Most modernwrought iron porch and stair railings are made of hollow steel or aluminum, and it is not uncommon for them to loosen or rust over time.Fix loose railings is manageable for the average homeowner, and re painting faux wrought iron is fairly easy.If you need more than a small cleaning or painting, you should contact an expert.
Step 1: It's a good idea to tighten bolts or screws manually.
Metal railings are usually made of wood with screws and bolts.If your railing is loose, tighten the bolts with a screwdriver or wrench.If a bolt won't tighten securely by hand, remove it, check for damage, and replace it with another bolt of the same size.Try replacing the screw with a larger one.If that doesn't work, you can find a plastic wall anchor that fits into the hole in the wood and press it into it.When you drive the screw into it, the anchor will expand and hold the wood.
Step 2: Penetrating oil can be used to loosen stuck bolts.
If you need to tighten or remove a rivet, spray it with a penetrating oil and wait 30 minutes.The connection should be loosened by the oil.Penetrating oil can be purchased at any hardware store.Penetrating oil can be sprayed in an aerosol can with a plastic straw.The oil can be sprayed deeper into the connection if you use the straw.
Step 3: Pull out the fastenings at the loose masonry connection.
If you have a loose connection, remove the bolts from the railing.Pull out screws or bolts with a screwdriver or pliers.There are plastic anchors in the concrete.Leave them alone if they are secure and in good shape.Pull them out with pliers if they are loose.
Step 4: Try using larger bolts.
Feed the larger screws, bolts, and nails through the railing post bottom and into the anchors.They may be able to solve your loose railing problem.Take the old bolts to a hardware store to get larger replacements.If the anchors are damaged, replace them with new ones that are the same size.
Step 5: If necessary, use epoxy to re-set loose anchors.
If the holes in the concrete are too large for the anchors, fill them with a masonry epoxy.Then position the railing post bottom and insert the fastenings.Allow the package instructions to be followed before using the railing.Use a damp cloth to wipe away excess epoxy.
Step 6: The railing should be cut free with a saw.
The railing can loosen or even break free if it is embedded into concrete.If you want to free the railing, use a metal-cutting blade to slice through the posts.The long blade will move back and forth rapidly and slice through the metal with minimal effort if you squeeze thetrigger on the saw.If you want to completely remove the railing section, you need to remove any other connections made with screws or bolts.You can twist or snap it free if the post is rusted through.Follow the product safety recommendations when using a saw.When removing the railing section, be careful for sharp pieces of rusted metal.
Step 7: The railing remnants can be removed with a hammer drill.
The concrete underneath the damaged railing post needs to be removed.Use a hammer drill to break the pieces.Simply place the tip of the bit against the concrete and press down to hold the drill in place.The concrete should break easily.A hammer, masonry chisel, and lots of muscle power can be used if you don't have a hammer drill.Don't forget to wear eye protection in either case.Remove enough material to get the rest of the metal post out.If there are any bits of metal or concrete left in the holes you made, you should use pliers and a vacuum to clean them out.
Step 8: Buy inserts that match the railing.
The inserts have a rounded end that slides up into the railing's post, and a squared end to replace the damaged section of the post.You can find them pre-made at fencing suppliers or home improvement stores.They can be made at a metal fabrication shop.
Step 9: The railing bottoms should be cut to fit the new inserts.
If you want to cut off ragged or rusted material from the bottom of each post, you have to use your saw's blade to do it.Place the rounded ends of the inserts into the post ends to make sure they fit.Cut more material from your existing post or the square end of the post insert to match the previous length.Before securing the inserts in place permanently, spray a rust-resisting primer intended for metal on all of the cut edges.
Step 10: Attach the inserts with bonding glue.
A caulk gun can be used to squeeze a generous amount of bonding glue into each post opening.As per the package instructions, slide the inserts into place and give the glue time to set up.There are tubes that fit into a caulk gun.If you want to use it with metal, choose something that is intended for that purpose.
Step 11: Attach the insert by drilling a hole and using a rivet gun.
To drill a hole through the old railing post and into the new insert, you need to be above the joint between it and the insert.The bit for the drill is intended for use with metal.Then, use a rivet gun to shoot an expanding rivet into the hole.This can be done with any of the repaired posts.You can skip this step if you don't have a rivet gun.Over time, the repaired joint will loosen.
