How to Paint Rusty Iron Railings
- 1). Wash the iron railing with a pressure washer. Wait one to three hours for the railing to dry.
- 2). Put on protective gloves.
- 3). Remove loose rust, using a wire brush. Remove smaller particles with 80-grit sandpaper.
- 4). Cover the surface beneath the iron railing with fabric drop cloths. Apply painters tape to portions of the railing you do not plan to paint.
- 5). Coat the rusty iron railing with an iron oxide primer, using a mini roller. Coat areas inaccessible to the roller, using a 2- to 3-inch paintbrush, manufactured for applying oil-based coatings. Wait two hours for the primed railings to dry.
- 6). Wash your painting tools with mineral spirits.
- 7). Coat the primed iron railing with an oil-based enamel, using the clean mini roller. Wait two hours for the finished railings to dry. Use the paintbrush to touch up the railing where you have inadequate coverage.
