What to paint
For painting fencing from a mesh netting, paint and varnish products are used to protect metal surfaces:
- alkyd paints;
- acrylic paints;
- enamels.
Given the impact of an aggressive environment on fences made of this material, it is recommended to use enamels for rust as a coating. They allow you to get high-quality metal protection, as well as reduce the cost of preparation.
If you are going to use ordinary coloring compounds, before starting work it is necessary to treat the surface with a primer with anti-corrosion characteristics.
Calculation of paint consumption
Before you paint the netting netting on the fence, you have to decide on the amount of material. Paint consumption depends on the method of work. Paint rollers are considered the most economical option, but even in this case, a large amount of wasted material cannot be avoided.
The design feature of the chain-link implies high losses of the colorful composition.
According to construction standards, the minimum paint consumption when painting welded wire mesh and other cellular materials is 45% of the standard for painting a dull metal surface.
If the area is 1 sq.m. according to calculation, 200 ml of paint is required (this value strongly depends on the paint itself, but it is always mandatory to apply it to the label, you need to start from it), then for the netting you will need 90 ml, while the painted surface of the mesh is less than a dozen times.
Staining methods
Having calculated the required amount of paint and primer, proceed to the choice of method of painting. How to color a chain-link and save on material? In practice, four options are used:
- With a brush. The most expensive way in terms of time and material consumption. The brush is chosen soft, with a width of not more than 100 mm. To reduce losses, it is recommended to dip in the paint only the very tip of the tool. By smearing the coloring composition on the grid, smudges are controlled. They need to be picked up immediately with a semi-dry brush. With all diligence, smudges and drops on the ground, when using a brush, can not be avoided.
- Using the roller. Quickly and efficiently paint the fence using a roller can only be done with a partner, making synchronous movements from the inside and outside of the fence. As in the case with the brush, the paint on the instrument is collected a little, carefully rolled on the cuvette and, pressing the rollers on both sides to each other, simultaneously rolled. Thus, all cells are completely stained.
- Using a spray gun. The most costly method of material consumption. Paint for mesh netting is sprayed from a distance of 30-40 cm. In order not to stain plants and buildings with paint, it is recommended to install a fence made of plywood or cardboard from the opposite side.
- With the help of a fur gauntlet. Somewhat extravagant, but effective way to work with cellular products. The fur mitten is turned outward by fur and is used as a brush. This method is also associated with increased consumption of material - the paint impregnates a thick gauntlet, accumulating in it. Rubber gloves are recommended for hand protection.
Materials and tools
Having decided on the method of staining, proceed to the procurement of materials and the selection of a suitable tool.
The following materials will be required:
- primer for metal surfaces with corrosion protection;
- degreasing solution;
- paint (acrylic, alkyd or enamel).
You will need tools:
- a brush with an iron pile for cleaning the mesh from rust and old paint;
- medium grain sandpaper;
- roller with a medium pile;
- cuvette;
- brush 100 mm wide;
- spray gun;
- a sheet of plywood or thick cardboard, when painted with a spray gun.
Preparatory work
Before starting work on the direct painting of the fence, you need to perform preparatory operations. The need for preliminary surface preparation depends on the state of the mesh.
You will have to tinker with the old and rusty fence, but a completely new chain-link must be processed in order to achieve a long-term effect after staining. For this work, you need to allocate a sufficient amount of time. It is better if several people will be engaged in the preparation at the same time.
The sequence of preparation of the cellular surface for painting:
- an old mesh with multiple pockets of rust is treated with sandpaper and a metal brush. All problem areas should be cleaned and rust and old paint removed. New grids do not have to be handled this way;
- with a degreasing solution, the entire surface to be painted is treated. The following work can only be performed after the solution has completely dried;
- the cleaned and fat-free mesh is treated with a primer. The primer allows to achieve high adhesion of the base and paint. In addition, it fills the smallest pores on the metal, which positively affects the paint consumption. Processing is performed twice, the second layer is applied after the first has completely dried.
Paint instruction
To obtain a reliable protective coating of the cellular material, it is enough to apply one coat of paint on the prepared surface. A single treatment is enough for a period of at least 5 years.
The technology of painting depends on the chosen method.
Step by step instructions for painting using fur mittens:
- the fur glove is turned inside out (two or three gloves will be needed to color the entire fence);
- to prevent paint from getting on hands, a rubber glove should be worn before work;
- a hand with a fur mitt is lowered into a container of paint, after which they begin to apply the coloring composition to the net.
It is convenient to work with a fur glove. All bends and wire weaves are stained with quality, there are practically no gaps. When collecting paint from the container, squeeze out excess to minimize losses.
Paint instruction using roller:
- two ditches and two rollers are prepared for work with a partner;
- workers are on opposite sides of the fence;
- when collecting paint from a cuvette, it is necessary to carefully squeeze the roller from excess material;
- to paint the fence on both sides, the partners press the rollers to each other through the net, after which they begin to move uniformly in one direction;
- it is more convenient to carry out vertical movements, starting from the top point, going down.
The method of applying paint using rollers is the most economical in terms of material consumption, as well as the fastest. With well-coordinated work, the fence on a standard summer cottage can be painted in 6-7 hours.
Paint instruction with a spray gun:
- a sheet of plywood or thick cardboard is prepared to protect plants and buildings from spray paint composition. For the convenience of working alone, in the lower part of plywood, supports supporting against the ground are fixed;
- the paint finisher is required to use protective clothing and a protective mask;
- single application of the coloring composition is limited by the area of the protective screen (movable plywood). Given the high performance of the sprayer, it is better to take a partner to move the screen;
- after painting one side, partners change places and begin processing the second side.
The mesh is painted with a brush from top to bottom. To keep less smudges on the chain-link, only one third of the brush is dipped into the container. Appearing clots of paint and smudges must be removed in a timely manner.