Key FAQ Points:
- Whatever material, your choice of paint must be weather-resistant, including water and UV rays.
- For wood gates, you can choose between paint (opaque), stain (accentuates the grain) and varnish (clear).
- Frenchic’s Al Fresco paint range is weather-resistant and adheres to wood.
- It also adheres to non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminium. Ferrous (iron-based) metals require a primer first.
---
Whether it’s the front of your drive or the entryway to your garden, paint can give your garden gates a new lease of life. Of course, it’s vital to choose the right products to ensure the best results and a lasting finish – as we’ll discuss below.
Weather-resistance is a must
First and foremost, any paint for outdoor gates has to be weather-resistant. This includes both water-resistance and resistance to UV rays, which can cause fading, colour loss, cracking and peeling over time without the right protection.
Most exterior-grade paints will have these properties, including acrylic latex and alkyd enamel paints. Frenchic’s Al Fresco range is another option, which also boasts self-priming qualities, meaning you won’t need to buy more products or spend more time before you can start painting!
What’s the best type of paint for wood gates?
When it comes to wood gates, the choice is typically between paint, stain and varnish:
- Wood paint covers the grain for a solid finish in a wide range of colours. Just make sure it’s weather-resistant and designed to adhere to wood, like our Al Fresco range.
- Stain penetrates the wood to accentuate the natural grain.
- Varnish is completely clear and added solely for weather protection.
If you’re using paint on bare wood, you’ll need to seal the surface beforehand to avoid it absorbing too much moisture from your paint. Use 2-3 coats of Finishing Coat before applying your chosen paint for the best results.
What’s the best type of paint for metal gates?
There are a selection of specialist paints that adhere to metal, including oil-based enamel paints and water-based Al Fresco paint from Frenchic. It adheres to non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminium, but you’ll need to use a metal primer for bare or uncoated ferrous (iron-based) metals.
When using our Al Fresco range, you simply need to ensure that:
- The surface is free from grease, wax, algae, mould or penetrating substances like oil treatments.
- You’ve removed any loose or flaking paint and treated any rust.
- You clean the metal with Sugar Soap and hand-sand to abrade the surface.
- The surface is dry and the weather forecast is suitable. The weather should be dry and above 10°C during painting and for 48 hours after.
