Paint Tip Tuesday-Taking care of Rust

Rust can make some metals looked aged and beautiful but truthfully it is a nuisance. So lets talk about what happens when your metal rusts and you think, "Oh that rusted gate looks aged and beautiful." When iron and steel rust it happens through a process known as oxidation. It is a reaction that occurs when the metal is exposed to oxygen and water. What will eventually happen is that process will eat through your metal, leave gouges and eventually parts of your metal will fall off and it is now irreparable and costing you more money in the long run.

When you notice rust on any metal substrate; fence, gate, door, etc...etc...it should be taken care of as soon as possible in order to preserve your substrate. In order to preserve your substrate for as long as possible you need to put down what's known as a sacrificial coating. A sacrificial coating is one that is exposed to the elements and can be "sacrificed" in order to protect the substrate.

First start with cleaning the rust as best as possible; rust cleaners for lightly rusted surfaces, power tools for harder rust, whatever it takes to knock it down as best as possible. Make sure that your surface is as clean and sound as possible before priming. Second prime with a rust inhibitive primer so that it can help with corrosion. Last paint with two coats of a good metal paint, semi-gloss is highly recommended. Now what will happen is your paint and primer will start to react with the elements before your substrate will. If done correctly, with time and patience your fence, door, whatever it may be will last for a long time.