Letter 33964 Refinishing rusted Iron Bed [Tennessee]   +++++ I have an antique cast iron bed that has been outside for many years. I want to reclaim it, but it's completely covered in rust. It is in excellent condition except for the rust. Do you know how I would go about removing the rust and either using the bed with it's original luster or painting the bed? So far, my research had led me to believe I need to have it sandblasted. What else do I need to do? Thanks so much! Maggie S [last name deleted for privacy due to age of posting] student - Memphis, Tennessee, United States +++++ I think you're on track, Maggie. Sandblast, prime, and paint.   Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

I have just sandblasted a wrought iron (cast-iron) fireplace surround. It looks great but I was a little surprised at the result, a very matt grey. I plan to finish the surround with "Williams" black semi-paste stove polish to give it the black lustrous finish I am looking for. (It's made from graphite and carbon black pigment). Is this polish considered a primer, does it replace the primer, or should I prime, then stove polish black? If I need to buy a primer is it readily available?

Thanks very much.

Andrew B [last name deleted for privacy due to age of posting]
- Jersey City, NJ, USA.

I just dropped by their website, it says to only apply their product to UNPROTECTED surfaces to allow for good penetration. So slather it on without primer you might want to take some rough grade Steel Wool [link is to product info at Rockler] to it first to make sure that there is no residual oxidation on it.

Marc Banks
- Elizabeth City, NC, USA

We have an old white wrought iron Bed of my husband's Grandparents'. I would like refinish it (someone has painted it white). It also has a few rust spots on it. I was thinking of repainting it white. Can you tell me how and what to use for the best way to refinish this bed?

Thank You,

Karen P [last name deleted for privacy due to age of posting]
Realtor - San Antonio, TX, USA

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Ed. note: See also letters 7543, 26857, and 32772 for additional discussions on this topic.

A new black wrought iron interior stair railing has been installed in my home, and I would like to soften the harsh color of the finish by antiquing it using faux finishing techniques. What paints are safe to use and how do I protect the finish?

Margie Joffrion
decorative artist - Gulfport, MS, USA

I live in a small salt waterfront condo complex that has many pieces of black wrought iron furniture in the courtyard which is directly open to the water. The salt air has caused much paint flaking after only 2 years. What are the steps to repair this furniture and which products work best for this exposure?

Janice Moore
- Dunedin, FL, USA

Margie- we are facing the same problem. what can be done to soften the stark black of railing? would like it to be more of an oiled-bronze or bronze patina. any suggestions?

Dorothy M Tejada
- Arlington, Texas, USA

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