How to paint wrought iron fencing

Repainting is one of the most important things you can do for fence maintenance. It keeps traditional metalwork looking as-made and helps protect your fencing’s integrity from corrosion and general wear and tear. While wrought iron fencing is durable and long-lasting, it still requires occasional maintenance to keep it looking its best. One of the best ways to do this is by properly repainting it. 

In this blog, we will cover the best ways to protect and maintain your fencing, including what you will need and the best painting practices. 

What you will need

To properly maintain and repaint your fencing, you will need:

• Stiff brush/wire brush
• Scraper
• Sandpaper
• Sugar soap/degreaser
• Rust converter/remover
• Metal primer (rust-inhibiting)
• Exterior metal topcoat
• Brushes/small roller
• Dust sheets
• Masking tape
• PPE (gloves, eye protection, mask)

Step-by-step: painting wrought iron fencing

1. Check conditions: when painting your fence, make sure it’s a dry day with mild temperatures. Also, avoid painting in direct sunlight or when rain is expected.
2. Inspect and protect surroundings: make sure to cover anything you don’t want to risk getting paint on, such as paving, plants, or stonework.
3. Clean thoroughly: remove any dirt, algae, or grease from your fencing before painting, then rinse the surface and let it dry completely.
4. Remove loose paint and rust: start scraping any flaking areas with your wire brush. This will help to remove any unwanted remnants of old paint or rust that could affect the finish after painting. Then, sand to a firm edge.
5. Treat remaining rust: once you have removed as much as you can, apply your rust converter/remover to any remaining areas where appropriate, and follow the product’s cure times.
6. Prime: Start by spot-priming the bare metal, then prime the rest as needed for an even base. Make sure to prioritise getting into the scrollwork and joints.
7. Topcoat: Apply 1 to 2 thin coats of exterior metal paint, focusing on drips on decorative ironwork. Make sure to allow the paint to completely dry between layers.
8. Cure and tidy up: Make sure you don’t lean against your fence at all after painting, and wait for it to cure before any heavy contact.

Maintenance tips

When it comes to fence maintenance, especially wrought iron, little and often is the best method. Annual inspections are a great way to catch potential issues and reduce the risk of your fencing needing a complete replacement. 

It’s also important to be mindful of which plants grow near your fence posts, as plant or tree roots can affect the way they sit in the ground, compromising the structural integrity of your fence. This, combined with checking any fixings or joints, helps to monitor your structure and plan for any required maintenance.

If your fencing is severely corroded, bent or generally beyond a simple repaint, it may be time to consider a professional repair or replacement. This is where upgrading to wrought iron fencing is a great idea.