How to Paint Rusted Railing?

To paint a rusted metal railing, it is always important to start by scraping off loose rust and paint. I came to know this when I hired a painter to paint my balcony railing. I observed the steps he followed on how to paint rusted railing. It starts from cleaning off rust to applying primer and paint. I have shared the detailed process below.

How to Paint a Rusted Metal Railing?

1. Lay a newspaper or drop cloth on the ground. 

2. Now, use a paint scraper to get rid of loose, peeling paint. 

3. Remove as much rust as you can using a wire brush. 

4. Using medium-grit sandpaper first, then fine-grit sandpaper, sand the railing.

5. After that, using a towel soaked in soapy water, clean the railing. 

6. Now with a brush, apply a rust-inhibiting primer made for metal surfaces. 

7. As directed by the package, allow the primer to dry completely. 

8. Apply 2 coats of oil-based metal paint. Let the paint properly dry in between applications. 

9. Finally, after drying, check for any missed areas and apply touch-up if necessary.

The painter said to use a paint and primer combination designed especially for rusty metal if you want a fast restoration that requires less sanding. This is all about how to paint a rusty metal railing.

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Our terrace has metal railings and due to extreme weather conditions in our area, it had become rusty and looked spoiled. We wanted to repaint them and I thought hiring a painter would be better but my husband insisted he can do it by himself. I asked him how to paint a rusted metal railing, as I wondered if painting over metal was possible without a professional’s help. Let me share with you what and how he did it.

How to Paint a Rusty Metal Railing?

The most important thing while painting a metal railing is using a good primer and a high-quality paint. Before you start with the process, make sure you have all the required materials. These include -

• Drop clothes

• Cardboard tarps

• Steel brush

• Paint scraper

• Sandpaper

• Clean rags

• Primer

My husband did everything while I helped him in the process so, let me tell you how to paint rusty metal railing. 

1. First of all, remove the rust or peeling paint using a stiff wire brush. You can also use an electric drill to remove the old flaky paint. 

2. Once everything is cleared, you have to thoroughly clean the metal railings. We used a solution of dish soap and warm water to wipe the surface. Make sure the surface is free from any kind of dust, dirt or debris, to ensure that the paint adheres smoothly.

3. Then, you have to prime the surface using a rust-specific primer, especially designed for exterior metal surfaces. You can apply the primer with a roller, brush, or use a spray bottle like we did.

4. Once you’re done priming, you can move towards painting. Choose a paint that’s specifically designed for exterior metal surfaces. Before applying paint, sand the surface properly using a fine grit sandpaper. Then, you can paint the railings following the instructions on the label. 

I hope you get an idea now on how to paint a rusted metal railing.