How to Paint a Wrought Iron Fence | Paint for Wrought Iron Fence

Do you have a wrought iron fence that’s seen better days? Old, neglected wrought iron fences don’t leave the best impression of your property – peeling paint and rust spots can affect your home’s curb appeal, even if the rest of your yard is immaculate.

One of the easiest, quickest ways to deal with an iron fence that needs some TLC is to paint it – but there are a few things you need to know before dusting off the paintbrush. So, what’s the best way to paint wrought iron fence?

In this guide, we’ll show you how to paint wrought iron fences, what paint to use, and how to keep your newly painted fence in peak condition. Ready to elevate your yard without paying for a whole new fence? Let’s dive into wrought iron fence painting!

Should You Paint Wrought Iron Fences?

First of all, is painting wrought iron fences really necessary? Wrought iron, though durable, is susceptible to rust and weather damage if left untreated. Here’s why painting wrought iron fences is almost always a good idea.

Protection Against Rust and Weather Damage

One of the main reasons to paint a wrought iron fence is to protect it from rust and corrosion. Since wrought iron is exposed to the elements year-round, it is particularly vulnerable to moisture and temperature fluctuations, which can cause rust to form.

A high-quality, rust-inhibiting paint creates a barrier that seals the metal, preventing moisture from penetrating the surface. This layer of protection is crucial in extending the lifespan of your fence, especially if you live somewhere humid or particularly rainy.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

A well-painted wrought iron fence can dramatically improve the curb appeal of your property. Whether you choose a classic black, clean white, or bold wrought iron fence paint colors, paint refreshes the look of the fence, especially if your old paint is faded or chipped.

Extended Fence Lifespan With Proper Maintenance

Regularly painting and learning how to clean wrought iron fences is a key part of ongoing maintenance – properly maintained wrought iron fences can last decades. By consistently addressing minor wear and tear, you prevent larger, more expensive issues down the line, such as structural damage due to rust.

Challenges and Considerations Before Wrought Iron Fence Painting

Learning how to paint wrought iron fences isn’t always as simple as it seems. Preparing the surface for painting can be labor-intensive, often requiring scraping off old paint, sanding down rough spots, and cleaning the fence thoroughly.

Plus, wrought iron’s intricate designs and curves can make applying paint evenly more difficult, particularly if you’re using a brush rather than spray paint. Don’t worry though – we’re about to break down how to paint wrought iron fences for you, step by step.

What Kind of Paint to Use on Wrought Iron Fence: Tips on Picking the Best Paint for Wrought Iron Fence

First, let’s talk about the best paint for wrought iron fences. There are lots of different types of wrought iron fence paint to choose from, but some are much more suitable for iron fences than others. Let’s take a look.

Our Recommendations for Wrought Iron Fence Paint

Not sure what kind of paint to use on wrought iron fences? Here are our recommendations for wrought iron fence paint colors and types.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints are ideal for wrought iron fences because of their durability and smooth finish. They adhere well and create a hard, protective surface that stands up well to the elements, including moisture and UV rays.

Enamel Paint

Enamel paints are another good choice, known for their glossy finish and toughness. This type of paint forms a hard, weather-resistant layer on the surface, which protects against chipping and fading. They come in both oil-based and water-based formulas, with oil-based enamel typically offering better durability for wrought iron.

Acrylic Paint

While not as tough as oil-based or enamel paints, acrylic paint is easier to work with and dries quickly. It may require more frequent touch-ups since it’s less resistant to chipping and weather damage than oil-based alternatives. If the time commitment and cost to paint wrought iron fence matters to you, that’s something to keep in mind.

Rust-Inhibiting Paint

Rust-inhibiting paints are specifically designed to prevent corrosion and are often used for metal surfaces like wrought iron. These paints contain additives that block the oxidation process, which causes rust. Rust-inhibiting paint comes in various finishes, including oil-based or enamel, and is ideal for fences in humid or rainy climates.

Prioritizing Resistance to Rust, UV Rays, and Moisture

When choosing your paint, opt for products that offer protection against rust, UV rays, and moisture. Wrought iron is particularly susceptible to rust, which can weaken your fence over time and even cause fence leaning. Many high-quality oil-based or enamel paints include these protective features.

Figuring Out How Much Wrought Iron Fence Paint You Need

As well as deciding what kind of paint to use on wrought iron fence, you also need to think about how much of it you’ll need. Paint is the main thing that drives up the cost to paint wrought iron fence, so you don’t want to end up with too much more than you need.

In general, one gallon of paint covers about 250 to 400 square feet, depending on the thickness of the application and the texture of the surface. Wrought iron fences often have intricate designs and curves, which may require more paint than a flat surface.

Do You Need Primer for Painting Wrought Iron Fence?

Before you start painting wrought iron fence, it’s generally best to add a coat of primer, especially if the surface has rust or old paint. Primer helps the paint adhere better and provides an additional layer of protection against rust.

Choose a primer that’s specifically designed for metal and rust prevention. If your fence has been previously painted, you may need to remove any loose or chipping paint before applying primer.

