Metal railings rust when the protective layer wears off. If you want to make your railings look like new, you need to prepare the metal and then coat it with a primer and paint. You need to invest some preparation time before even painting, to ensure a smooth surface that is less likely to rust in bad weather. This article shows you how to proceed. Keep reading.
Steps
Step 1. If you have to work on a large railing, do it when you have two consecutive days to wait for the paint to dry
- You could spend the first day removing the old paint.
- If the first day you spend only removing the old paint, the next day you must necessarily paint, or in any case before it rains.
Step 2. Carefully cover the area around the railings
Use drapes for larger spaces and painter's tape for smaller ones.
Step 3. Put on protective clothing
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Put on safety glasses and a dust mask before starting work. Metal chips will be scattered during the preparation phase.
Step 4. Make a half vinegar and half water solution in a bucket
Alternatively, you can also use a diluted mild cleanser
Step 5. Brush the railing thoroughly with the cleaning solution
This should remove dirt and rust residue.
Step 6. Rinse the railing and let it dry before continuing
Step 7. Use a wire brush to remove any rust chips from the entire surface
Almost all rusty railings have a layer of brittle rust covering the surface. Use the brush to remove as much of it as possible.
- If you have elaborate, coiled railings or there is a lot of rust on the surface, you can purchase a wire brush to attach to the drill. Attach the tool to the drill and slide it all over the railing. It will make the job easier.
- Remove rust and paint residue from the bases of the railing, where they are mounted in the concrete. Water collects in those spots and causes rust, often severely.
Step 8. Sand the railing with medium grit sandpaper
The medium grain is between 80 and 120. This process is called sanding-abrasion and should remove the glossy sheen from the surface so that the primer and paint adhere better.
Sand the most problematic areas with coarse sandpaper, 40 to 60
Step 9. Wipe the surface with an antistatic cloth to remove sanding dust
Step 10. Apply the first coat of anticorrosive primer immediately after smoothing and cleaning the railing
This is sometimes also referred to as "rust inhibitor". First apply the primer coat and then brush it into the crevices before it dries.
Step 11. Check the instructions on the primer can for drying times before applying the second coat
Also for this, use a brush to make the product penetrate all the cracks in the railing.
If you don't have time to do all the steps in one day, wait for the next to sand and apply primer and paint
Step 12. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's instructions
Step 13. Apply a coat of paint
You can use a spray can, roller, or brush for this job. Brush the surface with a brush to remove any drops and allow the product to enter the crevices.
Many people prefer to use a glossy or semi-gloss paint for the finish. These add shine to railings and can make cleaning work easier
Step 14. Wait for the first coat to dry completely
Step 15. Add a second coat of paint if it looks like the railing is not properly coated
Step 16. Wait for it to dry completely, then use putty to seal where the railing enters the concrete to prevent water from building up and causing rust
Step 17. Clean the brushes following the instructions for the specific paint used
Advice
- Paint the railing immediately after sanding it to prevent it from getting dirty or damp.
- Make sure it is completely dry before you start painting it.
- If the railing is still rusty, or you want to avoid using a wire brush if the job is very long, use a specific product to remove the rust. Apply it on the railing, after quickly passing the wire brush, following the instructions on the package regarding time and treatment.
- Make sure the paint is suitable for outdoor use.
- The more careful you are in the preparatory phase, the less rust will form. Even though all metal railings eventually rust.
- Some metallic paints are produced specifically against rust. If you use this type of paint, you can avoid applying primer.
- Spray paint is the quickest way to get an even coat on railings. However, it is a more expensive option.
Warnings
- Do not inhale rust or metal chips. Wear a dust mask to avoid damage to the respiratory system.
- Do not paint if the temperature exceeds 26 ° C or if there is a lot of humidity.
