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DIY Tips and Tricks

How to Paint Metal

How to paint metal, a rusty metal gate makeover to boost curb appeal.

My husband and I decided to tackle the simple weekend DIY project, painting our metal side gate.  It looked really worn and rusty and needed a little TLC.  So needless to say we needed to figure out how to paint metal.  It’s hard to believe that it is the same gate. Here is a BEFORE and AFTER photo.

 

There’s a big difference, huh??  It looks like the photos are different sides but they are not.  Same side, just much better!  This project is simple and can be done over the weekend (due to drying time).  It’s a simple and easy way to boost curb appeal.

You can use these instructions for painting patio furniture and the like.  Here is my tutorial on How to Paint Metal.

Time: Weekend Project

Materials: This list has some recommended supplies from Amazon that are my affiliate links.

  • Wire metal brush (paint section of hardware store)
  • Spray Primer (We used Rust Destroyer)
  • Rust-Oleum Spray Paint (We used hammered black)
  • Hose (optional)
  • Two wood horses (optional)
  • Old blanket
  • Newspaper
  • Tape

Instructions:

We didn’t have a workbench so first, we disassembled the gate door and placed it atop of two wooden work horses. Next, using the wire brush, gently scrub off any rust or paint on the entire door both front and back.  This is an important step because the rust removal alone can transform the appearance of the gate.

How to paint metal, a rusty metal gate makeover to boost curb appeal.

Here is what it looks like after scrubbing.  I would even recommend doing this step and stopping if your paint isn’t too bad! You can see the transformation already.

How to paint metal, a rusty metal gate makeover to boost curb appeal.

To remove the paint chips and rust debris, we hosed it off and let it air dry outside. We found this to be the quickest and easiest way to remove debris from this type of gate.

Next, use a primer for metal.  We ran into a friendly handy man at Home Depot and he recommended Rust Destroyer.  It is a red primer and stops rust all in one.  We used almost two cans (two coats) for this entire gate.  Follow the instructions on the can for drying times.  Make sure you spray in a well-ventilated area. After using it, I would highly recommend it. 

Be sure to check out my article for when and how to use primer for DIY painting projects and furniture makeovers.

How to paint metal, a rusty metal gate makeover to boost curb appeal.

Meanwhile, we used newspaper and tape to protect the wall and painted the metal gate supports (or whatever you call them…ha!).

How to paint metal, a rusty metal gate makeover to boost curb appeal.

Finally, once the primer was dry, we painted the gate with two coats of spray paint made for outdoor metal.  We used black hammered Rust-Oleum spray paint. Once it was dry, we re-assembled the gate.

How to paint metal, a rusty metal gate makeover to boost curb appeal.

 

Ta da!  Here is the before and after photo again!

How to paint metal, a rusty metal gate makeover to boost curb appeal.

Update: I originally wrote this post on June 11, 2012. This was just after we moved into that house.  We lived there for four years and the paint on this metal gate held up well and still looked good as new.

You May Also Like:

  • How to Paint Stripes on a Bedroom Wall
  • The Easiest Way to Spray Paint Knobs
  • How to Paint a Chalkboard Wall
  • When and How to Use Primer
  • How to Select Your Sandpaper Grit
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11 Comments

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Comments

  1. Benita Collins says

    June 11, 2012 at 10:06 am

    Amazing difference!

    Reply
    • dwulf says

      June 11, 2012 at 11:15 am

      Thank you, Benita!

      Reply
  2. Susie Homemaker says

    June 11, 2012 at 11:33 am

    WOW can’t believe its the same door! Amazing!

    Reply
    • dwulf says

      June 11, 2012 at 12:24 pm

      It’s crazy isn’t it? Who knew!

      Reply
  3. Jolene says

    June 11, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    Great job !!!! What a difference–you both are really very handy !!!!!!

    Reply
  4. Sarah@Naptime Delights says

    June 11, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    Wow! This is great! I found your blog via Picket Fence Blogs. I’d love for you to share this project on Tuesday’s Tidbits @ Naptime Delights: http://naptimedelights.blogspot.ca/2012/06/tuesdays-tidbits-4.html
    Thanks so much!
    Sarah
    {http://naptimedelights.blogspot.com}

    Reply
  5. Mari says

    January 19, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    How do you not get the little holes clogged

    Reply
    • Dinah Wulf says

      January 20, 2017 at 7:48 am

      Hi Mari! If you use smooth light strokes when spray painting, the holes will not get clogged. It’s best to do several light coats versus one or two heavy ones. I hope this helps!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. How to Select Your Sandpaper Grit - DIY Inspired says:
    September 20, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    […] the coarsest grit and work your way to a finer grit.  For example, when working with metal, like refurbishing a rusty metal gate, start with a 60-grit sandpaper and work your way to a finer grit. For wood, start with 80-grit and […]

    Reply
  2. Good Tips About Life:How to Paint Metal - Good Tips About Life says:
    September 14, 2017 at 9:28 am

    […] Source: DIY Inspired […]

    Reply
  3. Good Place Site:How to Paint Metal - Good Place Site says:
    December 8, 2017 at 6:15 am

    […] Source: DIY Inspired […]

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