DC Paint Solutions

Over time the original coating on a gate can fail. Due to the fact that gates are exposed to the worst of the weather the whole year round it is inevitable over time. The failure of the original coating through chips and cracks in the coating or even the fading of its colour due to direct exposure to sunlight can not only result in poor aesthetics which reflect badly on you, it can also damage the gate itself. A gate’s coating protects the underlying metal from rust as it provides a waterproof coating.

All too often people see that their gate is a little worse for wear and feel that the appropriate solution is to simply buy a new one as opposed to attempting to salvage their old one. Or if people do elect to attempt to salvage or repair their old gate they choose to do so by hiring the services of a handyman. Both of these “solutions” are extremely financially expensive when compared with the solution we have to offer- recoat your gate using spray paint.

Spray paint is an exceedingly popular DIY “cheat” to not only restore the aesthetics of your gate, but also to protect the underlying substrate from further damage. Perhaps the chief reason for the popularity of spray paint for use in DIY projects, such as recoating a gate, is the fact that the process is so cheap. Literally the only cost is the price of a can of spray paint, which can be bought for as little as just £7.99. The second reason the popularity of spray paint for recoating projects is the diversity of colour of spray paint available. You can literally select any colour you desire, most spray paint providers offer customers the ability to choose colours from a number of globally recognised colour coding systems, including the British Standard System, the RAL System and also the colours created by Pantone.

However the advantages of utilising spray paint for recoating gates are not purely attributable to the price or selection of spray paints available. Due to the fact that most modern spray paints actually bond to the substrate to which they are applied, they actually form a stronger bond than other conventional paint techniques, meaning that a more durable and longer lasting coating is achieved. In addition, a spray paint based recoat of a gate can be completed far quicker and with a greater level of coating consistency.

Spray painting a gate may be easier said than done, if you do not know what you are doing. That is why we have made this simple guide to provide you with the ability to save money and have a fantastic looking gate by simply spray painting it.

Guide To Recoating Your Gate With Spray Paint:

1. Time your project appropriately: Ensuring that you embark on your recoating project in the correct conditions is perhaps the single most important preparation factor. Windy days should be avoided at all costs. This is due to the spray based application method of this recoating project, even the lightest of breezes can be problematic. This is because light winds can blow the particles as they are being applied, resulting in them spreading to surfaces where they are neither wanted nor required. Rainy or wet weather should also be avoided as this will result in an inferior coating, greater surface run off and a longer curing time.

2. Prepare the surrounding area: When applied, spray paint particles can spread away from their intended target and leave a dust like covering on surrounding areas. In order to avoid this occurring on the surrounding area of your gate, it is advisable to lay down some plastic sheeting or old rags to protect the surrounding floor area. In addition if there are any surrounding areas, such as supporting posts, walls and fences that you do not want covering these should also be prepared. In order to do this take some rags or newspaper and apply it to these areas using tape to secure it in place.

3. Prepare the gate: When recoating an old gate it is important to prepare it and to restore it, where possible, before recoating it. To do this you will require either a sheet of sandpaper or a stiff brush. Take either of these and use it to remove any rust flakes from the gate’s surface. Following this, the gate should be washed, to do this simply fill a bucket or basin with warm soapy water and take a cloth. Then run it along the entirety of the gate’s surface ensuring it is all cleaned.

4. Prime the Gate: Before progressing, you should ensure that the gate’s surface has been allowed to dry sufficiently. Once this has occurred the application phase of the project can commence. The first stage of this is to apply a primer to the gate’s surface. This should be done using a paint brush. This all too often overlooked stage is incredibly important. Priming the gate’s surface ensures that in future rust does not form as easily on the gate’s substrate. It also ensures that once the spray paint has been applied it will bond well to the gate, preventing it from peeling or cracking within a short space of time.

5. Spray the Gate: Once you have allowed the primer to dry, it is time to begin spraying the gate. Before applying the paint to the gate you should test it, this is because spray paint is often comprised of mixed paint and as a result it can vary upon application. This is the best way to avoid disappointment. Once you are satisfied with the colour of your paint it is time to apply it. To do this, hold the can at least 8 inches from the gate. Apply the paint in a continuous sideways stroke working across the gate from the top down. With high quality spray paint a single coating should be sufficient, if this is not the case do not be afraid to add another. If certain areas require touching up then do so. Once finished allow it to dry before moving or using the gate.