Painting an Adjustable Flagpole

Flagpoles are like yard mantles. Just like walking into a room where the mantle draws your attention, a flagpole is the point of interest in many yards. Standing by the gate or edge of the property the eye catches them first before most everything else, especially if they have a flag on them. 

The flag is usually the key to their attention, as without one, the pole may simply blend in with the background.

But after a number of years the paint takes a beating from the elements and needs a new coat. But how is this done?

Hopefully the flagpole you have is not too tall and has a lowering mechanism. That means through adjusting a screw or pin it can be carefully lowered to a horizontal state and dealt with easily. This may require two people since once it starts to fall it may come down pretty quickly.

Also, be sure to clear away anything in its path. Hopefully when the pole was installed it was done so correctly in order for it to be lowered without hitting the house. An incident like this rarely happens but there’s always that odd case.

Once that is done here are some suggestions on how to proceed:

• Removing the paint: Whether your flagpole is metal or wood you’ll have to remove the paint before putting on a new coat. The question is how bad it’s been damaged. A wire brush or sandblaster will be useful from the start. After going over the pole use fine sandpaper to smoothen it out.

• Wipe down the pole with a damp cloth removing any dust and other debris and let it dry.

• The paint: whatever your flag pole is made out of (wood or metal) make sure you buy the right primer and paint. Apply two coats of primer and at least two coats of paint making sure the pole is completely dry before each new coat. Furthermore, you may find it easier to use a small roller than a brush.