Wrought Iron Update

Question

I'd like to update the look of this wrought iron post. I was thinking of removing the scroll work and painting it to match the new storm door. My preference is something low/no maintenance. Is there a way to cover it or would that block the stoop in too much? Thanks for your suggestions.

Nancy Spencer Carlson · Answer

~This may sound a little --- unconventional, but... I would paint it some bright fun color. Just for kicks. 
~If the scrollworks remove easily, removing them would definitely update the look. 
~Or cover it with something. It wouldn't block in the area too much, imo. You could always cover it with foamcore board from the Dollar Tree for a while to see if you like it. If you opt for covering it up, I would leave the scrollwork in for support, depending on what you cover the post with. Then write something on the post - 'welcome' or some other thing that makes you happy.

Dar243693 · Answer

Sherwin Williams carries a product called DTM (direct to metal) Marine Protective Coating.  It's a great product to use on wrought iron and you can get it in different colors.  It's not cheap but it will hold and last well on wrought iron

Jeannie M · Answer

I'm willing to pay extra for long lasting. Thanks, I'll check out the colors.

Rose S · Answer

How about you plant a perennial vine at the base and train it to grow up on it. Green is good and scrolls will not be seen any more.

Michelle · Answer

It looks like the paint is not chipping off too bad which is good if you plan to repaint it. I took on the task of stripping my old wrought iron posts that looked identical to yours. OH MAN.....if that's the case then hire a profession to do it! Hopefully you can just paint over it!

Dottie · Answer

I too would plant a perennial vine depending on the sun amount in that spot.  If it's shade or part shade you could plant an evergreen hydrangea (usually white flowers) and also a clematis with flower colors you like. (Jackmani has huge purple flowers and flowers throughout the season, grows in sun, part shade.)  I would also paint the trellis some pop color to compliment whatever flower color your vines are.  You could also combine some evergreen ivy to wind through the other vines so that you have coverage all year.

Deanna Riles-Cox · Answer

Be careful of ivy it is invasive to brick. It is hard to control and get rid of. Same with trumpet vine. Beautiful but invasive.

Rose S · Answer

@Jeannie - think outside of the box. I would think that a perennial Honeysuckle would look lovely there. They are now avaiilable in some great color blends. It all depends how much sun this area gets. Check with your local nursery, they'll have lots of good plats just for that. Good luck. :-)

Deanna Riles-Cox · Answer

Your welcome. I'm sure you've seen those beautiful old brick homes with ivy growing up the side. When the ivy is removed the brick is most of the time damaged. Plus it will lodge into any available nook and cranny.  Ask you local greenhouse / landscaper for advice. Enjoy your lovely home.:-)

Niki Hart · Answer

I think I might take out the scroll work and put a stained glass panel in the area....that or take it out completely and replace it with a column and pediments (they sell them at home depot and lowes) for a traditional look.

Liliana Wells · Answer

I like Rose S and Dottie's ideas of a climbing vine.

Cindy · Answer

If it's shady, i would look into bleeding heart vine, several colors available and I grow mine in a good clay pot on either side of my french doors. It has the ivy like effect in a deep green and does not seem to be invasive.

Pam Donahue · Answer

All the above a very good ideas. A climbing plant, or decorate with some kind of trim- depending on your tastes. If there's nothing wrong with it, such as being rusted or otherwise compromised, experiment with some ideas and see what you come up with. There are a multitude of way to revamp this often ordinary decoration.

Rena · Answer

Enclose in wood and make it look like a more modern column, paint white to match your trim. No matter what you paint the iron it will always be out of style. A column will update your home.

Jeannie M · Answer

http://www.hbgcolumns.com/pvc-columns/permawrap Does anyone have any experience or know of this product?

Betty Stine · Answer

From experience I would look at this before wood. We had wood columns and after twenty years changed them to cement. Rain caused a lot of maintenance problems.

Jeannie M · Answer

Thank you all for your ideas. I'm going to shop around and try a few things before I make a final decision. I'd like to incorporate a couple together maybe? It's a great start. Thanks again!!

Blue · Answer

star jasmine, great scent.  my favorite

Johnavallance82 · Answer

You could tie iin a coloured back panel either Timber or maybe Plexiglass?

Wrought Iron Update

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Wrought Iron Update

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