How to DIY a Repair on a Wrought Iron Fence in Twin Falls, ID

There are many reasons that our clients choose wrought iron as their material of choice when it comes to fencing. Wrought iron fences have a classic, high-end appearance and are known for their durability and low maintenance needs. At Certified Fencing, we are a huge fan of wrought iron fences for all of these reasons, and love that they are completely customizable, which allows clients to enjoy a style that fits their aesthetic perfectly. 

So what happens when a wrought iron fence needs repairs? Because this fencing type needs less in terms of maintenance, the types of repairs that can be made are less well known. Although replacement and fixing bent or loose pickets may be better left to professionals, there are a number of repairs that a handy DIYer would be able to take on. Today, we’ll be discussing DIY wrought iron fence repair! We hope this information is useful to you. 

Breaks and Cracks

Although wrought iron is fairly resistant to the elements, they are subject to wear and tear over the years, as with any other material type. Especially here in Idaho where we are prone to experiencing extremes in weather, you may find yourself with a few breaks and cracks if your fence is on the older side. One DIY repair technique is to use epoxy putty; gather work gloves, clamps, rags, acetone, steel wool, fine-grit sandpaper, metal paint, and an oil-based spray enamel. 

1. Prepping the surface: We always recommend wearing work gloves when working with fencing to prevent injury or messiness. Use the fine-grit sandpaper to remove any dirt, grime, rust, or grease that may be on the fence. Then, use a rag soaked in acetone to wipe down the surface. 

2. Epoxy: Add the epoxy putty to both sides of the break or crack, and secure the edges together using as many clamps as necessary. Use another rag to clean off excess epoxy; this will save you time in the next step. 

3. Sand the excess: Once the epoxy is completely dry and has time to cure, use the fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface to your satisfaction.

4. Paint: As the area with the repair will now look different than the rest of the fence, paint the area with a primer and paint and then seal it with the oil-based spray enamel. 

Rust

Luckily, some good, old fashioned preventative maintenance can keep rust at bay; however, properties you recently acquired may have rusted fences due to lack of maintenance. If rust has compromised the integrity of the fence, you may need to replace the fence entirely. Rust spreads rapidly, so if it’s still in a manageable quantity, you’re in luck! You will need work gloves, acetone, rags, rust fillers, safety goggles, rust-resistant primer and paint, oil-based spray enamel, vinegar, and lemon juice. 

1. Rust removal: Create a solution of one part vinegar and one part vinegar. Use a rag soaked in this solution to remove rust. 

2. Solidify surfaces: Rust is corrosive, so you will likely find that there are small holes or indents where the rust ate away at the metal. Use rust filler to plug up the holes. 

3. Paint: Using a rust-resistant primer and paint, paint the area. We recommend matching the original color, but if it’s time for a change, it’s as good a time as any! Seal the paint job with oil-based spray enamel. 

Repainting

Paint chips and peels over time, which can lead to more rusting. Therefore, it’s important to stay on top of keeping the paint on your fence in tip-top condition. When you’re ready to repaint your fence, you will need a sandblaster, oil-based metal primer, paint, and enamel spray, as well as a few paintbrushes. 

1. Prepare the surfaces: First, remove the old layer of paint and any rust to get a clean surface. Using a sandblaster is a quick and efficient way to go about this; using the same solution of lemon juice and vinegar mentioned above can also help prevent future rusting. 

2. Prime the surface: Apply the oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer as a base coat. This is a critical step, as it seals off the metal from moisture and corrosion and serves as the base layer to protect the iron from the elements. It’s generally recommended to use two coats of primer. 

3. Paint: Apply two coats of the paint. We recommend using a paint that’s specifically for metal surfaces. Seal the entire fence with spray enamel. 

We love serving our clients here in Twin Falls, Idaho! Our years of experiences have given us the insight and expertise to serve our friends and family, and we strive to ever improve our services. We are passionate about fencing and are eager to offer our clients the kind of service that has given us the positive reputation we boast today. Give us a call at (208) 449-2040 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation or for more information today!