A Great Home Remedy for a Rusted Fence

Iron and steel fences are susceptible to rust as they age. This is particularly true if the materials weren’t properly protected prior to installation or if they’ve never been touched since. Here’s a good home remedy for a rusted fence that will improve your fence’s appearance and add years to its life.

What is rust?

In simple terms, when water and oxygen contact iron or steel, oxidation occurs in the form of rust. This reddish-brown substances is highly corrosive and will eat through metal and can eventually destroy parts of your fence.

 

 

 

What to do if your metal fence is showing signs of rust

You’ll be glad to know that removing minor to moderate rust from your fence isn’t a complicated job. As damaging as rust can be, it’s not a particularly stubborn substance if you go at it the right way.

Step 1: Remove the rust

This can be accomplished with steel wool, sandpaper or a wire brush, or a combination of the three. For deeper sections of rust, a power sander might be necessary to save time.

Step 2: Clean the whole fence

Now that the rust is gone, you want to clean the entire fence in preparation for Step 3. A strong spray from a hose and maybe some hand washing with a sponge and mild soapy water should be sufficient. Make sure the fence is clean prior to step three.

Step 3: Neutralize rust you may not be able to see

Even the smallest sections of rust can grow and cause damage to your fence. Therefore, it’s a good idea to neutralize any remaining rust that may not have been removed during cleaning. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar and one part lemon juice (buy it in a bottle, don’t squeeze fresh lemons, unless you have tons of time to kill). Coat the entire fence surface, let it stand for an hour and then spray off.

Step 4: Paint the fence with rust-resistant paint

Your fence is clean and rust is either removed or neutralized, so now it’s time to prevent future rust. You do this with special rust-resistant primer and paint, which you can find in your local hardware or paint store. Applying these finishes isn’t difficult, but it can be time-consuming. Consider using a paint sprayer.

Step 5: Keep an eye on your fence

The big job is over, but don’t let your fence become one of those “out of sight, out of mind” things. You should visually inspect it several times a year to check for any new rust that might have snuck in. If you find rust, spot-treat it as in the steps outlined above.

If you need help with rusty fence problems

Homeowners in Florida’s Citrus, Pasco and Hernando counties have trusted A Perfect 10 Fencing of Brooksville since 2004 for all fence repair and installation needs in addition to complete fence replacement.

We can advise you on specific metal fence maintenance strategies based on your fence type, age and location on your property. For a “perfect 10” job every time, call the Florida fencing experts today at (352) 606-2623.