How do I clean my “rusting” chain link fence?

Jill02152
by Jill02152
  4 answers
  • Deb K Deb K on May 07, 2019

    Hello, chain link fences are typically silver-colored galvanized steel. Although the galvanized links and posts are rust resistant, they can deteriorate to the point where you need to refinish the fence. It’s not a difficult task. Don’t be tempted to spray paint the fence, because you will lose a lot of paint to overspray. It’s best to use a paintbrush on the posts and a roller on the chain link. Choose oil-based, rust-inhibiting aluminum flake paint for the project. The small flakes of aluminum in the paint overlap with each other to create a watertight bond on the metal.

    Trim the grass as low as possible underneath the fence with a weed trimmer or grass clippers.

    Use a power washer to remove dust and debris from the fence. If you don’t own a power washer, you can rent one at an equipment rental agency.

    Remove rust and flaking paint on the entire fence with a wire brush. Brush one side of the fence and repeat the process on the other side to get anything you happened to miss with the first pass.

    Lay plastic sheeting or scrap cardboard underneath the fence. Cover any nearby flowers and shrubs with plastic sheeting to keep paint off them.

    Coat the rusty areas of the fence with an oil-based primer designed for metal. Do not coat the portions of the fence that still have the original galvanized coating. The primer may not bond properly with the original metal and may peel, necessitating the need for more painting. Spread the primer with a long-napped roller. Take your time and cover the bends and loops in the chain link mesh. Let the primer dry following the manufacturer’s dry time guidelines.

    Paint the fence with the paint you selected, using a long-napped roller. Paint areas you cannot reach with the roller with a paintbrush. Start at the top and work your way down. When you finish one side of the fence, paint the other side as well.