If you're going 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 you check the old railings for 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.
Step 1: There is a patch of railing for lead.
Purchase a lead test kit from a hardware store.Carefully remove the iron 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 should contact a professional painting company to have the paint removed.
Step 2: To make it easier to clean up, place a drop cloth on the floor.
Put down a drop cloth if you're removing paint from an indoor or outdoor railing.If you're working on a small iron railing, consider using old sheets.You can spread newspaper underneath the railing if you don't have drop cloths.
Step 3: Remove the paint with eye protection and a mask.
Dust masks are used to protect your nose and mouth from paint particles.You can wear goggles to protect your eyes.Gloves are needed to protect your hands when working with mineral spirits.Open windows if you're working on an indoor railing.
Step 4: Use a metal blade to remove paint.
Run a scraper along the smooth sides of the railing with a straight blade.Chunks of 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 a wire brush over the railing
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 railing to get rid of paint.
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 removed all of the paint.
Step 7: A brush or roller can be used to remove paint.
You can dip a paintbrush, foam brush, or foam paint roller into a liquid chemical stripper.It's a good idea to work in aventilated space.You can either dip the brush into the stripper or pour the liquid stripper into a paint tray.
Step 8: The chemical stripper needs to be applied to the railing.
If there are paint spots on the iron, spread the liquid stripper over them.You can brush it on the railing.Spread a thick layer of the stripper.
Step 9: For at least 5 minutes, let the chemical stripper sit on the railing.
The manufacturer has instructions on how long to allow the chemical stripper to sit on the metal.The stripper should be left on the railing for at least 5 minutes.The chemicals can be used to break down the old paint on the railing.
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.Wait before applying more chemical stripper if there are still stubborn spots.
Step 11: Use a tack cloth or mineral spirits to wipe off the railing.
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 it.You can buy tack cloths at hardware stores.There's no need to dry the railing with a cloth because mineral spirits 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.After dipping a flat brush into the primer, spread it on the railing.The primer protects the iron from damage.The primer can be applied with a small foam roller.
Step 13: It's best to let the primer 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 a single 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: New paint can be applied to the railings.
Choose a paint that can be used on metal.This type of paint causes the metal to rust.Spread the foam roller onto the railings.Allow the railings to dry completely.If you can't cover the areas with the roller, use a paintbrush.Wait 4 hours before applying another coat of paint.