Iron fences and chain link fences are a great way to add flair, boost appearance, and provide security for your home. However, they become susceptible to rust with time. If not remedied in time, the rust leads to structural damage, and you might need to replace your fence.

Rusty fencing is also a security hazard as the corroded bars become brittle and can break easily.

It is essential to remove rust from your fence as soon as you notice it. Fortunately, removing rust from your fence is straightforward and may not require professional help.

This guide walks you through a simple home remedy and the various steps you can apply to restore the shine on your fence.

1. 
   Clean And Remove Rust

Clean the whole fence and remove any rust manually. You can do this using either a wire brush, steel wool, or sandpaper. If the pockets of rust are more profound, consider power tools instead of cleaning by hand. Make sure to remove all the layers of rust, then buff and smooth the surface.

1. 
   Neutralize The Rust

Unknown to many people, even the most negligible amounts of rust can spread and cause massive destruction to your iron fencing. So, neutralize any rust you might have left or not seen during cleaning.

You can neutralize rust using a simple DIY concoction. Mix lemon juice and white vinegar in equal proportions, and then coat the fence with the mixture. Let it stand for about an hour, then rinse with soapy water.

1. 
   Prepare To Paint The Fence

The next step is to paint your fence with rust-resistant primer to seal the iron fencing from corrosion and moisture. This step is vital because it helps to prevent future instances of rust. You can also mix the primer with the paint conditioner to smoothen the surface in preparation for the main coat of paint.

1. 
   Paint The Fence

Once the primer has dried and cured, paint your fence using rust-inhibiting paint to protect it from outside elements. You might need a few coats, depending on the consistency of the paint. Ensure that each coat dries and cures appropriately before adding another one.

1. 
   Regular Maintenance

You’ve heard the saying, “Prevention is better than cure.” The same applies to your fence. After taking the time to clean and remove the rust, it is vital to keep an eye out for rust in the future.

You might have done a proper job, but that does not mean you’re free of rust for good. Repeat the steps above on any areas you notice rust in the future to save you the hassle of intense and time-consuming rust cleaning. It will also save you the cost of replacing an entire fence.

Conclusion

Getting rid of rust is not complicated, although rust can cause severe damage to your fence. Ensure you follow the steps above carefully in order to remove rust on your fence. If the rust requires an extra set of hands, you can always rely on our trusted professionals to lend a hand. Get in touch with Palisade Fence Co. for all your fence installation, repairs, and installation needs.