How to Paint Rusty Railings
Cover the area around the railings carefully., Wear protective clothing., Mix a solution of half vinegar and half water in a bucket., Scrub the railing thoroughly with your cleaning solution., Rinse the railing and allow it to dry before continuing...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Cover the area around the railings carefully.
Use drop cloths for larger spaces and painter's tape for smaller spaces. -
Step 2: Wear protective clothing.
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
Put on safety goggles and a dust mask before starting any work.
Metal flakes will be scattered as you prepare the metal. , You can also use diluted, mild detergent. , This should remove dirt and remaining rust. ,, Most rusty railings have a layer of flaky rust covering their surface.
Use the wire brush to remove as much rust as possible.
If you have large or intricate railings, or if you have a lot of rust on the surface, you can buy a wire brush attachment for a drill.
Attach the brush to the drill and move along the entire surface of the railing.
It will make the job easier. , Medium grit is between 80 and 120 grit.
This is called scuff-sanding and it should take gloss off the surface and allow the primer and paint to bond more easily.
Sand rough spots with coarse sandpaper, from 40 to 60 grit. ,, This is sometimes called "direct-to-metal" primer.
First apply your coat of paint, then brush it into the crevices before it dries. , Once again, use a brush to get into all the crevices of the metal railing.
If you do not have time to do all the steps in 1 day, wait until the next to sand and apply primer and paint. ,, You can use a spray can, roller or brush to apply the topcoat.
Brush the coat with a paint brush to remove any drips and get into the crevices.
Many people prefer to use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint for their topcoat.
These finishes add a shine to the railings and can make them easier to clean. ,,, -
Step 3: Mix a solution of half vinegar and half water in a bucket.
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Step 4: Scrub the railing thoroughly with your cleaning solution.
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Step 5: Rinse the railing and allow it to dry before continuing.
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Step 6: Use a wire brush to slough off any loose rust flakes on all the surfaces of the railings.
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Step 7: Sand the surface of the railing with medium-grit sandpaper.
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Step 8: Rub the surface of the railing with a tack cloth to remove dust from sanding.
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Step 9: Apply your first coat of rust-inhibiting primer immediately after sanding and wiping the rail.
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Step 10: Check your primer's directions on how long it must dry before your second coat.
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Step 11: Allow the primer to dry according to the product's directions.
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Step 12: Apply a layer of topcoat.
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Step 13: Allow the topcoat to dry completely.
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Step 14: Add another layer of topcoat
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Step 15: if you do not feel it is adequately covered.
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Step 16: Remove your drop cloths and tape and clean your brushes according to the paint can's instructions.
Detailed Guide
Use drop cloths for larger spaces and painter's tape for smaller spaces.
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
Put on safety goggles and a dust mask before starting any work.
Metal flakes will be scattered as you prepare the metal. , You can also use diluted, mild detergent. , This should remove dirt and remaining rust. ,, Most rusty railings have a layer of flaky rust covering their surface.
Use the wire brush to remove as much rust as possible.
If you have large or intricate railings, or if you have a lot of rust on the surface, you can buy a wire brush attachment for a drill.
Attach the brush to the drill and move along the entire surface of the railing.
It will make the job easier. , Medium grit is between 80 and 120 grit.
This is called scuff-sanding and it should take gloss off the surface and allow the primer and paint to bond more easily.
Sand rough spots with coarse sandpaper, from 40 to 60 grit. ,, This is sometimes called "direct-to-metal" primer.
First apply your coat of paint, then brush it into the crevices before it dries. , Once again, use a brush to get into all the crevices of the metal railing.
If you do not have time to do all the steps in 1 day, wait until the next to sand and apply primer and paint. ,, You can use a spray can, roller or brush to apply the topcoat.
Brush the coat with a paint brush to remove any drips and get into the crevices.
Many people prefer to use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint for their topcoat.
These finishes add a shine to the railings and can make them easier to clean. ,,,
About the Author
Heather Stokes
Specializes in breaking down complex lifestyle topics into simple steps.
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