How to Scrape and Repaint a Metal Railing

[@DaveD2488]

I just started doing mine today. Glad I'm reading these comments. I will take all advice. Thanks

[@gilltim5711]

That surface needs to be sanded smooth before painting. The paint won't hide the rough surface below. Get an electric sander and make sure it's really smoothed out before painting. I've learned this the hard way, but know better now.

[@LongologoProductions]

Thanks for the comment. This is an excellent suggestion and I'll do that next time.

[@sylvanaire]

My front porch railing hasn’t been repainted since the house was built 60 years ago & is a real mess. The problem is, the design has many curly-cues that a regular sander can’t reach. Do you think a dremel tool would work? It has a wire brush attachment that would fit inside the curves. I’ve been procrastinating as I don’t know the best way to get the old paint off. Thanks for any suggestions. 😊

[@gilltim5711]

@@sylvanaire In this case, paint remover would be ideal. Brush generous amounts of it all over the paint, wait, and it will wipe right off, taking all the old paint with it.

[@sylvanaire]

@@gilltim5711 Thanks, I just stumbled over some videos showing the paint stripper, so I do think that is the best way to go! 😊

[@hughmmiller]

I'm in the process of doing mine. Ended up buying an inexpensive angle grinder ($40) with a circular metal brush (~$5) from Harbor Freight which made the paint/rust removal process much easier. Would work well on the top surface of your railings and effective on the side surfaces to a degree. You may want to try that next time.

[@LongologoProductions]

@Hugh Miller: Thanks for the comment. This is an excellent suggestion and I'll do that next time.

[@DaveD2488]

I just watched a video where they tested the paint for lead prior to doing any scraping. After it was cleared that no lead paint was present they then put a mask on and then did the scraping.

[@jafallica]

You should be using an enamel paint for wrought iron not latex. And you really should put down a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect your area.

[@maylee5569]

Why enamel rather than latex?

[@jafallica]

@@maylee5569 enamel paint is best for wrought iron. Latex is for walls.

[@jafallica]

@@maylee5569 Rustoleum is best. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3y8foCqaq-ahqc

[@LongologoProductions]

@May Lee: in general, people will use an enamel (oil based) paint for exterior applications like this. I used the latex (water based) paint indicated in the description because it is rated for exterior use and for metal (noting that I was going to be painting on top of a scraped but previously painted surface). We’ll see how long this holds up. So far it still looks good. If it doesn’t last, I may try something else next time.

[@zenfan1098]

Pain in the ass 😂 I gotta do that so I watched thanks 👍

[@didid138]

Looks great! You did a nice job!

[@decraew]

I have a similar job… but at least 5x this in total surface to clean and with loads of curls too. I think this would take too much time doing it manually. Have you considered sand blasting (or another medium) ? I also heard that a gas torch is helpful for removing paint on iron (O tried my electric paint stripper, that didn’t work too well).

[@LongologoProductions]

@Wim Decraene: See one of the previous comments regarding using an inexpensive angle grinder and circular metal brush to remove the paint. Next time I do this I will not scrape by hand-it took way too long!

[@WalkingbytheSpiritAlways]

Hi. Your railing is exactly the same as mine. I was thinking of spray painting, and after watching this, it seems that maybe it is better to use a brush. What do you think? Would it be too hard to keep the overspray off of the brick even with a drop cloth?

[@LongologoProductions]

Spray painting is definitely tempting, because it would be easier than brushing around all those nooks and crannies. But I think that the risk of overspray and drift in the slightest breeze could undo your best efforts at laying down a drop cloth to protect the brick underneath. Using the brush also allows you to put down a slightly thicker coat to provide more protection. Also see in some of the other comments the suggestion to use a grinding wheel or spinning wire brush to smooth the surface better prior to painting. I will do that next time. Good luck.

[@ambm_4]

​@LongologoProductions I'm in the process of doing my railing right now. It's scrolled and has the grapes and vines. I'm using a drill and have several wire brush attachments. It's a nightmare 😫 😂 this is going to take me a year! I'm going through about 9 layers of paint here! Hoping it will last a bit longer this time though.

[@roderickbrown3004]

Could you use an orbital sander with a low grit sandpaper to speed up the process?

[@LongologoProductions]

@Roderick Brown: I thought about that, but there are several ridges on the railing that would make it hard to get into all the edges with an orbital sander. Maybe a mouse sander with a good edge to get into the steps between the ridges. Next time I think I will be more aggressive with the sanding to smooth the surface better. Thanks for commenting!

