Which Type Of Paint Is Right For My Garden Gate?

When it comes to our homes, keeping the garden looking tidy and welcoming is often as important as decorating the inside. Not only this, but due to being left exposed to the elements, many outdoor fixtures and fittings – including the trusty garden gate - require a higher level of care and maintenance than their indoor counterparts.

What can you do to keep your gates in better shape, and which paint is right for your gate? Read on to find out more.

Your Garden Gate

Your garden gate is the first thing most people see when they approach your home, but for many people it isn’t something they give much thought to until it comes time to replace it, or until it begins to look shabby. A quick, regular coat of paint is the cheapest and easiest way of keeping your gate looking good, as well as protecting it from the elements. A well-painted metal gate is less prone to rust and corrosion, while a painted or varnished wooden gate will be better protected from rot and UV damage.

Wooden Gates

A beautiful wooden gate can add character and a traditional feel to any area, but it can be challenging to maintain it to a high standard. After a couple of winters, many wooden garden gates begin to feel the effects of wind, rain, and frost. With a wooden gate, you need to use a protective paint. This will mean that the paint adheres to the wood and lasts for longer.

Metal Gates

A metal gate adds a majestic and imposing feel to a garden but can quickly succumb to rust if not regularly maintained. Much like wooden gates, metal gates require a unique care and maintenance plan. Some people prefer to leave metal gates unpainted, which is okay if your gates are galvanised. However, painting them can provide an added layer of protection between the metal itself and the elements it is exposed to.

When painting metal gates, ensure that the gate is not rusty or flaking. If so, you will need to prepare the gate for painting by sanding away all visible rust and mill scale, as well as any oil or old paint residues. If the metal is pitted, we recommend using one or two coats of a metal primer before applying the topcoat. Once the gate is in a good state, ensure that you use a metal-specific paint or gloss.

Prevention, Not Cure

The most important thing to remember is to use the correct paint from the start. Using protective coatings on either wooden or metal gates can prevent most common maintenance issues, and guarantee you many years of enjoyment from your gate.

You do not want to wait until your wood is damp and swollen before repainting, as this can trap moisture and accelerate the rotting process, leading to you needing to replace the gate. Similarly, it is important to maintain your metal gate so that it does not rust over. Once rust has set in, it is time-consuming and expensive to remove, and the damage to the underlying metal could be permanent. Selecting great paint and protecting the materials will make maintenance easier.

Home And Garden Paints From TA Paints

Using the correct paint on your gate can result in the gate itself looking better and lasting longer, saving you time and money. Maintenance is always going to be the more affordable and preferable option over replacing a gate, so take a step in the right direction by checking out the excellent home and garden paint selection at TA Paints.