To give an old railing a fresh coat of paint, it's important to completely remove the flaky old paint.Before you remove as much paint as you can, make sure the old railings are free of lead.Chemical paint strippers can be used to treat stubborn spots.Protect the railing with a coat of paint and primer after wiping the iron railing down.
Step 1: The iron railing needs to be tested for lead.
A lead test kit can be purchased from a hardware store or online.Carefully remove the railing with a utility knife or box cutter and follow the instructions in the test kit for testing the paint.If you see instant results, you should know if it's safe to remove more of the paint.If the railing was painted before 1978, it's important to do this.If the iron railing tests positive for lead, you need to have the paint removed by a professional painting company.
Step 2: To make clean up easier, lay down a drop cloth.
Drop cloth reduces the mess when you're removing paint from a railing.If you are working on a small iron railing, consider using old sheets.Under the railing, spread newspaper if you don't have drop cloths.
Step 3: Remove the paint with a mask and eye protection.
Dust masks are used to protect your nose and mouth from fine paint particles.There are safety goggles that you can wear to protect your eyes.If you work with mineral spirits, you should wear gloves to protect your hands.Open windows if you are working on an indoor railing.
Step 4: A flat metal blade can be used to remove paint.
Run a scraper along the smooth sides of the railing with a straight blade.Chunks of dry paint fall off the drop cloth when the blade is against the metal.Unless you have a very narrow blade, it will be difficult to remove paint from curved portions of the railing.
Step 5: Rub the railing with a wire brush.
Paint can be removed from iron scrollwork by using a narrow wire brush.Continue until the paint falls away.As you apply pressure to the brush head, choose a firm wire brush that won't snap.
Step 6: Sand the entire railing.
Rub the piece or block of sandpaper over the railing.The paint can't be removed with the scraper and wire brush because it's rough.You can skip this step if the scraper and wire brush remove all of the paint.
Step 7: A brush or roller can be used in a chemical paint stripper.
You can dip a paintbrush, foam brush, or foam paint roller into liquid chemical stripper.It's a good idea to work in aventilated space.You can either pour the liquid stripper into a paint tray or dip the brush directly into the stripper.
Step 8: The chemical stripper can be applied to the railing.
If there are paint spots on the iron, spread the liquid stripper over them.You can brush it over hard to reach places on the railing.If you spread a thick layer of the chemical stripper, it will work quickly.
Step 9: For at least 5 minutes, let the chemical stripper sit on the railing.
The manufacturer tells you how long to allow the chemical stripper to sit on the metal.For at least 5 minutes, leave the stripper on the railing.The old paint on the railing needs to be broken down.
Step 10: The railing has paint on it.
Rub the scraper over the old paint.The paint falls off if you don't scraper it.You can apply more chemical stripper if there are still stubborn spots.
Step 11: A tack cloth or mineral spirits can be used to wipe off the railing.
If you want to remove paint particles, rub a tack cloth over the railing.The tack cloth has a sticky substance that picks up fine particles of paint or metal so the bare iron is ready to paint.To clean the railing before painting, dip a cloth in mineral spirits and wipe it over.You can buy tack cloths online.There's no need to dry the railing with a cloth because mineral spirits air dry quickly.
Step 12: There is a primer over the railing.
Purchase a primer designed for rusty metal and stir it with a paint stick.Then, dip a flat brush into the primer and spread it on the railing.The primer protects the iron from damage.The primer can be applied with a small foam roller.
Step 13: The primer should be dry for 24 hours.
Wait for the recommended amount of time so the primer dries.You should wait 24 hours before applying the paint if you want the primer to be dry.You only need 1 coat of primer if you want to apply more than one coat.If the weather is cooler than 70 F, the primer may take longer to dry.
Step 14: The railings should be painted with oil-based paint.
You can choose an oil-based paint.This type of paint prevents the metal from rust.You can spread the foam roller onto the railings.Let the railings dry completely.If you can't cover the areas with the roller, use a paintbrush to paint them.Wait 4 hours before applying another coat of paint.