Spray painting metal gates is a really easy way of renovating a rusty metal gate. If you prepare the metal correctly spray painting them can give them a new lease of life and make them look brand new.
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As part of our ongoing DIY and renovation project, one of the things that needed fixing at the front of the house was the very rusted front gate and railings. I love having the gate there and when the garden is looking pretty I think shiny black railings / metal fence will look really smart. I am not sure if they are the original Victorian metal gates and railings but they are certainly the Victorian style and I want to preserve as many original features as possible. I Also didn't want to go to the expense of replacing the gates and railings so I set about making them look nice again on a budget.
How to remove rust from painted metal
The first step in this project will be to remove the rust. Don't underestimate the value of taking time over the prep work for a project like this. It really is the most efficient way of getting the job done properly and making sure that it will last.
These metal garden gates were very rusty indeed and seen better days. They had layers of rust and old paint on which I spent an hour or so scrubbing with wire wool and a wire brush to give a slightly better surface for new paint. I won't lie, it was quite hard work but good for the arm muscles! For really stubborn rust one trick is to soak rags in vinegar and wrap them around the rusted area. Leave overnight (when it is not predicted to rain) and in the morning scrub with the wire wool or brush. This is what it looked like after a good scrub - by no means perfect but a much smoother surface to paint. If you are short on time try a chemical product such as this rust remover liquid.
How to prep metal for spray paint
Once you have removed all the rust that you will want to wash the railings down and dry them completely. You want to make sure any peeling paint, loose rust or loose paint is brushed away so you have a lovely smooth surface for painting on. Now the metal is ready to be primed. This step isn't strictly essential but is recommended for the best results. It will make your paint job last longer and hopefully prevent any further rust. I used the Jenolite anti-rust primer in grey which is suitable for metal surfaces but you could also use a rust converter depending upon how much rust your gates have.
I covered the areas around the gate and set about spray painting the primer.
The best way to cover the whole surface around the gate and railings I found was to tape black bin bags down with decorator's tape.
Spray painting metal
Once the primer was dry I spray painted the wrought iron fence with a fresh coat of paint in black using this Hammerite aerosol. This was so easy, I just had to be careful about which way the wind was blowing. It's always windy outside our house because of the proximity to the sea but if you live in a more sheltered location you might not have to battle the wind! I did cover up the floor and wall with some old paper in case I accidentally got any spray paint on them. I held the spray can about 6 inches away from the railing and set about spray painting! It was very easy to do and took a matter of minutes. I just went up and down each side of the bars to make sure it was really well covered. The spray paint I used can be sprayed directly on rust and will help protect against any more rust too.
Make sure that you are wearing old clothes, and protective safety goggles and a mask. Trust me - if the wind blows in the wrong direction while you are spraying you will be glad of these!
I didn't find that I needed to do a second coat, but you might want to, depending upon the coverage that you get. I am so pleased with the results - the gates now have a shiny metal finish. The gates aren't new, and of course have a couple of imperfections but I love them this way and think that they look really smart now that they are a shiny black as if they have been painted with a gloss paint!
Other paint for painting gates
You can also use a tinned black paint for metal gates instead of spray painting rusted metal. This will take you longer, but is less messy. Personally I think spray paint is the best for repainting metal gate. If you were to ask me how to paint a wrought iron gate my advice would be to use spray paint. Read below for some of the best paint for iron gate.
I have used a classic black paint color for my gate but you can use any paint colors you like, if you can find them. Classic colors for gates are grey, white and black but don't be afraid to be bold with your color collection choice!
FAQ's
What is the best metal paint for gates?
It is essential to buy a special paint for exterior metal. I find that a spray paint is quicker and gives an even coverage but you can go for a paint on version. Take a look at my recommendations for the best paint for metal gates.
How to paint rusted metal?
It is important to try to get as much of the rust off as you can before you start painting. Although some of the paints say that they are suitable for using on top of rust, if you don't remove the rust you won't get such a smooth finish.
How to seal paint on metal?
There is no need to seal the paint on these metal gates - in fact I have only read bad reviews about spray on sealant. The paint that you use on the gates should have a sealant included as part of the formula.
Can you paint over painted metal?
Yes, absolutely. Just make sure to rub down the surface with wire wool to create a key and clean and dry the metal thoroughly before painting. How to repaint a rusty metal gate is exactly the question this blog post was made for!
How to spray paint metal without runs?
The trick is to make sure that you clean and dry the metal well before covering with a good quality primer. Lightly sand the primer with a fine wire wool to provide a key for the paint to stick to. Hold the aerosol at least 6 inches away from the metal you are spraying and mist in fine coats. It is better to do several thin layers than fewer thick ones. The finer the coat of spray paint the less it will run.
It is also important to follow the directions on the can. Most spray paints only work well within a specific temperature range.
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If learning how to paint steel gate is your thing, you might also like these home DIY posts.
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