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How to Properly Strip and Repaint Your Metal Works Stair Railing

Oct 19, 2020 | Custom Metal Works

If you have a wrought iron staircase or railing that is looking dull and lifeless, you may want to give it a repaint job to make it look brand new. You can start by stripping down all the old paint and preparing it for resurfacing. 

Iron is an excellent form of metal because it is tough and malleable. These make it resilient to denting, bending, and shock. 

How to Repaint Wrought Iron Railings 

Though wrought iron has the durability to last a lifetime, it is still at risk of getting damaged due to rusting. You may ask the experts in iron design and manufacturing from our Orange Country metal works and steel fabrication company.

Rust, Rust, Go Away!

First things first, one of the most common risks of damaging your wrought iron is rust. Oxidation happens when the iron is exposed to air and moisture which can lead to rusting.

Air and moisture are catalysts to rusting and these two are impossible to avoid. Therefore, we came up with some tips that can help you make sure your ironworks look great again.

Clean the Surface

Before you can begin stripping and repainting the metal you need to clean it. You can start by using warm water, detergent, and a sponge.

It is crucial that you use warm water because of its fast-moving molecule properties that aid in enhancing the cleaning solution of the detergent.

You should wipe the area down and scrub away any grime or dirt that is stuck on the surface. At this point, it is okay if the paint comes off as you will be repainting it anyway.

Remove the Old Peeling Paint

You will need to remove all the old paint before you can repaint your iron stair railing. Our Orange County ironworks experts can explain how you can do this with a piece of sandpaper or a rough sponge.

Just go over the iron as much as possible until you remove all the old paint. This can take some time. However, it’s important to take it all off so you’ll have a clean slate that is easier to repaint for its smooth surface.

Remember, patience is a virtue!

Take Off the Rust

If your metal staircase railings, gates, sculpture, furniture and fixtures are older or have been outside for a long time, they may have been exposed to harsh elements. This can lead to a lot of rusting and it can be unsightly too.

Rusting will eventually weaken the iron and cause it to bend or break more easily. Therefore, the goal is to remove as much rust as possible. You can do this by spraying it with a rust-removing solution that helps it dissolve and break for easy removal.

Rust removers are made from tannic acid and an organic polymer. The latter converts the reddish colored iron oxide into a bluish or black ferric tannate. While the former acts as the protective primer.

In addition, you can also use a wire brush to remove the rust and prepare the surface properly.

Repair the Damage

Once you have removed all the rust from the surface of your wrought iron in Orange County, you will be able to see if the surface has been blemished or damaged.

Damage can lead to a bent or broken wrought iron. However, you can expect improvement as soon as your repainting project is complete. 

You can also try to replace damaged parts if you can but it is better to have a professional do that job for you. A reliable wrought iron company would know what to do.

For the blemishes, those can be easily covered by repainting the surface. Furthermore, it is crucial that you use rust-resistant paint.

Prime The Surface

Once you are ready to start repainting your ornamental wrought iron fixtures to its original glory, you will need to get the surface ready for painting.

You can do this by applying a primer. It will smooth out the metal so the paint will adhere to it more easily.

A primer will also give it a seamless look once the paint has been applied and dried. You will need to use a rust-resistant primer and make sure you apply it in even coats.

Don’t let it run or drip. You can sand it down if you mess up and add it too thick or need to smooth it out.

Start Repainting

For better results, several coating of pain is essential. You will need to find a paint that is rust-resistant. If the wrought iron is placed outside, choosing a paint specially made for outdoors is what you’ll need.

Choosing the right paint color is also important. If you are only repainting or restoring a portion of the piece, you will need to make sure the new paint matches up with the old one to make the surface look cohesive and even.

Dry the Paint Between Coats

When you are applying the paint on the surface of your wrought iron stair railing, gate or fence, you have to make sure it’s dry between coats.

It’s best to apply several different coats to the metal to help protect it and ensure it looks good. Letting the paint dry for at least 24 hours between coats is needed.

If you are painting it outside, you will want to check the weather forecast so you won’t encounter problems with drying.

Remove Excess Dirt

Once your iron furniture and fixtures have been completely repainted and dried, you will need to take a damp cloth and run it along with the metal. This will remove any dust or excess paint that may be on the surface.

This will help smoothen the surface and add more shine to make it look new again. It will also remove any dust or dirt that may have settled on it while the paint was drying.

Keep it Properly Maintained

Keeping your wrought iron works properly maintained is a must. This helps it last longer and look great.

Proper maintenance also prevents you from doing another repainting project soon. Making sure that your wrought iron is protected from harsh elements, by keeping it clean and taking care of blemishes makes a lot of difference.

Metal furniture worked by our Orange County iron works artisan should last many years. It’s definitely looking great in your home, yard, or anywhere you have it installed.

Work with a Reliable Ironworks in Orange County, CA

Repainting metal or iron is easier than you think and the result can save you both time and money.

However, if you noticed that the damage is something you can’t handle, getting help from a reliable ironworks in Orange County is exactly what you need.

If you’re thinking of getting new metal works installed in your home, contact us at Naddour’s Custom Metalworks today.

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Please contact us to schedule your FREE consultation.

Call us today at 714.546.3003.

Schedule your FREE Consultation

We take pride in adding the WOW factor to your home.

We stand behind our top quality products.

Please contact us to schedule your FREE consultation.