How to Remove Rust From Metal Sliding Gates

Homeowners install metal sliding gates to keep others out of their driveways, as a safety device near a pool, a garden entry point and in many other places on their property. Manufacturers make sliding gates from steel and wrought iron, along with other types of metals. Exposure to all types of weather conditions leaves metal sliding gates vulnerable to rust. Removing rust is necessary to maintain a sturdy gate and fencing structure. Choose the rust removal method that best suits your capabilities.

Things You'll Need

• 30-grit sandpaper
• Rag
• 80-grit sandpaper
• Wire brush
• Hand-held grinder
• Wire wheel
• Power drill
• Wire brush drill bit attachment
• Sandblaster
• Blasting media
• Rust remover
• Soapy water

Instructions

1. Rub the rusted areas of the metal sliding gate with 30-grit sandpaper until you expose the bare metal. Wipe away rust dust with a rag. Sand the metal surface with 80-grit sandpaper to smooth the area.

2. Scour the rusted metal with a wire brush until you remove the corrosion. Wipe away bits of rust with a rag.

3. Equip a hand-held grinder with a wire wheel or install a wire brush drill bit attachment into a power drill. Turn on the drill or grinder and strip rust from the surface of the metal gate.

4. Fill a sandblaster with sandblasting media. Stand 24 to 30 inches away from the gate, turn the sandblaster on and move toward the object slowly while directing the media at the sliding metal gate. As soon as the rust comes away freely, hold your position and blast away rust. Keep the nozzle in constant motion to prevent damaging the metal or cutting through the metal. Positioning the sandblaster too close to the metal gate can damage the metal. Determining the correct distance by moving in slowly protects the metal.

5. Apply a commercially available rust remover to the metal sliding gate with a foam brush according to the manufacturer's instructions. Let the rust remover sit on the rusted metal surface, usually 20 to 30 minutes. Wash the rust remover and rust off the metal gate with a manufacturer-supplied neutralizer or soapy water.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray a silicone-based lubricant on moving parts if rust holds them in place before removing rust.

• Apply one to two coats of rust-inhibiting paint to protect the metal surface from future rust.

• Consider having the metal dipped in epoxy to protect the metal from corrosion.

• Wear eye protection, a dust mask and gloves when removing rust.

• Wear chemical-approved goggles, rubber gloves and a chemical-approved respirator when working with rust-removing chemicals.

References

• "Working With Metal"; Time Life Editors; 1981
• "Home Repair and Improvement"; Creative Homeowner Editors; 2006