How to PAINT A RUSTY METAL FENCE

Do you have a rusty metal fence that's ruining your view? With a few tools and some elbow grease you can make it beautiful again!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• wire brush
• gloves
• mineral spitits
• paint rags
• whisk broom
• rust inhibitive primer (preferrably oil based)
• good quality oil based enamel paint for the top coat
• or if you prefer a top quality latex paint that is designed for metal
• good quality brush for the primer
• top quality brush for top coat

1. Take your wire brush and remove all the loose rush from the metal fence. This is very hard work!

2. Next, take the mineral spirits, dampen a rag and scrub the remaining rust from the metal fence. Be assured you are not going to completely remove all the rust. As your rag becomes soiled, replace with fresh rag until you've completed the entire fence.

3. After the mineral spirits have dried, open your can of primer and if it's too thick, thin with mineral spirits according to manufacturers recommendations on the paint lable.

4. Take the brush you've selected for the primer and apply coat of primer with smooth even strokes. After you're sure primer has dried (check the manufacturers recommendations on the can of primer) go to the next step.

5. Take the brush you've selected for the top coat and repeat last step. (according to directions on lable) Note - it's always best to apply two top coats for beauty and added protection from the weather.

Tips & Warnings

• With primer and top coats I prefer to use a 3" brush. A 4" brush seems too cumbersom and wide for the job. Anything smaller is too small and will work you to death.
• I prefer and have used wooster brand paint brushes for years in my painting business. Always choose a top quality brush for whatever project you're doing. If cleaned properly, it can last you many years.
• Adequate ventilation when using oil based or latex is a necessity.
• If you begin to feel light headed, etc., it could be you have an allergy to the mineral spirits or paint. If this is the case, you should stop immediately and consult a physician.

[SeventhSibling]

on 7/28/2008 You included lots of details.

[showpup]

on 6/15/2008 Good instruction

[GreenGardenChic]

on 5/18/2008 Nice idea.

[favefive]

on 5/13/2008 Great...we have a project that this will come very handy with. We will be getting some old wrought iron gates...and they are rusty!