How to Paint a Metal Gate

17 September 2024

Garden gates are the entrance to your home, helping to make a good impression on visitors and passers-by. Repainting metal gates can transform your home’s exterior and is a quick, easy and budget-friendly solution. Learn more about painting metal gates and railings in our guide, from the best metal paint to preparation tips.

Preparing metal gates for painting

No matter what type of metal paint you’re using, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to prepare the metal for painting, including:

Sand and clean the surface. Even if you’ve chosen a direct to rust paint, you’ll need to sand the surface to smooth it over. Similarly, bare metal requires sanding to roughen the surface, improving paint adhesion. Then, clean the metal to remove any debris or chemical impurities.
Apply primers or rust treatments (as required). Some metal paints need a primer, so apply this next, then leave to dry thoroughly. If your metal gates are severely rusted, you may want to use a rust treatment before painting to prevent further damage.

For more handy preparation tips and advice, learn how to prepare metal surfaces before painting in our step-by-step guide.

The best way to paint metal gates

Before painting, ensure you’re wearing the correct PPE (overalls, mask, goggles, gloves) and lay down dust sheets to protect your patio, lawn or garden path. It’s best to paint exterior metal on a dry day, as even light showers can spoil your paintwork before it’s dry. Then, follow these steps to achieve professional results on your paintwork:

Paint intricate or hard-to-reach areas first. Some metal gates have intricate, filigree details that can be tricky to paint, so it’s best to cover these first. We recommend using a small paint brush for these sections.
Apply the first coat. Paint the rest of the gate, including the front, back, and sides. Leave to dry for 2-4 hours.
Apply a second coat. Once dry, apply a second coat of paint to improve the durability and colour. Let the gate dry (open) before using.