Quick answer: To paint a metal gate so rust stays away, remove all loose rust and old paint, apply a rust-inhibiting primer (red oxide, zinc-rich or galvanised primer), then two coats of gloss or satin enamel, or a spray finish. Typical cost is KES 350–600 per m² including preparation and primer.
Gates, window grills, railings and steel doors are the first thing visitors notice, and in Kenya’s rain and coastal air they rust quickly. Painting straight over rust is the most common mistake we see. The rust keeps spreading under the new paint, which flakes off within months.
Step-by-step: painting a metal gate
- Inspect: check for holes, broken welds and badly corroded bottoms. Repair them first.
- Remove rust: wire-brush, sand or grind to firm metal. Heavy rust may need mechanical cleaning.
- Clean: wash off dust and grease and let the gate dry completely.
- Prime the same day: bare steel starts rusting quickly, so apply a rust-inhibiting primer soon after cleaning.
- Fill: fill dents and pits with metal filler and spot-prime.
- Two finish coats: gloss or satin enamel, by brush or spray.
- Bottom edges and hinges: give these extra attention, because water collects there.
Choosing the right primer
| Metal | Primer |
|---|---|
| Old painted steel (sound) | Spot-prime bare areas with metal primer |
| Rusty mild steel | Rust-inhibiting primer (red oxide or zinc-based) |
| New galvanised steel | Galvanised-iron (etch) primer |
| Coastal properties | Zinc-rich primer plus a high-build finish |
| Aluminium | Etch primer for non-ferrous metals |
Gloss, satin or spray finish?
- Gloss enamel: the toughest and easiest to clean. It shows dents more.
- Satin enamel: modern and less reflective, and it hides minor imperfections.
- Spray finish: smooth and even, and ideal for ornate gates, mesh and large steel areas. See our spray painting services.
- Hammered or textured metal paint: hides pitting on older gates.
Popular gate colours in Kenya
- Black: classic and smart, and it suits almost any house colour.
- Charcoal or dark grey: modern, and it pairs with grey and white houses.
- Dark brown: warm, and it hides dust and rust stains.
- Forest green or maroon: traditional, matching common roof colours.
- Silver or metallic grey: popular on contemporary homes.
Coordinate the gate with your walls and roof. See exterior design ideas and the best exterior house colours.
Other metal surfaces we paint
- Window and door grills, burglar-proofing
- Balcony and staircase railings
- Steel doors and roller shutters
- Water tank stands and steel structures
- Mabati roofs. See the best roof paint in Kenya.
Metal painting costs
Metal painting typically costs KES 350–600 per m² including rust treatment, primer and two coats of gloss, or KES 150–250 per m² for labour only. Ornate gates take longer than flat sheet gates, so gates are usually quoted as a fixed price after inspection. Compare with other rates in our painting rates per m² guide.
Keep your gate looking new
- Touch up chips and scratches as soon as they appear.
- Wash off dust and mud twice a year.
- Keep soil and sprinkler water away from the bottom rail.
- Oil hinges and runners so they don’t wear the paint.
BrushMasters paints gates, grills and steelwork across Nairobi, often alongside exterior house painting so everything matches. Book a free inspection and quote.
