Using a rotary wire bursh attachment to remove rust on porch railings.
Using a rotary wire bursh attachment to remove rust on railings.

It’s important to refinish rusty decorative ironwork or steel on your house as soon as possible to prevent the metal from corroding more.

To refinish rusty wrought iron or steel:

  1. Remove Rust: Use a wire brush or rotating wire drill attachment to remove all the rust from the surface of the metal.
  2. Clean Surface: Wipe down the metal with mineral spirits to remove any rust dust.
  3. Prime Metal: Spray the cleaned metal surface with rust inhibiting primer.
  4. Paint Iron: When dry, apply several light coats of finish paint to the metal.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

The first step to repainting rusty ironwork is removing the rust. A wire brush, or wire brush attachment for your drill, will get the job done. Remove the remaining dust by wiping it down with mineral spirits. Now, spray the affected ironwork with a rust inhibiting primer, and allow it to dry well before applying two or three coats of the finish paint. Remember several light coats are better than one thick coat.

Editorial Contributors
Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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