Residential driveway gates come in a variety of materials and designs to complement the style of your home and your personal esthetic. If you have a stylish, custom-made gate, here are a few tips for choosing the best paint or stain colour.

Wood Gate

Wood gates offer a rich, natural appearance. However, nicks and chips in the paint or stain can leave the wood vulnerable to rot and pest infestation. Consequently, you should apply a fresh coat of paint or wood stain to your gate every two to three years. Here are a few tips for choosing a stylish paint or stain colour for your driveway gate:u

• Stain. Applying stain to your wooden driveway gate is a great way to accentuate the natural grain of the timber. You can also use a darker stain to give a light-coloured softwood gate the appearance of mahogany, teak, rosewood, or walnut.
  
  
• Paint. Choose a gate colour that complements your home’s facade and landscaping. For instance, if you want a minimal and modest look, paint your driveway gate the same shade as your front door or window shutters. Soft colours like white, grey, brown, and tan are suitable for many homes.
  
  However, the look of bleached wood is currently trending. Therefore, you may consider staining your driveway gate a whitish hue to make it look like beach driftwood.
  
  If you want to make a statement, opt for a bold gate colour like black, mustard yellow, red, or dark blue. These colours stand out and exude modernity.
  

6 Tips For Painting Or Staining A Wood Gate

Here are a few tips for transforming the look of your wood gate with paint or stain.

1. Remove as much old paint as you can with a putty knife or paint scraper. This is a good time to inspect your gate and check for any rotten or damaged areas. Minor damage can be repaired with exterior wood putty. However, you must replace extensively damaged panels.
   
   
2. Sand down the entire gate with rough- to medium-grit sandpaper. This will ensure your paint or stain adheres to the gate effectively.
   
   
3. Spray down the gate with a garden hose and wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth to remove any dust and debris.
   
   
4. Opt for an exterior grade acrylic or oil paint with UV resistance and mildewcide. Lay down a drop cloth below the gate and use a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer to paint the entirety of your gate.
   
   
5. Allow your newly painted or stained gate to dry for several days. If necessary, apply a second coat.

Ornamental Wrought-Iron Gate

Ornamental wrought-iron gates are highly stylized and have a beautiful hand-crafted look. Here are a few colours to consider for your metal driveway gate.

• Black is a classic colour for wrought iron gates. It’s a popular choice because it goes with pretty much everything and symbolizes elegance and prestige. Matte or satin black looks best because it absorbs the light and appears smooth and clean.
  

• Green is the colour of nature and makes a modest and tasteful wrought iron gate. This is a great colour if you want the details in your entrance to flow into the natural surroundings. This shade looks best with silver accents.
  
  
• Gold is a bright, eye-catching colour typically used on very ornate estate gates to accentuate decorative finishes like finials, curls, flourishes, and spirals. It pairs well with black and exudes wealth and luxury.
  
  
• Brown gives your property an earthy vibe. This shade blends exceptionally well with trees and plants, making it a good choice if you want your gate to be a little understated. In addition, a brownish, force-rusted finish can give your gate an antique and weathered look.

You can also opt for other hues like blue or deep purple if you want to make a statement.

4 Tips For Painting A Metal Gate

Here are a few tips for painting your wrought-iron gate to express your personality. Make sure to check with your gate’s manufacturer to ensure painting your gate does not negate your warranty.

1. Before painting, make sure your metal gate is clean, dry and free from grease and rust.
   
   
2. Use a wire brush to scrape off rust and old paint. Then, use sandpaper to smooth out the rough spots. Apply a metallic primer to the previously rusty areas to seal the area and prevent further corrosion.
   
   
3. Place a large tarp below your gate to avoid having flecks land on your driveway. Choose an oil-based or alkyd paint. This will create a durable finish that repels water and resists stains, scuffs, and dents.
   
   
4. Start by painting the outer edges of the gate. Then, move on to the decorative ornaments and finish at the backside of the gate.
   
   
5. Allow your metal gate to dry for two to three days before applying a second coat.

Keep in mind that most paints and stains require an ambient air temperature of 10 degrees Celsius or above for optimal results. Therefore, don’t paint or stain your wood or metal gate if frost or rain is predicted within 48 hours.

Stylish Custom Residential Gates from Creative Door Services™

If you want to wow your neighbourhood with a stylish driveway gate, the team at Creative Door Services^TM can help. We carry a range of high-quality residential gates in various colours, styles, and materials. Our team can help you design the custom gate of your dreams. We also have innovative access control solutions like keypads, telephone entry systems and automatic sensors. To learn more about our products and services or get a free quote, contact us today.

We have locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.