A DIY Guide on Painting Iron Gates and Wrought Railing

A rusty iron gate and railings are not only unsightly; they will also comprise the security of your property. A quick way to refresh your outdoor living space and extend the life of your gate and railing is to add a fresh coat of paint to iron gates and iron-wrought railings! This goes especially if you plan to sell your house in the near future. In today’s post, we are giving you a step-by-step guide on how to paint iron gate and wrought-iron railing:

You will need:

Household cleaner
Scrub brush
Wire brush
Emery cloth
Tack cloth
Dust mask
Protective eyewear
Drop cloth
Rust neutralizer
Metal primer
Paint
Paint roller
Paint brushes
Paint pan

Tip: Before going ahead with this project, make sure the weather is ideal for re-painting. Gates and railing are exposed to the elements and repainting them during the rainy or winter season could affect the quality of your work. A strong wind could also blow dirt and debris on wet paint. Start by checking the weather forecast. Schedule the project on sunny days and make sure you won’t get any rain for at least two days.

Step 1: Prep the Gates

The gate and railing must be free from dirt and rust before applying the paint primer. Using a mild cleanser and a scrub brush, clean the gates and railing thoroughly. You can also use a power washer to get the job done in half the time. Allow the gate and railing to air dry.

To start painting, place several drop cloths beneath the driveway gates and any path you want to protect from paint splatters.

Step 2: Remove Rust and Prime

At this point, wear all your protective gears and sand the area you want to paint. You can use a wire brush or an electric sander to banish old paint and rust. You won’t be able to remove every trace of old paint but make sure the surface of the gate and railing is smooth.

To protect the surface from rust, you need to apply a rust-neutralizing solution on rusty patches. Then, prime the railing and the gate. Apply 3 even layers of metal primer to the surface and allow each layer to dry very well before applying the next.  To apply the primer, you can use a roller brush, a paint brush or even a sprayer. Let the primer dry for 24 hours before proceeding to painting.

TIP: Always wipe off any excess paint/primer on the brush or roller for an even coating.

Step 3: Start Painting

After the primer has dried up completely, you are ready to paint. The best paint you can use on wrought iron gate and railing is high gloss alkyd. You can either use a roller brush or a sprayer to apply the paint on the gate. But for the railing, you’ll have to use a painter’s brush to get to every nook and cranny. Make sure every layer of paint is applied evenly so it dries down to a smoother finish. You’ll have to apply two coats of paint and allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours.

If you’re using a spray paint, make sure to hold the can at an appropriate distance so the paint will apply evenly.