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How to repaint rusting metal railings?

mody_moozy
Growing in Experience

How to repaint rusting metal railings?

Hello, I'm looking to repaint these outdoor railings which has plenty areas of rust and bubbling/flaking paint. What steps and products should I use to restore this? Thank you!

 

IMG_1862.jpg IMG_1886.jpg

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EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How to repaint outdoor railings

Hello @mody_moozy 

 

Thanks for sharing your question about painting your outdoor railings. I have the perfect guide for you - How To Paint Metal. The general steps are to scrape and sand the rust off the surface of the steel. That also includes all the flaking paint and anything else that is coming off the steel surface. After sanding the steels surface, you'll need to clean it and apply rust converter. Once the rust converter has done its job you then prime and paint. I suggest using the White Knight Rust Guard painting system.  

 

Here is another guide from White Knight: How to Paint Metal 

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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mody_moozy
Growing in Experience

Re: How to repaint outdoor railings

Hi @EricL, thanks for your suggestions, I have several questions.

 

  • For primer and paint, is White Knight Medium Grey Metal Primer and Epoxy Enamel suitable? I can see there is also all purpose primer and advanced enamel.
  • Is using Bondall 500ml Ranex Rustbuster Rust Converter instead of white knights rust converter okay?
  • The video suggests sanding with 600 grit sandpaper before priming and painting, what grit would be effective for removing rust?
  • Can I use Tricleanium All Purpose Cleaner to clean the surface?

Thanks!

 

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How to repaint outdoor railings

Hello @mody_moozy 

 

Yes, the White Knight Rust Guard Medium Grey Metal Primer Paint and the White Knight Rust Guard Gloss White Epoxy Enamel Paint will work together as they are both from White Knight.

Using 600grit is ok for getting a fine finish, but to remove rust and rough sections of the railings 80 and 120grit are more suitable. Yes, you can use Tricleanium to clean the surface. Please make sure to thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water and allow to fully dry out before painting the surface.

 

Eric

 

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mody_moozy
Growing in Experience

Re: How to repaint outdoor railings

Hi @EricL,

 

So I've started scraping away the flaky paint and rust, and wow, its time consuming 😅

In one area with heavy rust, I've scraped, brushed and applied rust converter. See before and after pics below.

 

Is this okay so far? I'm not that pleased with the progress.

What more should I do to make it look better and more prepared for primer? The surface is so bumpy, will continuous sanding make it smooth? Should I apply another layer of rust converter?

 

Before scraping and brushingBefore scraping and brushing

 

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Another area after rust converterAnother area after rust converter

  

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How to repaint outdoor railings

Hi @mody_moozy 

 

To speed things up you could use a grinder tool with a Josco 100mm Twistknot Cup Brush or an Ozito 200W Detail Sander. There is not much that can be done about the bumpy surface where the rust has eaten into it. If you wish to restore a bit of body to it, I propose using Selleys 50g Knead It Multi Purpose Epoxy Putty. You can apply this putty to increase and smoothen the sections that have been eaten into by the rust. My best advice is to feather the edges so that it blends in with the steel and not make it look like its been added on.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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Noyade
Home Improvement Guru

Re: How to repaint outdoor railings

Also of possible use is a stick mini-sander. I believe Ozito make one.

Note my excellent shed storage system...

 

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