Wrought iron railings are a beautiful and timeless feature found on front stoops and staircases around the country. As the years go by, the paint gets weathered, and rust can form. But there’s no need to replace your old railing. With Rust-Oleum Stops Rust with Custom Spray 5-in-1 and a little elbow grease you can make your railing look as good as new.
Whether you have a simple handrail or an ornate railing, this project will show you how to breathe new life into this elegant metal feature, giving your home instant curb appeal. Â Best of all, this project can be completed in a single afternoon using readily available materials and tools.
Safety guidelines
You should apply spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, like an open garage. Be sure to avoid open heat sources like electric heaters with exposed elements and gas heaters and keep paint cans stored away from heat. Also never paint near open flames or sparks, and never smoke while using spray paint.
1. Lay down drop cloths or cardboard around and under the railing. Be sure to cover anything nearby that you don’t want to get paint on.
2. Using a wire brush or a metal scraper and sandpaper to remove rust and peeling paint. (You can also use an angle grinder if you have one.)
- Use the scraper for flat surfaces, and the wire brush for the nooks and crannies.
3. Lightly sand the railings with coarse sandpaper to remove any remaining rust and peeling paint. Make a second pass over the surface with fine grit sandpaper to smooth out any grooves or lines created by the coarse grit, while still leaving a rough surface that the paint will adhere to.
4. Clean the surface using warm, soapy water to wipe it down.
5. After it dries, prime the surface using Rust-Oleum Universal Bonding Primer. This will ensure you get an even coat, and it works better for covering details and hard-to-reach spots. You should only need one coat.
6. After priming, it’s time to paint using Stops Rust with Custom Spray 5-in-1. To evenly cover the long railings and spindles, use the #4 Vertical Fan in a side-to-side motion and #5 Horizontal Fan for moving top-to-bottom.
Pro tip: Practice with the spray patterns on some scrap cardboard before you get started
7. Next, switch to the #3 Low Output to paint the corners where the parts come together and any fine details on the railing.
OPTIONAL STEP; NOT NECESSARY 8. For added protection and lasting color, repeat these steps with Stop Rust Crystal Clear Enamel with Custom Spray 5-in-1. Be sure to apply the topcoat within one hour of the paint, or wait 48 hours for the paint to fully cure before adding your topcoat.
Follow the same application techniques as with the paint, using the appropriate spray settings for each surface.
