Restore the appearance of wrought iron by fixing rusted out spots.
While a wrought-iron railing adds charm to the home and is durable, it's not impervious to rust. The railing is especially susceptible to rust if exposed to the elements. The entire railing doesn't need to be ripped out and replaced just because of a rusted area. Instead, repair that spot on the railing to restore the wrought iron's overall appearance. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Rub a wire brush briskly over the rusted-out spot on the railing to remove any loose pieces. Scrub affected areas with a steel wool pad to further remove rust.
2. Sand the rusted spot with 80-grit sandpaper followed by 120-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Sanding provides a smooth surface and gets rid of even more rust on the railing.
3. Wipe the railing with a rag and a solution of hot, soapy water to remove any dust and residue. Allow the railing to dry thoroughly.
4. Apply a chemical rust remover if any rust remains on the railing. The product you use should contain strong alkaline or acid to effectively dissolve the rust. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the rust remover as they vary among products. Typically, wipe on remover with a damp cloth, wait about 30 minutes, then wipe off with a dry cloth.
5. Clean the railing a final time with a rag and hot, soapy water. Dry it thoroughly with clean cloths.
6. Apply two coats of alkyd rust-inhibitive primer to affected areas of the railing, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the next. Let the primer dry for at least four hours, then follow up with two coats of alkyd enamel paint. Use a small paintbrush to smooth the primer and paint onto the railing.
Tags: affected areas, coats alkyd, rust railing, rust remover, smooth surface