[@benjaminulbricht4670]

Dude...you need a wire wheel and a drill!

[@LongologoProductions]

I do and will use one next time.... ;)

[@KenzertYT]

​@@LongologoProductions300IQ is grinder with a wire wheel, and flap disc. ;) Figured that out the hard way. As we know rust spreads under the chips, good idea to remove any oxidized metal

[@s.h1388]

Hi, greet job👍how much do you charge per linear foot or square foot

[@LongologoProductions]

@S.H: Ha! Thank you!

[@MsYourMa]

do you not need to remove the rust before repainting?

[@LongologoProductions]

It helps to remove loose flaky rust but you don’t need to sand down to the bare metal. The rustoleum bonds to (reacts with?) the rust and seals it in underneath, preventing it from continuing to spread.

[@llamaface6229]

Would a wire wheel work

[@LongologoProductions]

Yes - probably much better. See other comments below. Thank you.

[@TheeJRamz]

Completely off topic but gotta say you sound like a young Johnny Depp

[@Official_amzosbeatz]

I don't know why but to me it sounds like Johnny Depp 🤣🤣

[@LongologoProductions]

@Amzobeatz AKA Amir: Ha! 😏

[@hollya.6968]

Yes! I cannot unhear Johnny now!

[@ningxiabird]

@@LongologoProductions i didn't make the Johnny Depp connection, but I did notice that you have a beautiful voice ! Congrats 👍

[@anadiaz-rk5jo]

I have white wrought iron what paint should I use

[@LongologoProductions]

Whatever color you would like. The rustoleum ultra cover paint I used is available in several different colors.

[@onangelwings462]

​@@LongologoProductionsI have a white one too and I was surprised that you didn't use a tool to sand it I've been looking for a video to show me how to do my white ones without the scraping of the hand sanding I've been doing the one railing for over a week by hand

[@LongologoProductions]

@@onangelwings462 yes - next time I will use a power sander or grinder - mentioned in other comments on this video. Will save time and do a better job of surface preparation.

[@nabilah7353]

I apologize, but I would advise you to redo it for better results. The mistakes made are clearly visible since you did not use a sanding machine, and that is where you should start. After sanding, make sure to clean everything thoroughly. Then, use a primer on the smooth surface before applying several coats of paint. This will result in a much more beautiful outcome. However, it is ultimately your decision, and this is just my advice.

[@carlloftin2850]

I guess it was a primer and top coat combined? How has it held up

[@LongologoProductions]

@Carl Loftin: I think so. It has held up well but admittedly it has only been several months. I’m unhappy with the unevenness of the surface due to my only partially removing the underlying paint layers. But other than that it worked great. Next time (4 years from now?) I think I will strip down at least the handrail portions to the bare metal so the newly painted surface would be even.

[@ambm_4]

​@@LongologoProductionspretty good estimate. It's been 5 yrs and I've got rust showing through now. I'm going to bare metal on a railing from the 1920's. So many layers to get through! So many little crevices! I'm buying the best paint I can so I don't have to do this again soon hopefully 😅

[@wll6777]

@@LongologoProductionshi how’s your railing going now😂, guess it’s time to repaint mine

[@LongologoProductions]

@@wll6777 : Still in great shape! I’m happily surprised!

[@wll6777]

@@LongologoProductions haha happy to hear that!

[@jafallica]

Did you use a satin finish or gloss?

[@LongologoProductions]

@jafallica: I noted in the video description that it was semi-gloss.

[@PatriciaTaggart-mv5wn]

No sanding!!???

[@LongologoProductions]

Not this time. Next time I will use a grinding wheel or disk. Something faster but still effective.

[@russ1808]

What is this the Stone Age use some damn machines

[@LongologoProductions]

@@russ1808 : haha!🤣

[@Angelzeroni001]

The fact this guy has gloves on to this job tells you everything you need to know 😂

[@LongologoProductions]

Yes, that I actually followed the directions on the paint can!

[@onangelwings462]

Why is that funny

[@Angelzeroni001]

@@LongologoProductions I find it hilarious that a man wore gloves to scrape paint off a railing. The brush even had a comfortable handle for your gentle hands. I mean this with all respect.

[@LongologoProductions]

@@Angelzeroni001 🤔🙄

[@Agent77X]

Amateur quality!😮 Paid a professional wrought iron fence painter next time! It expensive but result look brand new no dvits or gouges in the rail.