Repaint Metal Driveway Gates In Seven Steps

Metal driveway gates can be a beautiful addition to your home, but can deter from the look of your home if the paint starts peeling or flaking. Rust can also cause problems. Fortunately, you can keep your gates looking new or even update them with a new color with some simple tools, planning and a little time.

Step 1 – Choose the Right Weather

You'll want to choose a time when no rain is forecast for at least a few days before you start repainting your metal driveway gates. If it rains soon after you paint it can damage your new finish. Avoid windy periods as well, because this can cause dirt, debris and even insects to blow against your gate and stick to the paint. The weather on the day that you clean the fence isn't that important because you have to let it dry thoroughly before sanding. But make sure that the upcoming weather will be dry when you're finally ready to paint metal.

Step 2 – Clean the Gates

You will want to remove any caked on dirt or mud before trying to refinish your gate. Cleaning will also help you identify what areas are rusted and what areas are simply dirty. Cleaning also gives you a smooth surface on which to work.

Using a scrub brush, mild cleanser such as dish soap, and water, thoroughly clean the gates. You can also use a power washer. Allow to dry.

Step 3 – Prepare the Area

Put a drop cloth down beneath the metal driveway gates and over any nearby shrubs, grass or bushes to avoid getting paint where you don't want it.

Step 4 – Remove Old Paint and Rust

Put protective eye wear and a face mask on before sanding to avoid getting dust in your eyes or lungs. Use an electric sander and/or a wire brush to remove old paint. An emery cloth can remove light rust, or you can use the wire brush or sander for thicker patches of rust. You may not be able to remove every speck of paint, so just be sure that the surface is smooth.

Step 5 – Prevent Rust

Once the surface is as smooth as you can get it, use a tack cloth to remove any clinging dust. Then use a rust neutralizer to keep any rust patches from growing larger or pushing through your new paint.

Step 6 – Prime the Metal Driveway Gates

Use the metal primer to coat the gates two or three times. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. With primer and paint you can use a roller, brushes or a sprayer or a combination of the three. Spraying allows for quick coating, but brushes may be necessary to thoroughly fill in crevices.

Step 7 – Paint

Apply your choice of paint to the gate. The best paint for use on a wrought iron gate is a high gloss alkyd. While you can use a sprayer, you'll waste less paint while achieving a thicker coat by using a roller for most of the gate. Use a brush to get in tiny areas of your metal driveway gates.