Metal gates are often installed in a garage or fence. This is the best option for technical rooms, as it has strength and durability. However, this design also requires proper maintenance. Correctly chosen paint for iron gates will protect the surface from corrosion and mechanical damage to the metal.
- Reasons for painting the gate
- Dross and rust on iron gates
- Preparatory work
- Washing the door leaf
- Degreasing the surface
- Rust neutralizer
- Color selection
- Choosing paint and primer for iron gates
- Primer for painting
- Hammer paint
- Special formulations for forged products
- Alkyd enamels
- Acrylic enamels
- Rating of the best paints for metal
- Choosing a staining tool
- Features of the performance of painting works
- Paint application methods
- Stages of painting forged or metal gates
- Painting with a spray gun
- Brush painting
- Roller painting
- Spray painting
Reasons for painting the gate
The gates are daily exposed to the influence of atmospheric phenomena, mechanical stress, therefore, they can quickly lose their presentable appearance, become covered with rust. Painting a metal surface is necessary in such cases:
- The previous finishing layer has lost its color (the problem is typical for structures located on the south side).
- The appearance of rust, mechanical damage, minor scratches.
- The need to change the shade of the gate.
Depending on the type of paint chosen, the protective layer can last from 2 to 15-20 years.
Dross and rust on iron gates
Scale is a phenomenon caused by the oxidation process of a heated metal when interacting with air. As a result of its appearance, the decorative qualities of the gate suffer.
With mechanical damage to iron, it begins to rust. Corroded structures become less durable, acquire an unpresentable appearance. As the temperature rises, the rusting process accelerates.
Preparatory work
Before painting metal gates, they need to be properly prepared. For work, you will need compounds to remove rust and greasy stains. Otherwise, a new layer of decorative material will fall poorly and quickly peel off.
Washing the door leaf
The procedure for cleaning the surface from dirt, dust, scale is carried out with water supplied under high pressure. Often, special detergents are added to the liquid to improve the effect. The degree of cleaning is influenced by the power of the liquid pressure supply. Additionally, you can use an abrasive sponge.
Degreasing the surface
You can remove greasy stains with synthetic detergents. The best option is an organic solvent. It is moistened with light cotton cloth and treated with a metal surface. The procedure should be carried out until the base is shiny and smooth. Degreasing is carried out before priming.
Rust neutralizer
To remove rust stains, use a metal brush, a special rust remover, or a rust remover. If the damage is insignificant, it is cleaned off without the use of chemicals. Special formulations are applied to large surface areas with a brush. Rust remover removes stains and a converter turns them into a hard black layer on top of which paint is applied.
Wrought iron gates are difficult to clean as they contain a lot of curls and bent elements. To eliminate dust and dirt, water pressure and nylon brushes are used.
Color selection
The shade affects the appearance of the gate, as well as how strongly the metal surface will attract the sun's rays.
If the structure is located on the south side, painting in a light color will quickly fade the surface. In addition, dirt is more visible on it. Dust on the dark gate is much less visible. In addition, they are capable of blocking rust. The most commonly used colors are gray, graphite, brown and red.
Choosing paint and primer for iron gates
The paint for metal gates is chosen taking into account the following parameters:
- good adhesion to iron surfaces;
- high degree of elasticity and hiding power;
- the absence of oxidants in the composition, contributing to the appearance of rust;
- resistance to moisture.
An essential quality of decorative material is resistance to mechanical damage.
Primer for painting
Before applying the finishing layer, the base is primed to increase its adhesion to the topcoat. Serebryanka, ship and metal red lead, phosphating composition VL-02 are most suitable for work.
Hammer paint
You can paint a garage door with hammer paint. It contains aluminum powder, silicone, rubber. After application, an embossing effect is created. The material has the following advantages:
- no need for complex preparation;
- reliable protection of the surface against corrosion;
- resistance to moisture;
- dirt-repellent effect;
- presentable appearance;
- long service life.
