Rust on metal fencing is a part of life. But, there are lots of ways to get rid of it.
Installing metal fencing is a great way to protect your home. Likewise, these fences do a magnificent job of keeping your property safe as well. Unfortunately, as resilient as metals are, they have one natural enemy – rust. The process of oxidization is slow and insidious. Sometimes, you might not notice anything is wrong until it’s already too late. Let’s talk about how to get rid of it!
Eliminate All Existing Rust
The first thing you’ll want to do is assess how rusty your metal fencing is. Once you spot any signs of corrosion, don’t ignore them. The longer you wait to act, the more likely the fence will fail. If there’s only a tiny bit of rust, you can remove it with sandpaper or steel wool. However, depending on how heavy the rusting effect is, you might have to resort to more drastic measures. In this case, powered disc sanders and stiff metal brushes could be the difference-makers. Unfortunately, for the most severe symptoms of oxidation, you’ll need to get even more intense. Commercial rust cleaners or dissolvers might become necessary; be sure to put on the proper PPE first when you use them.
Clean the Metal Fencing Then Dry
Every fence-building material needs to be cleaned off. Metal fencing is no exception. Once you’ve managed to eradicate the rust on your wrought iron fence, pat yourself on the back. Then it’s time to get back to work. Dirt, grit, and particulates can still turn your fence into an eyesore. A cloth that has been moistened with mineral spirits (or just hot water and dish soap) can exterminate these nuisances. Clean water and dry microfiber towels are also essential, so don’t deny that you’ll need them. Do what you can to ensure that the metal is as dry as possible. Otherwise, your efforts will be in vain as the rust begins to accumulate again.
Use Rust-Proof Paints and Coating
Our last piece of advice involves rust-proof paints. You can use them in tandem with anti-rust coatings. Oil-based rust-resisting primer is going to be your best bet. After the primer has dried, apply oil-based metal paint. For the best results, add a second layer of both primer and paint.
HAVE QUESTIONS? ASK HERCULES CUSTOM IRON
If you are ready to install your massive duty iron fence and add iron railings or you still have some more questions, we here at Hercules Custom Iron are here to help. We have many years of experience and will ensure that your chain link fence will serve you and your family for years. Visit us online or call us at 1-800-331-2590. For advice, updates, and to see what we are up to, be sure to follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.