This is especially important because you’ll need to wash down the wrought iron.
The wrought iron must be fully dry before you’re able to paint it.
Paint only when temperatures are above 50F and when humidity is below 85-percent.
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Safety Considerations
The wrought iron may have been painted with lead-based paint, a proven health hazard.
The U.S. federal government banned lead-based paint in 1978.
Start at the top.
Switch to the bottle brush or wheel brush for tight areas as you work down.
Rinse down the wrought iron with clean water from the hose when finished.
Remove Loose Paint and Rust
Let the wrought iron dry.
Starting at the top of the wrought iron, peel and scrape away the largest pieces of paint andrust.
Begin by using scraping tools like the screwdriver, putty knife, paint scraper, and utility knife.
Remove any paint or rust that has a pronounced edge and that could possibly flake off after painting.
Brush Rust With Wire Brush
Vigorously brush the wrought iron with the wire brush.
Brush off the rest of the loose paint and rust.
Dulling the glossy paint will help the new paint stick.
Brush off with a clean brush or with a hand brush.
It doesn’t have to be immaculate, but mostly clean is usually good enough.
As long as you get all areas, one coat of primer should be sufficient.
Since it is oil-based, the metal needs a full 24 hours before coating with paint.
Clean up or thin oil-based metal primer with mineral spirits or paint thinner, not with water.
Be sure to use a thick 3/8-inch nap roller cover.
It’s helpful to do as much as you’re able to with the roller to minimize hand-brushing.
Use light, even strokes with the brush.
Do not apply thickly.
Watch out for details where the paint tends to pool up or drip, and catch them immediately.
Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead.
