A Detailed Guide for Restoring Your Wrought Iron Fence

Wrought iron fencing is a wonderful fencing solution. It looks elegant and sophisticated but it also provides a strong defense for your home or business. Wrought iron can last a long time with the proper maintenance but if you aren’t diligent, it will start looking pretty shabby. Once the paint gets chipped or eroded the wrought iron will start to rust and it can quickly take over a surface. If you have a rusty wrought iron fence, all is not lost.

Just follow these simple steps to get your wrought iron fence back into shape:

1. Get ready to get your hands dirty. You will need to scrape off all of the loose and peeling paint. Once the debris has been cleared away you will have to get a wire brush and start working on the rusted areas and the bits of paint you couldn’t scrape away. If the rust is really heavy then you may need to use a drill with a wire wheel to take it off. Rust is most often found in the tight joints and enclosed areas so make sure you inspect them closely.
2. Purchase coarse grit sandpaper and use it on the wrought iron. If the rust is really bad you may have to sand all the way down to the metal. If you uncover any more problem areas, go back to the drill with the wire wheel to remove the worst of it. Once you have gotten rid of all the rust, go over the fence again with medium grit sandpaper. Then use steel wool to buff the surface and prepare it for the next step. Rinse it off with water when you are finished.
3.  Purchase some commercial rust neutralizer. Mix it according to the directions on the package. Learn more about using rust neutralizer. Dip a wire brush in the solution and scrub the fence again. If you would prefer not to use a chemical solution you can also use vinegar mixed with lemon juice to neutralize the rust. Just put the solution on and leave it for one hour. Then wash it off with warm soapy water.
4. Paint the entire fence in a rust inhibiting primer. Then give it 2 coats of rust resistant paint allowing it to dry completely between applications.

It can be really simple to restore a wrought iron fence with this step-by-step guide. However, if your fence has been neglected it could be damaged beyond repair. If that’s the case, it’s time to call in the pros! Call Natural Enclosures 770.506.3222 for a free fence quote.