Did you recently install a new wrought iron fence, and you want to spray paint it? Or maybe an old one that you want to look good as new again? However, the only problem is you don’t know how to. You have come to the right place since we asked some paint experts for the spray paint process.
To paint your wrought iron fence, you must:
- Check the weather conditions before starting the process
- Remove the existing paint and rust
- Clean the surface of the wrought iron fence from rust dust
- Apply a coat of primer (or two)
- Paint the fence using a spray paint
The process we mentioned above is the easiest that you can grasp. However, if you want more detailed and additional information, it would be best to keep reading. In addition, it might answer some questions that might be building in your mind.
A Guide To Paint Your Wrought Iron Fence
A wrought iron fence is one excellent asset you can provide for your home. And if you plan to install it or already have one, it would be best to prepare to protect it from rust or anything that can cause its deterioration.
The best way to protect an iron-wrought fence is by painting it. In addition, painting it will restore the fence's appearance just as when it is still new. Check the details below for the explained steps on spray painting your iron wrought fence.
1. Check The Weather Conditions
It is a must that you should check the weather conditions first. The process's success or failure will depend upon the temperature levels and moisture. You will have to ensure that the weather conditions will be in your favor before starting the paint job.
It is essential to know if that day will not have an excessively high or low temperature. So, you should not perform the painting process if the temperature gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, it would be best to choose to paint when it is cloudy so that your newly painted wrought iron fence can avoid direct sunlight to achieve the best results.
In addition, you might want to use newspapers and tape to protect the areas around the fence where an overspray could happen. Also, we suggest you trim the weeds and other plants around the fence that might hinder your painting process.
2. Remove The Existing Paint And Rust
If you do not remove the old loose paint chips and rust from your wrought iron fence, it can hinder the new paint. So, it would be best to remove them thoroughly first to achieve the best results.
You can start by sanding the fence using an electric drill and a flap wheel. Doing so will remove rust and most paint chips from your iron fence. However, when you use the flap wheel, we highly suggest wearing eye protection to avoid getting shards in your eyes.
Once you finish sanding the iron fence in every area, it is time to utilize a steel brush to remove the rust and old paint from the inside corners and other narrow spaces of the fence. Lastly, if you want the new primer and paint to adhere correctly and nicely.
It would be best to finish this process by utilizing an emery cloth to roughen the areas that still have paint.
3. Clean The Surface Of The Wrought Iron Fence
After removing as much paint and rust as possible, you will have to prepare it for the primer coat.
You can clean wrought iron fences with regular grease-cutting liquid dish soap, which will get rid mainly of debris and grease. And using a clean five-gallon bucket, mix the liquid dish soap and warm water. We highly recommend it to make a rich and foamy cleaning solution.
And using a dish sponge, you can apply the cleaning solution you made to the wrought iron fence to get rid of the sanding dust, oil, or grease. After cleaning the fence, utilize a garden hose and rinse the dish soap from it.
Next, you should use a towel to dry it as much as possible. And to allow the primer to adhere at best, let it air dry for a few minutes before moving into the next step.
4. Apply A Coat Of Primer
Applying primer is a must when you are going to paint something. It helps create a solid base coat to help the paint adhere better. You have to purchase a primer for metal surfaces and apply it correctly by following the manufacturer's instructions.
And if you want or if it is necessary, you can do a second coating to achieve complete coverage. After that, allow the primer to dry thoroughly.
5. Paint The Fence Using Spray Paint
If you notice that the primer is completely dry, you can now paint it with your desired color. Make sure to purchase spray paint ideal for external applications and can withstand rain, snow, and direct sunlight. After all, it is the quality that matters.
Once you finish applying the first coat, allow it to dry thoroughly. Additionally, you can do a second spray paint coating to achieve a thick, protective surface for your wrought iron fence. To avoid exposing any areas, pay particular attention to crevices, nooks, and crannies.
Check out this Rust-oleum spray paint on Amazon.
How To Maintain A Wrought Iron Fence
Wrought iron fences can survive for many years as long as you maintain them correctly. So, if you will allow rust to get out of hand, it will weaken the wrought iron fence and eventually cause it to fall apart. And to properly maintain your fence, follow the steps below:
1. Protect
The most significant contributor to weakening your iron fences are rain and humidity. So, it would be best to keep the vines and weeds from expanding on the fence. Remove them immediately before they get out of control. You should keep the prickly vines away from your fence, as even a slight scrape can encourage rust.
Apply a protective coat of car wax or a water repellent spray to the wrought iron fence to prevent the elements from seeping in. Additionally, painting it will do the job. You have to select a rust-inhibiting paint and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application.
2. Clean
Regularly check your wrought iron fence and see if it needs cleaning.
Keep it looking nice by cleaning it using a mixture of water and liquid dish soap. Scrub all the dirt and rust immediately before it can even penetrate.
You can use an old toothbrush or any small cleaning brush to reach and scour those narrow areas. Once you finish scrubbing the fence, rinse it and allow it to dry thoroughly.
3. Repair Fences With Rust
Inevitably, there will still be some areas of your fence that you can not reach and clean. However, removing it is a must so that you can stop it from escalating.
You can use sandpaper and a wire brush with fine bristles to scrub away all the rust. After that, protect every section of the fence with wax, paint, or a protective spray.
Check out this sandpaper on Amazon.
3. Inspect The Fence Twice A Year
It would be best to conduct a thorough inspection of your fence at least twice a year. Doing this will allow you to see if there are cracks, damages, rust, and loose hardware on your wrought iron fence. Take appropriate measures to repair any existing damage.
If your wrought iron fence has existing paint, you should check if there are spots or cracks. If it does, sand and re-paint it before they grow. However, if there is some bent fence or anything that you think you can't repair alone, you can opt to call for a professional to help you out!
Wrap It All Up
Painting your wrought iron fence using spray paint is the fastest way to finish the job. In addition, painting improves the appearance of the fence and gives protection from extreme temperatures, moisture, and rust.
We hope you find this post helpful. And if you want more of our help and support, you can check the posts below or check our website and find something that might be of your interest.
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