The disadvantages include chipping of the layer under mechanical stress. Since it is difficult to pick up the shade in case of repair, the remaining hammer paint must be tightly closed and properly stored.
Special formulations for forged products
It is not difficult to choose paint for gates with forged elements. It may be black enamel, but it is better to use special compounds. Blacksmith paints are most suitable for work. They are resistant to weather conditions, are not afraid of temperature changes, have a wide range of colors, do not fade in the sun, and prevent the appearance of rust.
A 3-in-1 composition is a good option. Their peculiarity lies in the absence of the need for preliminary cleaning and priming of the surface. All the necessary components are present in the finished mixture.
Alkyd enamels
Such substances are made on the basis of alkyd varnish. They are elastic, durable, dry quickly. The decorative layer does not fade for a long time and does not turn yellow in the sun. The paint can withstand large temperature changes, withstands the effects of atmospheric precipitation.
Acrylic enamels
Compared to oil, acrylic enamels are more expensive, but they are durable, resistant to mechanical damage and weathering. They protect metal surfaces well from corrosion.
Rating of the best paints for metal
To paint iron gates on the street, you can use the following compounds:
- Hammerite 3 in 1. It performs several functions: priming the surface, transforming rust, and providing a high-quality finish. It is resistant to high temperatures, mechanical damage, dries quickly.
- Bianco 19LW1C4614X Ripol. Powder-type polyester-epoxy paint that withstands high temperatures and atmospheric influences well. It is better to use the material if the gate is not exposed to sunlight.
- Prestige. A fast-drying compound characterized by good adhesion, dries quickly and protects against corrosion.
The following paints are popular: Certa, Hammer Effect Varnish, Mixon Hamerton 800, Alpina Direkt Auf Rost
Choosing a staining tool
For surface preparation and paint application, you can use the following tools:
- brush with metal bristles;
- sandpaper or grinder with a grinding wheel;
- brush, roller or spray gun.
Additionally, a stepladder and masking tape are required.
Features of the performance of painting works
You can paint a sectional door beautifully, taking into account the following rules: the surface is sanded with soft sandpaper, after which it is washed and dried. The finishing layer is applied last. In this case, a conventional synthetic resin-based varnish is used. Don't choose dark colors.
The optimum air temperature for work is from +10 to + 20 ° С. Painting is carried out in calm weather.
Before using the soil, the wicket, the moving elements are covered with paper. Apply the composition with a brush or spray to the main area, handles, fasteners. Further work is carried out in 10 hours.
Swing gates do not need to be removed from their hinges, since the bottom edge must be well processed. Lifting and retractable structures are pre-disassembled. They are freed from rollers and other parts. First, paint over the most inaccessible places: cracks, joints, areas around fasteners, and then the main canvas.
The iron structure can be aged. First, the surface of the gate is cleaned and polished. After that, it is primed, and then a metallized paint is applied with a brush. After the layer has dried, a craquelure varnish is applied to it, creating an original effect.
Paint application methods
The use of paint for iron garage doors involves the use of hand or power tools, aerosol cans.
Stages of painting forged or metal gates
The staining process consists of the following stages:
- preparation;
- degreasing and priming;
- applying the selected composition.
If the surface is poorly processed, it will corrode faster, and the decorative layer will peel off.
Painting with a spray gun
The spray gun contributes to the uniform distribution of the substance, speeds up the work. It can be used to handle hard-to-reach areas and large areas. However, the paint will have to be made more liquid and applied in several layers.
Brush painting
The hand tool is easy to use and does not require any painting skills. The brush paints well complex elements. It is better to apply the composition in 2-3 layers. If hammer paint is used, a tool with exclusively natural bristles is suitable.
Roller painting
The roller is used when it is necessary to work with a large area. The paint lays down evenly, does not spread. The tool is not suitable for hard-to-reach areas. It is better to use a roller with a fur or woolen stocking.
Spray painting
This method of staining is used if you need to remove minor defects in a small area. Before use, the can must be shaken to raise the sediment.