Prominently featured on many beautiful homes in and around Portland are wrought iron railings and other delightful fixtures made of metal. Whether it be on a smaller, older house in the downtown area, or an expansive estate in the suburbs, wrought iron is a classy touch. From time to time, this exterior metal needs to be painted, and it is important to make sure it is done well.
How to Paint Exterior Metal
Wrought iron railings and other metal items need similar preparation to other exterior surfaces before they can be painted. First, you need to make sure it is clean. It is best to use a degreasing detergent to cleanse the surface of all contaminants that would prevent paint adhesion. Next, use a wire brush to remove any flaking or peeling paint and loose rust.
If there are any rusty areas, it is good to sand these to get them smooth and paintable. Also, if the previous paint is glossy, it is helpful to lightly sand the surface to allow the new paint to adhere better. Rinse or wipe the surface again before painting.
Finally, protect all the nearby surfaces that are at risk of accidental painting. Use tape and paper on the siding and on the ground wherever the railing is attached to something. Use tarps or plastic to cover larger ground areas and nearby shrubs.
Now it is time for applying coatings. If you have any bare metal, you definitely need to apply a primer first. Use a high-quality primer that is designed for painting exterior metal. If there is any rust, use a product that will help to neutralize it. For the top coat, make sure you choose a premium exterior metal paint. Railings do not have much surface area, so you don’t need a lot of paint; it is worth it to invest in the highest quality.
For applying your primer and paint, spraying produces the best results. If you don’t have spray equipment, you can use spray cans for small jobs. However, the job can also be done with a small foam roller and a high-quality brush. Use the roller for any flat surfaces, and the brush for crevices, curves, and other hard-to-reach areas.
When Does Exterior Metal Need to Be Painted?
With any exterior painting, it is important to paint before the coating has begun to fail. Once there is any flaking, peeling, or rust, the job becomes much harder, but if you catch it before that happens, the task is fairly simple.
You know the time for painting is coming close when you see that the paint is looking worn, faded, thin, or chalky, or it has begun to develop hairline cracks.
Expert Painting for Metal Railings in the Portland Metro Area
When your exterior wrought iron railings need to be painted, the best step to take is hiring an expert house painter. Working with a professional painter, you don’t just save time and hassle; you also ensure that the project will be completed with the best possible products and techniques.
Sundeleaf Painting has been serving the Portland metro area since 1930, earning a reputation for unsurpassed quality and excellent customer service. As a family-owned painting company, we value our relationships here in the Portland community, and we look forward to working with you!
