Do you know that energy you feel at the start of the year when you want to make everything fresh and new, like painting your rusty metal gate that guards your kingdom? You get this urge to change the world (or your small part of it), and you’re filled with this nesting instinct that urges you to renew and refresh your home. Hold on to that feeling and don’t let go because if you do, chances are you will slide back into your comfort zone and nothing will change even if your home, and most of all you, deserve better.
When you’re in this zone, an important tip is to make a to-do list that is not a mountain. Just aim for a gentle mound instead and tackle one part of the home—a room, a nook, a cabinet, a drawer—at a time, or in this case a gate which you can do in a weekend.
How to do a Metal Gate Makeover
Before you pick up a brush and start painting your metal gate, start by looking at it first. Does it need a makeover or just a touch-up? Watch this video to see how Bea repainted the metal gate that led to her BnB.
Your gate is the face that your house shows to the world. If we were talking about a brand, this would be your logo, the first thing most people see and that people associate with the brand. So what does your “logo” say about your home?
Imagine a rider coming to your neighborhood to deliver something and your instructions were to look for the red gate. It took him a while to find your place and you were getting impatient. When you asked why it took him so long, he said, “Pasensiya na po, ma’am, akala ko kasi red gate,” with a sidelong glance at your gate, that rusty, dilapidated, sad-looking thing. But in fairness, kalawang can also be red naman, just not the bright, attractive color we usually associate with that color.
Blog Posts on How to Paint a Metal Surface
Before the rains come, it is time to paint exterior surfaces including your metal gate.
We have written several posts about painting metal surfaces, and here are the links for you to follow so that you can get savvy about the subject before you take on your metal gate project.
1 First, you have to assess the surface:
- Is the surface you will be painting one that has never been painted or will you be repainting?
- What kind of metal is it—GI sheets (yero), new steel or aluminum, or rusty and unpainted metal surfaces?
2 Based on your assessment, here are the tools and Boysen paint systems you would be needing and how you will use them.
3 The post below gives more detailed information on the primer and topcoat that go together.
This infographic is very useful and easy to follow. You can see at a glance the primer that is compatible with a particular topcoat, and other products that you may need.
In general, water-based paints (topcoats) like Boysen Acqua Epoxy and Boysen Roofgard are easier on the nose (less odor) compared to a solvent-based paint like Boysen Quick-Drying Enamel.
Bonus Tip
Not a gate, but metal furniture. Watch how Carlo distresses metal bar stools for his mom’s fruit shake shop.
This may not be a gate but the surface is metal so if you have metal furniture that you want to refurbish, this video is a good guide.
I can imagine touching up outdoor furniture made of wrought iron, or painting them a different color for a new look. Have you got those in the terrace?
What’s the Best Boysen Paint System for Your Metal Gate?
The answer lies in your assessment of the metal surface. This is why you cannot gloss over that first step because excellent surface preparation is the basis for an excellent paint finish.
Use this omnibus post to lead you to the different posts on metal surfaces that you will find in this blog. Just click on the links given above to get there. If you have questions, picking up the phone and calling (02) 8363-9738 local 417 to 418 during office hours is the quickest way to get answers from our Technical Team. You can also write an email to ask@myboysen.com.
If you are really a newbie in DIY projects, start with our Painting 101 video which has helped so many amateur DIYers and paint professionals over the years.
So while you are still bouncing with enthusiasm about (re)painting your metal gate to give your home an amazing entrance, encourage that energy to help you get your act together. Give your entrance some TLC to celebrate 2021!