How To Remove Rust A Gates
Metal garden gates are one of the best choices you can make. From offering durability and quality to style and resilience, they will add a touch of charm and class to any home. They may cost a little more than wooden ones, but they can last a lifetime if they are properly maintained. That said, if you’ve invested a handsome amount of money into metal garden gates for your home, it’s imperative you keep them clean and looking their best, at least once a month. That involves remove rust from your gate.
So, for those looking for the best tips and tricks to keep your metal garden gates in top condition, need look no further! Metal gates are not difficult to clean but will take a lot more time than other gate material options. To help you get on your way, we have pulled together a simple guide below.
Things you will need
Bucket
Mild detergent
Clean sponge
Scrubbing brush
Hose
Clean towel
Sandpaper
Primer
WD-40 Multi-Use Product
Step 1
Wash the Gate using Soapy Water
Take a bucket and put some mild detergent in it and add some warm water. Mix it using your hands until you can see plenty of suds forming in the water. Now take a sponge and dip it in the bucket. Use this sponge to apply the soapy water on to the gate. With a scrubbing brush, give your metal garden gate a good scrub. This will make it easy to get rid of bird dropping, grime and dirt gathered on the gate. The best thing is to begin with one gate first, wash both its sides and then proceed to the next gate following the same procedure as done with the first one.
Step 2
Rinse
Once you are done washing both the gates with soapy water, take a garden hose and rinse both the gates thoroughly. Make sure there are no traces of soap left behind on the gate. Having soap residues can lead to discolouration of the gate. Once all the soapy water has been rinsed and the gates are clean, take a towel and dry both the metal garden gates. Allow them to be air-dried by giving them as much time as they need.
Step 3
Lookout for Rust
One of the biggest problems when it comes to metal garden gates is rust. If these gates are not maintained properly, unwanted rust can grow on them which will leave these gates useless. It is easier to remove rust when it is in its initial stages of occurrence. Once it gets out of hand, you are at the risk of losing the gate altogether when left unattended – and the rust will become hard and develop more extensively.
Step 4
How to Remove Rust From Your Garden Gate
If you find any traces of rust on the metal garden gates, take a piece of sandpaper and rub it away. Make sure you work steadily and clear all the rusted parts of the gate. Also, you need to be careful not to rub too hard or the paint of the gate will be damaged, adding to the cost of repairs. Check both sides of the gate for rust and remove it thoroughly.
Step 5
Wash and Rinse
Once you’re done with removing rust from the gate, wash them again as mentioned in the first step. Follow the soapy water procedure – rinse and dry the gates again using towels. Also, allow the gates to air dry for at least 30 minutes.
Step 6
Apply Primer
Choose a primer that is suitable for your metal garden gates. Also, make sure that the primer you use has rust inhibitors in it to keep the gate free from rust. Choose a primer that comes with a spray mechanism to make it easy for you to apply it. Open the gates wide and start spraying at the top of the gate. Keep spraying until you reach the bottom of the gate. Work in the same manner on the second gate as well. For higher protection, apply two coats of primer. Make sure the first coat is dry before you start applying the second one.
Step 7
Lubricate the Gate Locks and Latches
This is one of the most important steps and it is important to choose the right lubricant for it. works wonders when it comes to lubricating the gate locks and latches. It not only lubricates the metal garden gate locks and latches but also helps to keep them free from rust. If the gate locks and latches are lubricated using WD-40, you can be rest assured that they will keep working as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. Rust is one of the main reasons that locks and latches on metal gates lose their efficiency and it becomes difficult to open and close them. Lubricating gate locks and latches with WD-40 will keep rust at bay and the gate functioning efficiently.
Step 8
Paint
The final step of the cleaning process is painting the metal garden gate. This step is not to be done every single time you clean your metal gate – once a year will do. Make sure you choose a paint that is suitable for the kind of metal garden gate you have, and the metal used in the making of it. Painting the gate will provide it with a coat of protection against rust. You can apply two coats of paint if you feel one is not sufficient. Just make sure the first coat has dried well before you begin applying the second coat.
So, there you have it!
With the above steps, you can keep your metal garden gates in perfect condition, making them look as good as new again in just a few simple steps. For more ways to spruce your garden up this Spring, check out How to Use WD-40 in the Garden. Or explore the rest of our blog for more great tips!
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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