Wrought iron is an iron alloy known for its malleability and strength. Rarely used in structural parts or in other commercial environments, it is instead a material commonly used to make railings, gates and outdoor furniture. It has a very dark color (unlike polished steel, for example), and is often painted black especially when used for outdoor use. Painting wrought iron will help improve its appearance and protect it from rust. Whether you want to paint a rough piece or go over an old coat of paint, learning how to do it will help you both protect and preserve your railings and garden furniture.
Steps
Step 1. Remove rust from wrought iron
When wrought iron is exposed to the air (both indoors and outdoors), it is very prone to rusting. If this happens to your wrought iron item as well, you should completely remove the rust before painting it. Use a stiff wire brush, although a sandblaster would be more appropriate since you have the space to use it. Scrub the entire surface with the brush until the rust is completely eliminated. You should work in a garage, where you can easily sweep away metal flakes and then paint.
If the wrought iron is already painted, you will get a better result by scrubbing the color layer with the wire brush
Step 2. Sand the wrought iron
To prepare the piece for painting, sand it thoroughly using a medium grit sandpaper. This will give you an ideal surface for primer and paint to bond.
Step 3. Apply a coat of rust inhibitor to the wrought iron
After sanding the piece with sandblasting, you will need to apply a layer of primer. This will prevent rust from forming and give the color the right look. The rust remover is a product specifically designed to be used on metals that contain iron, and can be purchased at any hardware store. It is best to apply it with a brush in a single thin layer.
Step 4. Sand the primer
After the rust remover has dried completely, sand it lightly with a medium grit sandpaper. Clean the entire piece with an anti-dust cloth before painting to make sure metal flakes and rust do not mix with the paint.
Step 5. Apply the color to the wrought iron
To paint it, use an outdoor polish. For best results, use a "direct to metal" (DTM) polish containing a rust inhibitor. If you use ordinary exterior paint, there may be cracks in the paint layer. Apply the nail polish in long, soft strokes. If you prefer, you can give it a second hand.
Advice
- It is best to use gloves and a dust mask when sanding or painting, to avoid getting your hands dirty and to protect yourself from paint fumes.
- For larger projects, you could rent or purchase a paint spray diffuser instead of using a brush.
