Restoring Metal Railings, Fences & Gates: How We Strip, Repair and Respray Them Back to Better-Than-New
Metal railings, gates and fences are some of the most eye-catching features of a property — but over time, layers of paint, rust, and weathering can slowly dull their appearance. Whether you have Victorian wrought iron railings, a steel garden gate, or modern fabricated panels, strippaint.co.uk can restore them back to bare metal and professionally respray them for a finish that looks brand new and lasts for years.
We don’t just remove paint. We repair, prepare, refinish, and even refit the entire installation, handling the full process from start to finish.
Step 1: Professional Paint Removal Back to Bare Metal
Metal railings and gates often accumulate decades of:
- Thick oil-based gloss
- Flaking layers of old lead or alkyd paint
- Rust beneath bubbling coatings
- Hammerite or specialist metal paints
- Poor previous DIY repaints
To restore them properly, the old layers must be completely removed — not just sanded or scraped.
How We Remove Paint from Metal
We use a combination of:
- DCM-based chemical stripping (for thick or stubborn coatings)
- Alkaline stripping (where appropriate)
- Mechanical abrasion or wire-finishing (for detailing and final clean-up)
- Rust removal and surface treatment
This brings the metal back to clean, bare steel or iron, revealing the true condition and allowing a professional finish to bond correctly.
Step 2: Skilled Fabrication Repairs Where Needed
Unlike many paint stripping companies, we don’t stop at cleaning the metal — we can repair it too.
Our fabricators can carry out:
- Minor welding repairs
- Straightening bent sections
- Reattaching broken finials, bars or decorative scrolls
- Replacing corroded brackets or hinge plates
- Filling pitting or heavy rust damage
- Fabricating replacement sections to match the original design
This is ideal for older wrought iron gates and railings, where traditional features need sympathetic restoration rather than replacement.
Step 3: Professional Spraying With High-Performance Alkyd Oil-Based Paints
Once the metal is clean and repaired, the finish is everything. Instead of powder coating, we use high-build alkyd oil-based metal coatings, which provide a superior protective finish for outdoor metalwork.
Why Alkyd Oil-Based Paints Are Better Than Powder Coating for Railings and Gates
1. Flexibility and Durability
Powder coating can crack if the underlying metal flexes or expands in temperature changes. Alkyd coatings stay flexible, resisting cracking and flaking over time.
2. Better Protection Against Rust
Alkyd systems are designed to penetrate and bond with metal, creating a durable, corrosion-resistant barrier ideal for outdoor metal exposed to moisture.
3. Easier to Touch Up
If powder coating chips, moisture can creep underneath and cause widespread failure.
Alkyd coatings can be repaired locally without needing to respray the entire panel.
4. More Authentic Finish for Period Railings
Powder coating often looks plasticky and modern.
Alkyd metal paints give a traditional, smooth, deep finish that suits wrought iron and heritage metalwork.
5. Longer Lasting in Real-World Conditions
For metal gates and railings exposed to rain, frost, constant sun and physical impact, alkyd coatings outperform powder coat in practicality and longevity.
Step 4: Removal, Transport, Reinstallation & Fixing Replacement
We handle the whole process — not just the spraying.
We Can:
- Remove gates, railings or fencing panels from your property
- Replace old, rusted or seized fixings
- Fit new adjustable hinges, brackets or latches
- Ensure correct alignment and swinging action
- Reinstall the restored items safely and securely
Most homeowners and trades struggle with removal or fitting — but we do it all as part of the service.
Benefits of Choosing Us for Metal Railing & Gate Restoration
✔ Complete stripping back to bare metal
✔ Chemical, mechanical and rust removal methods available
✔ Skilled fabrication repairs
✔ High-performance alkyd oil-based finishing
✔ Authentic, durable and weather-resistant coatings
✔ Professional removal and reinstallation
✔ Replacement fixings, hinges and brackets available
✔ Fast turnaround and competitive pricing
Your Metal Railings or Gates Can Look Brand New Again
Whether they’re ornamental wrought iron from a period property or a modern steel installation needing a refresh, we can bring them back to life with a finish that lasts.
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