Wrought iron gates and fences bring timeless beauty and strong protection to your property—but they need the right care to last. At Red Stick Construction, we help homeowners and businesses keep their ironwork looking its best and functioning properly for years to come.

With the right maintenance routine—cleaning, rust prevention, inspections, and touch-up work—you can preserve both the strength and charm of your investment. And if you’re not sure where to start, contact us today. We’re here to help you protect your property and keep your wrought iron in great shape.

Keep Them Clean to Keep Them Strong

Wrought iron fences and gates add character and durability, but dirt, moisture, and pollution can dull their finish and create conditions for rust. Cleaning helps prevent surface buildup and gives you a chance to spot early signs of damage.

When to Clean

We recommend cleaning every two to three years—or more often if you’re in a humid, rainy, or coastal area. Fall and spring are ideal. After the wear of winter or ahead of summer rain, cleaning clears away hidden buildup that can lead to corrosion.

All you need is warm water, pH-neutral soap, and a soft-bristle brush. A gentle wipe-down goes a long way in keeping your ironwork in top shape.

Don’t Skip Inspections

Even the most durable wrought iron should be checked regularly. A quick walk around the fence or gate allows you to catch small problems before they become big ones.

What to Look For

• Paint Damage: Scratched or chipped paint exposing bare metal
• Rust Indicators: Reddish discoloration around joints or decorative elements
• Joint Wear: Loose hinges, latches, or weld points
• Moisture Accumulation: Water pooling near the base or in corners after rain

Rust and damage usually begin in small, unnoticed spots. Pair cleaning with seasonal inspections to stay ahead of wear. If your area experiences heavy snow or rain, take a look afterward to make sure nothing is pooling or shifting.

Stop Rust Early

Rust is the most common issue with wrought iron—and it spreads fast if not caught early. Check for reddish-brown spots, especially around hinges, joints, and decorative features.

Steps to Remove Early Rust

• Surface Prep: Sand affected areas with a wire brush or sandpaper
• Treatment: Apply a rust converter to neutralize corrosion
• Protection: Repaint with rust-inhibiting primer and durable exterior paint
• Prevention: Add a rust-resistant coating once a year to reduce future risk

Pay extra attention to hinges, joints, and scrollwork, as these are usually the first places where rust begins.

Watch for Structural Problems

Surface care is important, but what holds everything together matters just as much. Hinges, latches, bolts, and welds need to be firm. A wobbly gate or rattling section may be a sign of deeper structural issues.

Common Structural Warning Signs

• Loose Parts: Hinges or bolts that shift or rattle with movement
• Weak Welds: Visible cracks at welded joints
• Gate Misalignment: Dragging or unbalanced gate doors
• Unusual Sounds: Squeaking or grinding during movement

Inspect hardware at least twice a year. If anything feels loose or unstable, it may need re-tightening or repair. Catching these problems early makes the fix easier and far less expensive.

When to Bring in a Professional

Some issues, like light rust or paint touch-ups, are easy to handle on your own. But if there’s widespread rust, broken parts, or signs of structural fatigue, it’s best to call in a professional.

Red Stick Construction offers expert inspections, repairs, and full restoration services. Whether your ironwork needs a small adjustment or a complete repainting, we’ll make sure it’s done right and built to last.

Repainting Wrought Iron the Right Way

Paint isn’t just for appearance—it acts as a protective layer. Repainting seals the iron from air and moisture, helping prevent rust and corrosion.

How to Repaint Wrought Iron

• Remove Old Paint: Sand or scrape peeling paint and surface rust
• Prime for Protection: Apply a rust-blocking primer for strong adhesion
• Use Durable Paint: Choose high-quality exterior paint suitable for metal
• Apply Two Coats: One for coverage, the second for added durability

We suggest repainting every two to three years, or more often if exposed to extreme weather.

Help It Handle the Weather

Wrought iron stands up to a lot—but it still needs protection from harsh weather. Regular maintenance gives your fence or gate the strength to handle tough seasons.

Weather Protection Tactics

• Routine Cleaning: Use gentle soap and water every few months
• Surface Checks: Inspect for rust, chips, or wear after storms
• Moisture Barriers: Apply waterproof sealants to prevent water buildup
• Heat Management: Use thermal-insulating coatings like Tnemec
• Better Hardware: Switch to galvanized or stainless steel for longevity
• Windbreak Landscaping: Plant trees or shrubs near fences for shade and protection
• Rust Detection Tools: Use corrosion sensors for early rust alerts (great for larger installations)

Simple steps like trimming overhanging branches and removing debris can also help reduce surface stress.

Security and Style Go Together

Wrought iron is known for its resilience and decorative appeal. But when rust creeps in or hardware loosens, both function and appearance suffer. A weakened gate can’t secure your space—and a rusted fence won’t give the right impression.

Quick Maintenance Checklist

• Clean Frequently: Every few months in dry or dusty areas
• Inspect Annually: Check for movement, scrapes, and signs of rust
• Treat Rust Early: Sand and prime small spots before they spread
• Touch-Up Paint: Repaint trouble areas to restore protection and appearance

That quick fix could be the difference between repainting a small section or replacing an entire panel.

Give Your Ironwork a Long Life

Regular maintenance of your wrought iron gates and fences keeps them looking great and standing strong. Cleaning, inspecting, touching up paint, and protecting against weather adds years of use and avoids expensive repairs down the line.

Long-Term Protection Tips

• Routine Cleaning: Keep surfaces free of dirt and moisture
• Seasonal Inspections: Catch wear and damage early
• Protective Coatings: Reapply as needed to prevent rust
• Timely Repairs: Address small issues before they grow

If your ironwork needs repainting, repairs, or just a professional checkup, call us today at Red Stick Construction. We’ll make sure your gates and fences are ready for the next decade—and beyond.