It’s a fact of life for a wrought iron gate: it will eventually rust. Unfortunately, iron rusts easily.

Your automatic gate is one feature of your house that offers both security and beauty, so you’ll want to keep working and looking its best. When rust appears on the surface, you want to know how to remove and restore your electronic gate as soon as possible.

Steps to removing rust from your iron driveway gate:

First, you’ll need to remove any rust and old paint in the affected area. Use a wire brush to scrape off the rust and paint. Be sure to scrub the tight places where rust can’t easily be seen. If you have heavy rust, call the experts at OC Gates.

Next, sand the affected area with coarse-grade sandpaper. When the rust is gone, go over the area with a medium-grade sandpaper to smooth it out. Then, buff the area down with steel wool, then wash it off with soapy water.

The next step is to neutralize the rust. Tiny rust particles can be left behind and can be removed with a commercial rust neutralizer or you can use a vinegar and lemon juice mixture.

Next, paint over the area with a rust-inhibiting primer for metal surfaces and allow it to fully dry. Then apply two coats of rust-resistant paint over the primer.

Regular maintenance to help prevent rust is important. Wash your gate with soapy water a few times a year. Oil all latches and springs, and use steel wool to stay on top of any rust that develops, followed with a vinegar and lemon juice mixture to neutralize.

If you’re looking for automatic gate repair, installation or replacement on Orange County call OC Gates today.

We are based in Fountain Valley and serve Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine Laguna Niguel, Santa Ana and Anaheim Hills. Call us today at 888-325-7040.