Painting a New Galvanized Steel Fence or Gate
Galvanized steel resists rust, but paint does not stick to new galvanizing without the right prep. Here is how to do it right.
Why Paint Peels Off New Galvanizing
Galvanized steel is coated in zinc. New zinc is smooth and often carries oils or residues from the mill, and some paints react poorly with zinc. Paint applied straight over it can lose adhesion and peel in sheets, sometimes within a season.
The Prep That Makes It Last
- Clean: remove oil, residue and dirt with a degreaser suited to galvanized metal, then rinse.
- Profile: lightly scuff the surface so the primer can grip.
- Prime: use a primer rated for galvanized metal.
- Topcoat: a compatible exterior metal paint, applied in thin even coats. Spray application reaches every side of pickets and rails.
Spray vs. Brush
We paint metal fences and gates with electrostatic and HVLP spray, which wraps around pickets and ornamental details for even coverage with little overspray. Brushes and rollers leave thick and thin spots on round and square tubing.
Coastal San Diego
Salt air near the coast speeds up corrosion on any steel. Inspect coastal fences more often, and touch up chips before rust spreads under the paint. For modular steel fences see our MWF steel fence painting page.
Pricing
Fence painting runs $7–$12 per linear foot per side. Gates are quoted by size, height and condition after a free estimate. Call 858-754-9842 or request a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you paint galvanized steel?+
Yes, with the right cleaning, light scuffing and a primer rated for galvanized metal. Skipping the prep is the most common reason paint peels.
Should I wait before painting new galvanized steel?+
Some people let new galvanizing weather first. Proper cleaning and a galvanized-rated primer let us paint it without a long wait.
Do you paint new metal gates?+
Yes. Gates are quoted by size, height and condition after a free estimate.
What about wrought iron?+
Wrought iron and plain steel need rust removal and a rust-inhibiting primer instead. See our wrought iron guide.
New Metal Fence or Gate?
Call 858-754-9842 or request a free estimate.
San Diego's trusted fence painting experts since 2002 — licensed & insured. CSLB #1038505.
858-754-9842Call for Free Estimate