smooth. Then, you will need to apply a primer to the iron to protect it from rust. Ideally, you should only use paints that are made specifically for metal. This will ensure that the paint adheres to the fence, and will also help to prevent it from peeling. 

Rust on wrought iron is a common problem that can ruin your fence. It is a major factor in whether or not your paint will hold up. While painting a rusty fence can be difficult, it is possible to get the job done. However, you will need to be careful in order to avoid harming the fence. 

First, you will need to remove any loose paint and old rust. For this, you will need a wire brush and a rust remover. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as a dust mask, when removing paint and rust. Once the rust has been removed, you will need to sand the metal down to a smooth surface. Use a sander with a medium or coarse grit. 

You may also want to consider using a rust inhibitor primer to prevent the rust from coming back. These come in liquid or aerosol form. When applying the primer, apply it to the entire wrought iron. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before you begin to apply the second coat. 

If you are concerned about lead paint, you can check with your local testing company. You can also test it yourself at home with a home lead paint testing kit. If you are unsure, you can find many threads on the Internet that discuss refinishing wrought iron and other articles of wrought iron. 

You can paint your wrought iron fence with a spray primer. This can be very convenient, since you can apply it quickly. But it is advisable to wait for a day when there is no wind. Applying the primer in this manner will allow you to apply even coverage, and it can be applied more easily to the rusty areas of the fence. 

After you have finished the primer, you will need to sand the wrought iron to be sure it is thoroughly clean. You can also use a wire brush and a flap wheel that is attached to an electric drill to sand the fence. Using a flap wheel will help you to remove paint chips. In addition, you can buff the wrought iron with steel wool. 

Having your wrought iron cleaned, primed, and painted correctly will make your fence look brand new. However, you should always take care to protect the surrounding area, including the plants and flowers.