Wrought iron handrails are common on porches; and while durable, they will need to be repaired and painted from time to time.

To paint metal handrails:

  1. Use a wire brush to remove any loose or peeling paint.
  2. Spray with a rust inhibiting primer.
  3. Apply two coats of oil based enamel (cans of spray paint work best).

To repair metal handrail posts:

  1. Insert a threaded rod into the top and bottom of the handrail post.
  2. Apply auto body filler to the outside of the threaded rod and allow to set.
  3. Shape and sand the auto body filler to match the post profile.
  4. Paint the repair to match the railings.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Metal handrails are durable, but they do require maintenance and occasional repair. Before re-painting, any loose or peeling paint should be removed from the rails. A pressure washer may remove some failing paint, but to remove rust you’ll need a wire brush—the kind that attaches to a drill will speed up that process.

Once the metal is free of peeling paint and rust, it should be primed with a rust inhibiting primer. Follow that with two coats of quality oil based enamel for a finish that will last.

If sections of rail are damaged or missing, one way to repair them is to bridge the gap by inserting a threaded rod in either end of the rail. Use auto body filler to hold the rod in place and mask the repair. This filler can then be sculpted to match the shape of the rail and sanded like metal once it hardens.


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Danny Lipford

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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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