Old style 1970 stair railing

Question

Hi there- I need help! I have an old style stair railing- wrought iron with plastic protective covering - picture included. What can I do with this to improve the look? Paint? It has to be cost effective.

Brenda Goodell VanderZanden · Answer

Rustoleum hammered bronze (it's a black with bronze highlights) to the rescue! Remove them to the driveway/garage with newspapers underneath. EASY update. If you want to go further, add decorative insets inbetween a couple of the rails.

Julie Bernard · Answer

OMG! YOu are brilliant!!! I am going to try it this week-end!!

Brenda Goodell VanderZanden · Answer

You may need to wipe all the surfaces down with alcohol, thinner or something like that. Read the can directions and/or talk to a paint professional at your local paint store so you're successful. Good luck! Can't wait to see the 'after' pictures.

Julie Bernard · Answer

Thank you so much for the amaing tips and advice. So helpful!! I will post an after picture when I am done.

Patti · Answer

Hi, I have the very same stair rail. I sanded the plastic top, wiped down well and painted with oil based semi gloss ivory paint. Did th same thing to the metal rails. Looks much better. You could also paint the top a different colour to work with your room colours I gave it 2 coats. Lasted about 5 years. I just redid it again.

Julie Bernard · Answer

OMG!!! Excellent suggestion....Never thought of the 2 tone idea- I love that!!

Betsy Woolford · Answer

Rustoleum paint covers anything! Great product. I painted some shiny brass picture frames with oil rubbed bronze and some forest green plastic lawn with taupe. Covered and worked so well, I tell everyone I know about it.

Monica Krainer · Answer

All of these answers are great. I would definitely paint the whole railing as suggested, then, if your budget allows, you may even want to add a wooden handrail onto the top. This would give it a more substantial appearance. This can be picked up at most big box stores. It looks as though you may need to make a couple of angle cuts to the wooden handrail which can be done with a hand saw and a miter box. The wooden handrail can be secured to the existing (metal) rail with a bracket, or strap, like those which hold metal pipes or electrical conduit to walls, etc. This type of bracket doesn’t screw into the metal railing; it just goes around it and screws into the wooden railing. To give it some overall visual balance, remove part of the metal railing that touches the floor and insert a block of wood (a little larger than the new railing but not too much) to act as a newel post. Your metal railing can be cut with a hacksaw. All of the wooden parts could be painted or stained to match. You could also put some quarter trim at the floor to give it a finished look. This is just a thought. It is a little involved but could be done in a day or so, with minimal investment of supplies or tools. Whatever you choose to do, please post your “after” when done! Have fun!

Moxie · Answer

...and I would stencil an amazing design on the landing and stairs lol
please share pics when you are done!

Dli4232585 · Answer

H

Karen Larche · Answer

Is there a way to completely remove the plastic top?

MOOSE · Answer

CANDISE MILLER WHAT WAS THE TOP LIKE UNDER THE PLASTIC TOP?

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Use Sticky backed plastic on railings .

Old style 1970 stair railing

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Old style 1970 stair railing

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