Decorative wrought iron fences are beautiful and sturdy, and can add an air of elegance to your home or garden. However, constant exposure to the elements can damage the iron surface. To successfully paint a wrought iron fence, you will need to properly prepare the metal surface and surrounding area. Read this article for instructions on how to prepare a wrought iron fence for painting.
Steps
Step 1. Gently sand the fence with a wire brush to remove any rust residue
To speed up the process you can choose to use a metal wheel connected to your cordless drill.
Step 2. Sand the wrought iron surface using medium consistency sandpaper
This will remove chipped or peeling paint by providing a rough surface that adheres well to the paint. If you use, for the previous step, a metal wheel connected to a drill you will also remove any residue of deteriorated paint.
Step 3. Rub the wrought iron with a clean dry rag
Step 4. Cover adjacent items with tarp or tarp to protect them from paint
Pay special attention to the protection of stairs, windows and plants. Moisten greenery and flower beds with a light sprinkle of water mist before covering them.
Step 5. Apply the rust inhibitor to the entire wrought iron surface
Primers designed for metal surfaces are available in liquid or aerosol form and can be purchased at many hardware stores. A primer in the form of an aerosol is the best choice for more accurate coverage if your fence has an intricate lattice.
Step 6. Allow the primer to dry completely by following the instructions on the package
Typically, most metal primers take 1 to 3 hours to dry.
Step 7. Apply a coat of anti-rust enamel paint to the primer
Paint is also available in liquid and aerosol form, so choose the type that is most appropriate for you. If you are using the aerosol format, keep the can about 10 centimeters away from the fence to reduce dripping.