How to Paint a Wrought Iron Fence: Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Wrought Iron Fence

Now, let’s talk about how to paint wrought iron fences. Like most painting projects, it’s all in the preparation! Here’s the best way to paint wrought iron fences for a long-lasting, professional-looking fence.

Sourcing Wrought Iron Fence Paint and Other Supplies

Before starting your wrought iron fence painting project, gather all the necessary materials. You’ll need:

Rust-inhibiting primer for metal surfaces
High-quality wrought iron paint
Paint brushes or spray paint
Wire brush to remove rust
Sandpaper for smoothing rough spots
Drop cloths
Painter’s tape to cover any adjacent surfaces
Gloves, mask, and safety glasses

Once you’ve got everything, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Cleaning the Fence Thoroughly

Clean your wrought iron fence thoroughly. This removes dirt, rust, and any peeling paint, leaving a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to. Use a wire brush to scrub away any rust or old, flaking paint. Sandpaper can help smooth out rough spots or areas where rust has eaten into the metal.

Applying a Primer

Once your fence is clean and completely dry, it’s time for the primer. Use a rust-inhibiting metal primer specifically designed for outdoor use. Either brush or spray the primer evenly to all surfaces of the wrought iron.

Be sure to cover intricate areas and crevices where rust is more likely to form. A spray primer can be particularly useful for reaching tight spaces. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times – most need at least 24 hours.

Techniques for Painting Wrought Iron Fence

After the primer has dried, you’re ready to start painting your wrought iron fence. Whether you’re using a brush or spray paint, the key is to apply even, thin coats to avoid drips and ensure full coverage.

Start by applying a thin, even coat of paint to the fence. Thin layers prevent drips and ensure the paint adheres well. If you’re using spray paint, hold the can about 8-12 inches from the surface to apply a light coat.

Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next. Depending on the type of paint, you may need two to three coats to achieve full coverage and protection. Oil-based and enamel paints typically require longer drying times than acrylics.

Final Touch-Ups and Curing

After the last coat has dried, check for any areas where coverage is thin or where you can still see rust, and use a small brush to touch up these spots. Depending on the type of paint, the fence may need a few days to fully cure and harden. Don’t touch or hang anything on the fence during this time to prevent smudging or damaging the paint.

Caring for Wrought Iron Fence Paint and Touch-ups

Your freshly painted fence will look so good, you’ll want to keep it that way forever! Here’s what you can do to protect your fence and keep it looking new, season after season.

Routine Cleaning and Inspection

Dirt, dust, and moisture can accumulate on your fence over time, especially in crevices and intricate designs. Clean your fence regularly using a soft cloth, water, and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can strip the paint and lead to deterioration.

As you’re cleaning your fence, keep an eye out for any signs of rust, peeling paint, or cracks. Rust is the most common issue with wrought iron, so catching it early is important. Look for bubbling or flaking paint, which are indicators that the underlying metal may be starting to rust.

Repairing Small Chips and Touch-ups

Small chips or scratches in the paint can expose the metal underneath, making it vulnerable to rust. For small chips or areas where paint has flaked off, lightly sand the damaged section to remove any rust and smooth the edges of the existing paint, then reapply the primer and paint.

Long-Term Maintenance

You’ll probably need to repaint your fence every few years, especially if the paint is chipping or you see rust spots. In humid or rainy climates, it’s important to inspect your fence more frequently and apply rust-inhibiting treatments as needed.

For extra long-term protection, you can apply a clear protective coat over the paint to guard against UV rays, moisture, and environmental damage. This can help the paint last longer and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups or repainting.

Get in Touch With Viking Fence to Make Your Dream Fence a Reality!

Sometimes, even new wrought iron fence paint colors can’t bring your fence back to life. If you’re wondering how to install wrought iron fence to replace your old, rusty fence, you’ve come to the right place! At Viking Fence, we have top-quality fences and expert installation.

With on-site manufacturing, you can rest assured you’re getting nothing but the best quality wrought iron from us. Your fence will be the envy of the neighborhood, protecting your property and elevating your yard’s appearance. Contact us to get a quote for:

We’re happy to talk about different types of gates for driveways, we can install a chain link fence on a slope, and we have the best security fence options you’ll find anywhere. And if you need a gate, ask us about our country driveway gate ideas! We operate throughout Texas, including:

With fast installation, professional workmanship, and the best prices in town, there’s nowhere better to source your new fence!

Parting Thoughts on the Best Way to Paint Wrought Iron Fence

If your fence is looking a little bit unloved, a new coat of paint can work wonders to improve the whole aesthetic of your yard. If your fence is extremely rusty, the cost to paint wrought iron fence might not be worth it – you may be better off replacing your fence entirely.

At Viking Fence, we have the best wrought iron fencing materials, fabricated on-site at our own facility. Our experts will construct and install your new fence from start to finish, elevating your curb appeal and your property’s security.

Turn heads with the dream fence you’ve always pictured – call Viking Fence for a quote today!

Check out our other articles to learn how to prepare fence for winter, how to decorate fence for Christmas, and how to brace a fence against wind.