Wrought Iron Railings are made from iron and therefore will rust and deteriorate if left unfinished. But if finished and protected correctly, your wrought iron railings can last for many years to come.
Prepare the Surface First
Wipe off any loose scale or flaking paint with a wire brush or angle grinder before applying any coating. Don’t scrape off old rust as the particles can get trapped in the primer and cause problems later on. If there is any rust on the bare metal, make sure to wipe it off completely before applying any primer.
Apply a Rust-Inhibiting Primer
Primers such as zinc-phosphate and red oxide form a solid foundation for your wrought iron railings. They form a tight seal and prevent moisture from coming into contact with the bare metal. As iron is a metal that begins to oxidise within hours of being exposed to the air, it is essential that your metal is primed as soon as possible.
Choose the Right Topcoat
Oil based paint is commonly used for domestic wrought iron work as it can be easily touched up when needed. Epoxy paint provides added protection and is more resistant to impact. Powder coating provides the hardest wearing surface and is recommended to be applied by a specialist. However it is not easily repairable on site.
Consider Hot-Dip Galvanising
For railings to be left outside in harsh weather, hot-dip galvanising is highly recommended. This method of protection binds a layer of zinc to the iron and can last for decades to come before needing further protection.
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Wax or Linseed Oil for Traditional Work
For show pieces, we recommend boiled linseed oil or beeswax paste to protect the surface of the work. English Heritage publishes a wealth of practical information on the conservation of historic metalwork
Inspect Regularly
It’s best to inspect your wrought iron railings every year for signs of rust, especially around joints, welds and where they are fixed to the ground. If you do find any bare patches on your wrought iron railings, it’s best to touch them up as soon as possible using some primer and matching paint. uk/what-we-make/wrought-iron-railings–metal-gates/).
It is far easier to carry out some annual maintenance than allow deep rusting to develop.
