Wrought iron is widely renowned as a material for building fences and gates due to its longevity and durability. If maintained properly, your wrought iron fences and gates could last upwards of a decade. Here at Ironcraft, all of our wrought iron products are galvanised to prevent the formation of rust for up to ten years, but if properly maintained, your wrought iron fences and gates could easily last a lifetime.
How do you maintain your wrought iron fence and keep it in peak condition?
Just follow these quick steps!
Clean Your Fence
Using a soft cloth, and a mixture of warm water and soap, give your fence a gentle scrub to get rid of any dirt and debris that may have gathered over the years.
Rinse off your fence to get rid of any remaining soap, as there’s a chance that this could discolour your wrought iron if left behind.
Once you’ve removed the dirt from your fence, use a stiff wire brush to get rid of any loose paint or rust spots. If that doesn’t do the trick, use some fine sandpaper to remove any remaining rust.
Make sure your fence is completely dry after this step; whether you want to leave it to air dry in the sun or thoroughly dry it with a towel.
Repaint Your Fence
Before you start painting, it might be a good idea to add a primer to your fence. Make sure you’re buying a primer that’s specifically made for metal, as these can be purchased with rust inhibiting qualities. Once you’ve applied your primer, choose your paint colour and use a small paint brush to cover all areas of your fence with a thin coat of paint. Allow the paint to dry fully before applying a second coat. We recommend a paint such as hammerite to re-coat paintwork when necessary.
Make Sure Your Fence Never Rusts Again
You know what they say - prevention is the best cure.
By taking steps to make sure your fence isn’t able to form rust, you cut down on maintenance time and ensure the longevity of your wrought iron.
An easy way to prevent rust is to make sure your fence doesn’t get scratched. Scratches on wrought iron are a breeding ground for rust, and if left unattended, could cause significant damage to the structure of your fence.
A handy, cost-effective tip for preventing scratches is to apply a protective coat of car wax to your fence.
Follow the steps above and your wrought iron fence will see you through many years to come!
Want to know more about our lovely wrought iron gates and railings? Click here or give us a call on 01455 847 548.
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