How to Remove Rust or Loose Paint from Metal Gates & Railings
Do you have an existing metal gate or railings that have started to rust and therefore seen better days? If so this article is designed to show you first steps towards getting them back to looking their very best.
Surface Preparation
If you want to achieve a professional finish that will look good for many years then surface preparation is the key. Whilst this may be boring and time consuming it pays dividends to ensure that as much rust, flaking and loose paint is removed as possible otherwise all your hard work will prove to be in vain. With this in mind here is our suggestion for the best way to remove rust from existing metal gates and railings.
Use a Wire Brush with Drill Attachment
The most effective way we found to remove rust and flaking paint from metalwork is using a drill with a metal brush attachment as this is more effective and less labour intensive than working the metal by hand. Please be aware however that when working with a wire brush you will need to be careful not to hurt yourself so we recommend using the appropriate safety gloves and glasses.
The aim of the game is to remove as much of the existing finish and rust as possible so don’t skimp on the quality of the wire brush as you will get what you pay for and make sure to get right into the hard to reach places as neglecting these spots will lead to rust returning in a short period of time.
Wire Brush and Sandpaper
Trust us this is one of the hardest ways of removing rust and old paint from an existing metal gate. Be prepared to spend hours working your finger to the bone to get professional results. If you choose to go down this route due to the cost savings make sure you work methodically and have some patience when dealing with intricate scrollwork as these are the areas where rust is most likely to return to first (as water can become trapped in the detailing).
Sandblasting
Although this is by far the fastest and easiest way to remove rust from the surfaces of existing metal gates and railings the simple fact that most people do not have the equipment lying around means the costs will be far higher because a specialist company will need to complete the work for you. Furthermore, the noise, mess and risk of damaging the surrounding area means this method is not suitable for restricted spaces and we only really see it as a viable option if large expanses of railings need maintaining.
So now we have looked at the 3 most common ways of removing surface rust and flaking paint you will now need to take some additional steps to prevent the rusting process from starting all over again which brings us onto the finish.
Final Preparations Prior to Painting
When you are confident you have removed all the problematic areas of rust and loose paint we recommend using a medium grit sandpaper to ensure the entire metal surfaces are smooth, free from loose paint and defects. At this stage if you find any damaged metal work it should be filled with the appropriate type filler and left to cure for the specified period of time. Any excess filler can then be sanded back to blend in with the surface of the metal.
Once these steps have been taken repeat the whole process only this time use a fine grit abrasive paper and rinse the metal down with a paint thinner type solvent and allow to dry.
Paint Finish
Now the surface is fully prepared for repainting don’t just slap any old paint onto the gate as you will simply waste all the hard work you have done so far.
If you are planning on using a standard exterior grade paint then we would suggest you first apply a coat of rust inhibiting primer to all surfaces making sure no spots are missed as these will lead to rust returning. Alternatively there are now many zinc based paints on the market that will so a similar job. Once you are happy with the coverage and it has cured for the correct amount of time all that is left is to apply a minimum of 2 coats of finishing paint to all the metal surfaces and you are all set.
In conclusion we hope that you have found this article useful and given you the confidence to have a go yourself. If however you feel that a replacement metal gate or railings may be a more sensible options due to excess damage or major deterioration in the steel then why not take a look at the designs detailed for sale within our online shop or call us on 0844 804 5577 to see how we can help you out.
How to Paint Rusted Metal
It's all too easy to look at a rusted metal item and think that it cannot be saved. Bumpy, flaking rust hardly looks conducive to a beautiful paint job. But a rusted metal item can be preserved and revitalized with proper cleaning, priming, and painting. With the right techniques, you'll be able to preserve most rusted metal items that still have enough underlying structure.
Basics of Painting Rusted Metal
Can You Paint on the Rust Itself?
Whenever possible, it is always best to sand off the rust and expose only bare, unrusted metal for painting. But it is possible to paint directly on top of the rust, as long as the surface is stable. This paint should always be laid on top of a primer designed for metal.
Will the Rust Show Through the Paint?
Untreated reddish-brown rust can bleed through paint, especially lighter color paints. Rust conversion primer turns the rust black and its polymers seal the rust against bleeding. As long as the metal is properly primed, the rust should not show through the paint.
Can You Stabilize the Rust Before Painting?
Oxygen, water, and iron are required for oxidation—the process that creates rust. Using a rust conversion primer before painting halts oxidation. Tannins in the rust converter turn the rust black and stop the oxidation. Polymers in the converter seal the metal against oxygen and water.
Make sure that all areas of the metal—even the back side—are coated. Even a small uncoated section is enough to allow oxidation to continue.