Step 12: The railing section should be put back in its original position.
The new post bottoms should be placed into the holes left behind in the concrete railing.Duct tape can be used to hold the railing in its intended position.To make sure the railing is in the correct position, use a spirit level.
Step 13: You can mix a small amount of cement.
It is very important to combine the dry mix and water before you use it.Follow the package instructions for the proper ratio of mix to water, and stir them together in a bucket with a trowel.If you only need enough concrete to fill a few post holes, you can mix it up in a 1 US gal bucket.
Step 14: Press the cement into the post holes with a trowel.
The mixing trowel can be used to scoop up the mixed concrete.As you force the concrete into the holes, keep pressing down firmly.You want to fill all the gaps.If you want the new concrete to be level with the existing concrete, mound it up slightly against each post.
Step 15: Wait two days for the concrete to be wiped with wet rags.
Don't wait long to get rid of extra blobs on the railing, steps, etc.Give the concrete at least 2 days to cure before applying pressure to the railing.If you used duct tape to hold the railing section in place, keep it there for at least 2 days.The repaired railing is ready to be painted.
Step 16: Steel wool is used to cuff off rust spots.
Rust spots can be found at railing joints and connection points with other materials.If you find a small rust spot, you can clean it with steel wool and a damp cloth.Small rust spots can be addressed before they become big holes.
Step 17: Use a rust converter to address extensive rust.
If large swaths of the railing are already rusted, skip the spot treatments with steel wool and just remove the loose pieces of rust.You can use a wire brush or paint scraper.There are areas of the railing that are rusted.The primer and paint will cover the areas that are rusted, but they don't change the look of them.The same way you do primer or paint, spray on a rust converter.Keep the spray moving so you don't apply too much in one spot, and use short bursts for even coverage.
Step 18: The primer should be sprayed over any spot treatments.
Make sure the area is dry for spot treatments with steel wool and wet- and dry-rag wipe-down.For larger areas of rust coated in a rust converter, spray the primer over top of it using the same short bursts and constant movement.Use a primer intended for use on metal and spray from a distance that's recommended on the can.Allow the product to dry before painting, but check the can for guidance.
Step 19: The primed areas should be sprayed with rust- resistant paint.
You can spray on a paint with rust-resistant qualities after the spray primer has dried.You can try to match the color of the railing for small patches.You should repaint the entire railing section for more extensive rusting.Before painting the entire railing section, wipe it down with a wet rag and let it dry.Choose a spray paint intended for use on metal, and spray in quick bursts while keeping the can moving.If you need to apply more than one coat, let each coat dry for 10 minutes before proceeding.
Step 20: The genuine wrought iron is clean by hand.
The railings should be cleaned with plain water and soft cloths.Simply dip your cloth in water and clean the railing, or spray it lightly with a garden hose before wiping it down.Don't use a pressure washer on genuine wrought iron as you'll likely force water into its tiny crevices.You can dry off the railing with rags or towels.
Step 21: Remove rust spots with a wire brush.
If you find some small rust spots on a genuine wrought iron, remove any loose material with a wire brush and 120-grit sandpaper.You can also use steel wool.It is best to call in a professional to address the rust spots.Rusted iron can become brittle.
Step 22: Over cleaned rust spots, apply a spray primer.
After removing rust spots, wipe them down with a wet cloth and a dry cloth.The primer is intended for use on metal.It should be dry according to the instructions.While moving the can over the area, spray in short bursts.
Step 23: The primer should be painted over the railing.
You can apply a spray paint just over the spots you primed if you can find a good color match.Use a rust-resistant paint intended for metal, apply thin coats with quick bursts, and allow it to dry for at least 10 minutes before adding additional coats.There are spots that will never match the rest of the railing.If you decide to paint the whole thing, you should first wipe the railing down with a wet cloth and then use a clean rag to dry it.Before painting historic wrought iron railings, you should consult an expert.
Step 24: Structural repairs or major rust damage can be done by an expert.
Creating genuine wrought iron is a lost art in the modern world and should be treated with care and respect.A wrought iron expert can help diagnose your railing's needs and come up with an appropriate repair plan.If you live in a historic district, you will most likely have to work with experts to make any repairs or alterations to wrought iron railings.