One of the biggest selling points of Colorbond fencing is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike timber, it doesn't need painting, staining or oiling. But "low maintenance" doesn't mean "no maintenance" — a few simple steps each year will keep your Colorbond fence looking factory-fresh and performing well for 30–50 years.

This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining a Colorbond fence.

Annual Maintenance Checklist

Once a year — ideally in spring — run through this checklist:

1. Wash the fence — remove dirt, grime, mould and salt deposits
2. Inspect for scratches and damage — touch up any bare metal before rust takes hold
3. Check post footings — look for movement, cracking or water pooling at the base
4. Inspect fasteners — check screws and bolts for corrosion
5. Clear vegetation — remove any plants growing against or through the fence
6. Check gates — lubricate hinges and latches, adjust alignment if needed

Cleaning Your Colorbond Fence

What You'll Need

• Garden hose with a spray nozzle
• Soft-bristle brush or sponge
• Mild detergent (dish soap or car wash soap)
• Bucket of warm water

How to Clean

1. Rinse the fence with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Mix a mild detergent solution in a bucket — a few drops of dish soap in warm water is sufficient.
3. Scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush or sponge, working from top to bottom. Pay attention to areas where dirt accumulates — the bottom rail, around post bases and in profile valleys.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Don't leave detergent residue on the surface.
5. Allow to dry naturally.

What to Avoid

• Abrasive cleaners or scourers — these scratch the paint surface and can cause premature corrosion
• High-pressure washers — the force can damage the paint coating and force water into joints
• Bleach or harsh chemicals — these can damage the paint finish and are unnecessary for routine cleaning
• Steel wool or wire brushes — these leave steel particles on the surface that rust and stain the fence

Mould and Mildew

In shaded or damp areas, mould and mildew can develop on the fence surface. A solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water, applied with a soft brush and rinsed off, is effective for most mould growth. For persistent mould, a diluted bleach solution (1:10 bleach to water) can be used — rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Coastal Properties

If your property is within a few kilometres of the coast, salt deposits can accelerate corrosion. Wash your fence more frequently — every 3–6 months — and pay particular attention to joints, fasteners and any areas where the coating may be damaged.

Touch-Up Paint: When and How to Use It

Colorbond's factory-applied paint finish is very durable, but it can be scratched or chipped during installation, by garden tools, or by impact. Any area where bare metal is exposed is a potential rust point.

Touch up scratches and chips as soon as you notice them — don't wait for the annual maintenance check if you spot damage.

What Touch-Up Paint to Use

FPM Building Supplies stocks Colorbond-matched touch-up paint in all 22 standard colours. These are specifically formulated to match the factory finish and provide corrosion protection on bare metal.

Touch-up paint is available in 150g aerosol cans — one can is sufficient for multiple small repairs.

How to Apply Touch-Up Paint

1. Clean the area — remove any dirt, rust or loose paint from around the scratch. A light sand with fine-grit sandpaper (240 grit) helps the touch-up paint adhere.
2. Remove any rust — if rust has already started, treat it with a rust converter before applying touch-up paint.
3. Shake the can thoroughly — at least 2 minutes after the ball begins to rattle.
4. Apply in thin coats — hold the can 20–30cm from the surface and apply light, even coats. Two thin coats are better than one thick coat.
5. Allow to dry between coats — 15–20 minutes in normal conditions.
6. Feather the edges — blend the touch-up paint into the surrounding area for the best result.

Cut Edges

When Colorbond sheets are cut during installation, the cut edges expose bare metal. These should be treated with touch-up paint immediately after cutting. This is particularly important for the bottom edge of fence sheets, which is closest to the ground and most exposed to moisture.

Preventing and Managing Rust

Colorbond steel is designed to resist corrosion, but rust can develop if the paint coating is damaged and left untreated.

Early-stage rust (surface staining, no pitting) can be treated by:

1. Sanding back to bare metal with fine-grit sandpaper
2. Applying a rust converter to neutralise any remaining rust
3. Touching up with matched paint

Advanced rust (pitting, perforation) usually means the affected panel needs replacement. Contact FPM for replacement sheets in your colour.

Post and Footing Maintenance

The posts are the structural backbone of your fence. Check them annually:

• Look for movement — push the post gently. Any significant movement indicates a footing problem.
• Check for rust at ground level — this is the most vulnerable point for steel posts. Touch up any rust immediately.
• Clear soil and debris from around post bases — soil piled against a post accelerates corrosion.
• Check concrete footings — look for cracking or water pooling that could indicate movement.

Gate Maintenance

Gates take more wear than fixed fence panels and need more frequent attention:

• Lubricate hinges with a light machine oil or WD-40 twice a year
• Check alignment — a sagging gate puts stress on hinges and the fence frame
• Inspect the latch — clean and lubricate the latch mechanism
• Check the gate frame for rust, particularly at welded joints

When to Call a Professional

Most Colorbond fence maintenance is straightforward DIY work. Call a fencing contractor if:

• Posts are leaning or footings have failed
• Panels are buckled or significantly damaged
• The fence has been hit by a vehicle or fallen tree
• You need to extend, modify or replace a section of fence

Shop Maintenance Products at FPM

FPM Building Supplies stocks Colorbond touch-up paint in all 22 standard colours from our Epping warehouse. Visit us at 12 Janine Street, Epping, or contact our team for advice on maintaining your Colorbond fence.