When Is an Item Too Rusted to be Painted?
Generally, items that are deeply pitted or pinholed are too rusted for painting. Often, an item might look promising at first. Yet scraping and brushing take off layer after layer of rust, revealing no substantial metal underneath.
Safety Considerations
Painted items with rust may have been earlier painted with lead-based paint. Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint. Metal items popular with crafting and restoration such as patio chairs, tables, signs, and housewares may be painted in lead-based paint, too. Observe all safety techniques for working with lead-based paint.
The Spray Painting Tip That Every DIY’er Should Know
Transform metal outdoor furniture from old and rusty to sleek and stylish using this spray paint along with the most important spray painting tip you should know to achieve the perfect painted finish.
I like to buy new things as much as anyone, but sometimes it makes more sense to revitalize something already owned using spray paint. Spray paint is budget friendly, so easy to use and in the case of one brand of spray paint and a few good spray painting application techniques – a very smart money saving choice when decorating a home.
When you can spray paint, there is no need to buy new! Do you remember this outdoor dining table and chairs with sling seats that I spray painted?
What is the best spray paint to use on outdoor metal furniture?
I spray painted it and posted about it 5 years ago. The photo above was taken on the deck at my previous house.
Fast forward 5 years. Here is the set with two KUBU dining chairs added. I still have the end chairs, but when we entertain on the gazebo, I bring out two of the kitchen chairs to “up the style factor” of the space.
The spray painted finish on the table and chairs has held up perfectly. No peeling or chipping. The surface looks amazing and I have Rustoleum to thank as well as my patience to make sure I applied the spray paint correctly.
Last week, in keeping with my “use what I have” decorating philosophy, I used the same spray paint to restore two very large wrought iron patio umbrella stands that are on my deck. In less than an hour, I had brand new looking umbrella stands.
How to Paint a Metal Outdoor Metal Umbrella Stand
Here is what the metal umbrella stands looked like before I made them over with spray paint. Both are 20 years old. They were faded green with rust spots all over.
We keep two umbrella stands on the deck which sees sunrise and sunset. The stand on the left of the table is to block the morning sun from the table, the one on the right is to block the afternoon sun. We just move the umbrella from stand to stand. We used to have two umbrellas that I bought at Wayfair, but a storm ripped one in half. :-(
supplies needed:
Rustoleum Hammered Spray Paint in your choice of color. I used #210880 Brown
Wire brush or 60 grit sandpaper
Hot water and detergent mixed in a bucket
Foam blocks and dropcloth
1. I moved the umbrella stands off the deck to clean with hot water, dish detergent and a wire brush to remove all the dirt and loose pieces of chipped paint.
2. Once clean, I put them on Styrofoam blocks that I save from packaging to lift things I am about to paint off the ground.
Best Paint to Use to Paint Outdoor Metal Patio Furniture and Accessories
I used Rust-Oleum Spray Paint in the color Hammered Brown. It is the best spray paint in all regards that has exactly what it states on the label, a hammered finish. I prefer the traditional style can over the newer spray top. You don’t need to use primer for either. Once less step. :-)
Once the cleaned surface is completely dry, shake can well and spray a light coat over surface in all directions. Shake can a few times while you spray. Wait 5 minutes and spray on a second light coat of spray paint. WAIT another 5 minutes and touch up any areas that you missed.
My #1 Spray Painting TIP:
This spray painting tip is one of the most important tips I know to achieve a perfectly smooth spray painted finish. It is for anything you spray paint, not just metal outdoor furniture.
To ensure your spray painted finish on any surface does not wrinkle, you must apply the coats of spray paint within an hour. If you can’t get a second or more coat on within an hour, wait 48 hours to apply the next coat. If you spray a second coat on too soon after the first hour, the paint may wrinkle and ruin your efforts.
AFTER Spray Painting – Metal Outdoor Patio Umbrella Stand
Quite a nice transformation for about 15 minutes of effort.
It was very hot and humid when I took these photos. Having a umbrella to shade the table is a must. Now that the umbrella stands has been painted, they look much more cohesive with the decking.
I like things to look coordinated, they don’t have to be matchy-match, but at least look like they are part of the whole.
Now I have to paint the fish candle holders that we have sitting on the railing. The previous owner of the house left two of them. We have become very fond of them since moving to the house. I think I will be painting them to restore the look of verdigris that they once had.
Another great product to have on hand when you have metal outdoor furniture is WD-40 or a similar product like CRC that is a spray-on lubricant that removes rust, loosens rusty screws and more. These screws that hold the umbrella in each of my stands were covered in rust. A few shots of WD-40 and they were as good as new.
