There are a few steps you should take when you find rust spots on your fence. Remember that rust on a wrought iron fence is normal, easily repairable, and a small price to pay for the beauty of your fence or gate.
Here’s what you should do when you find rust.
Establish the cause. If it’s chipped paintwork, then look to see if any specific thing is causing the paintwork to chip in that location. If it’s vegetation, cut it back. In some cases there might not be anything you can do, but it’s wise to be aware of the cause if you can.
Inspect the rest of the fence. If there’s rust in one place, there is likely rust elsewhere. You can use paper and tape to “tag” rusty spots to check them later.
Establish whether you need to contact a professional. It is possible to do basic repairs yourself. Rust spots can be scrubbed away using a wire brush and sandpaper (wear a face mask, as the iron dust can cause problems if it gets into your lungs). If the hole is large, fill it in with putty. You can then repaint that part of the fence. However, if the problem is deeper or if there is sagging or bending, then you will need a professional repair. If in doubt, talk to a professional. They can probably advise you on whether this is essentially routine maintenance you can do yourself or whether you need help.