Maintain the traditional beauty of your wrought-iron railing by ridding it of rust.
Wrought iron simply refers to standard metal that has been heated and manipulated into a shape or design. Thus, like any other metal, a wrought-iron railing is vulnerable to rust, especially if it's constantly exposed to the elements. Fortunately, removing rust from wrought iron is a straightforward task that you can do on your own. A few basic tools and common supplies are all that you need. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Place a plastic tarp or drop cloth beneath the wrought iron railing if you want to protect the surface below from potential stains.
2. Coat the rusted areas of the wrought iron with penetrating oil. If you don't have any penetrating oil, you can use white vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar with react with the rust and loosen the corrosion.
3. Leave the penetrating oil or white vinegar on the railing for roughly five to 10 minutes. This will give the oil or vinegar time to work on the rust and loosen it.
4. Go over the rusted areas of the wrought iron railing with a wire brush. You can also use sandpaper to rub away the layers of rust. Brush and/or sand the railing until all of the rust has been removed. When you're finished, you should see bare metal with no signs of rust flakes or pitting.
5. Rub the affected area of the wrought iron with 000-grade steel wool. This will smooth the railing and remove any additional rust. When you're done, go over the railing with a clean, damp cloth. Allow the metal to dry completely.
6. Apply a protective coat of mineral oil to the railing if you want to maintain the bare-metal look. Use a clean cloth to apply the mineral oil. A coat of paint, however, will prove to be more effective at rust prevention. If you opt to paint the railing, use a paint designed for metal surfaces. Use a small paintbrush to apply a smooth, even coat of paint.
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