Gate Hinge Problems

Q: I have six probably antique, matching strap hinges holding up my three gates. They are about 28" total across. The problem is that one is bent. I can find nothing remotely like them. The hinges are nice looking, unique, and I want to keep them all, not to mention the hassle of removing them from the gates.

The bent hinge is a big hinge and is not bent badly. I bent it forcing the gate open when I was in a hurry. I'm thinking if someone has a press of some type, maybe they can flatten the hinge back straight. What type of business would I go to for this?

Also, I used paint stripper to take off the paint on the hinges. My fence is off-white and I want the hinges black. Now the hinges are displaying rust. What do I use to get rid of the rust? Do I need a rust remover then a black paint or is there a paint that will do both jobs? What kind of paint do I need?

A: I would think you need a metal fabricator - they would need a press, possibly a brake to straighten it. A company that makes metal ducts would have the tools also a good auto body shop.

For the paint, I would use a wire brush to take off any loose rust, wire wheel on a dremel tool would be better. I would use Rust-Oleum grey metal primer (spray) and then you can apply a finish coat also spray.

Best Season To Paint

Q: My friend says that the best time to paint outside is in the spring or autumn when the paint or deck stain has more time to soak in because these are cooler months. Also the surface won't dry first like in the summer.

I always paint before the sun comes around but of course it heats up the surfaces when it hits. I think it's better to paint when it will get hot so the paint will get less dirt on it and the dries fast. Can you settle this disagreement. Does it matter which season you paint outside in?

A: Fall is the best time to paint, followed by Spring. The reason is not heat as much as it is humidity. Wood becomes saturated with moisture in the summer and when you paint you trap the moisture in the wood, this has the potential of causing rot.

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Is There A Difference Between Reflective and Insulating Paint?

There is a very big difference between reflective paint and the paint that has an insulating factor such as ceramic microspheres.

Air, or even better a vacuum, is one of the best insulators, next only to inert gases such as Argon. That is why double and triple glass windows work, not because the glass has any thermal value, but because it has air trapped between the pains of glass and air is a very poor thermal conductor. The same applies to any insulation, it is not the material, such as foam or fiberglass it is the amount of air pockets that are trapped within the insulation. That is why insulation has little benefit if you crush it or shove it into a space.

The ceramics microspheres are small hollow balls, with a vacuum in them, hence the vacuum acts as a thermal barrier, keeping heat out or in depending on which direction is hotter.

Reflective paint, has the ability to reflect some UV rays which slows down the heating of objects, however, once the object (paint) is heated it transmits the heat as a thermal conductor. It is similar to a well insulated home, it takes longer to heat it from outside hot air and sun, but once it is heated up it takes longer to cool it down.

As reflective paint is exposed to the elements it picks up dirt and grime. The reflective effect of the paint only works if it is getting directly hit with the UV rays. As soon as there is a layer of dirt or grime the UV rays heat those items and the reflective paint has no value.

The advantage of the ceramic microspheres is that you can paint over it with other paints, it can get covered in dirt and grime and it still performs because the insulation is in the transfer of heat through the ceramic microspheres, the surface has no effect.

If you want a perfectly smooth finish, and are using a paint with microspheres, the manufacturers recommend painting over the insulating paint with an enamel.

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Choosing a Paintbrush

Choosing A Paintbrush.

In order to choose the correct paintbrush there are three items to consider.

• The type of paint – oil or water based.


• The surface texture being painted – rough or smooth.


• The size of the area.

Follow the link for more information.

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