Asked on Oct 25, 2016
Cleaning and painting an iron railing
by
Gwen Morton
+19
How should I go about cleaning the rust off of an old iron railing?
The house was built in the 50's with real iron and brick. The porch needs to be cleaned and painted also. What are the best products to use? I am looking for a method that is less difficult and will last for years to come.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
The house was built in the 50's with real iron and brick. The porch needs to be cleaned and painted also. What are the best products to use? I am looking for a method that is less difficult and will last for years to come.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
14 answers
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1. Remove rust using sand paper/ chemical cleaner. 2. Apply metal primer (Red oxide) . 3. Apply one coat of paint. Repeat coat if required.
Jk jauhari
on Oct 26, 2016
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HARD work! I'm a big believer in working smart, not hard. If you buy special metal paint (it's called 'Hammerite' on this side of the Atlantic but I'm sure there's an American equivalent) it uses the rust and converts it chemically to a bonded anti-rust coating - and looks good for years! xxx
Jan Mcevoy
on Oct 26, 2016
- See 1 previous
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Remove old coating, such as paint, with paint remover, then use a solvent to get rid of the paint remover. Next get a product called Restore and wipe it on. Restore will convert the rust into a protective coating that you can leave as is or paint. I've been using it for years. Beware, there are other products called Restore so buy the one for treating rust.
Paul G.
on Oct 26, 2016
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Naval jelly on the iron railing, very little sanding, after it drys, clear coat no more rust control
Tom Ocallaghan
on Oct 26, 2016
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I used a wire brush and then naval jelly for cleaning . Then I used a rustoleum paint in black and mine turned out beautiful!!!! Hope yours will also look great!!
Robin Czaikowski
on Oct 26, 2016
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Do what Jan and Jpgvs1 says. I use Rust-Mort on rust on cars. Follow directions exactly.
Ljgordon
on Oct 26, 2016
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I was actually going to recommend what Rczaikowski said. I work in a maintenance shop and I used a wire brush attachment that goes in your drill like a drill bit, it goes pretty fast.
April Monaco
on Oct 26, 2016
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I bought some old railings at an auction, I took my time and cleaned them, using a sander at times and hand sanding to get into the corners. Then I started to paint using colors!! the pieces came out beautiful.
Chr13082475
on Oct 26, 2016
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There is a wire brush type attachment for a drill. That would make fast work of getting the paint off. Especially since, thankfully, there are no fancy curly Q's. Naval jelly if necessary. If not, go with Rust O Leum in your choice of color after you have cleaned your railing really well. Use nothing more than a damp rag or spray it down with a hose. Let it thoroughly dry. Try to avoid humidity when doing the painting. Despite dry time recommendations I would advise a good solid 6 to 8 hours in between coats. Two coats should do it. Be sure to make sure every tiny spot is covered. This will prevent premature degrading of your paint job. Best of luck.
Delicia Ambrosino
on Oct 26, 2016
- See 1 previous
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We just did this to our iron railing on the veranda. Wire brush attached to a drill. I recommend getting a face shield and wearing long pants and shirt. I got a big chunk of wire stuck in my leg and the wire shavings just fly everywhere. We used Rustoleum paint it looks great. (We didn't have to use the naval jelly. )
Jincy
on Oct 26, 2016
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some times the best solutions require elbow grease.... scrubbing with a metal hand broom, then sand paper, then speak to your local hardware supply store for a three stage rust treatment and then paint with the lovely colour that you have in mind.
Bernadette Staal
on Oct 26, 2016
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When finished cleaning and wire brushing, paint with BBQ paint. Lasts for years.
Jeanine
on Oct 26, 2016
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Use a wire brush and any power tools you have or need to buy. Sanding sponges, sandpaper, and if there's enough rust, there is a product you brush on and it solidifies a heavily rusted surface, and then sand again. I'd use a semigloss paint, oil, for a long lasting paint job.
Suellen Hintz
on Oct 26, 2016
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I just used steel wool (wear gloves!) because I was able to wrap it around the railing for better coverage as I sanded off rust & rough spots. Then I just painted with Rustoleum.
Jef11151332
on Nov 02, 2016
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