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Did I remove enough rust?
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Q. I have recently purchased a wrought iron console which needs a little rust removal and repainting. I sanded, cleaned with a wire brush, a tack cloth, soap and water. While there is no flaking paint or raised rust anymore, the rust colored spots remain.
Should the piece be without any rust color on it at all? Is this even possible? If so, sanding just isn't going to do it because I sanded hard for hours and did remove a tremendous amount of rust and totally smoothed the finish of the piece..Once I get the answer to the rust problem, do I need to prime the piece before painting? What is the authentic color of old wrought iron? Was it flat black, or more of an iron/grey/black color?
Sandi S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Raleigh, North Carolina
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A. One way of removing oxidation would be to dip the piece in an acid solution. However, following this step you must not allow the piece to be exposed to air prior to finishing. Blackening can be accomplished by purchasing a blackening compound for steel traps at a sporting goods store. An old-fashioned way of accomplishing this is to boil the red tips of the sumac tree and immerse the piece in liquid while it is boiling. I used this process to blacken traps when I was younger and it worked well and inhibited rust formation.
Brian DeBadts- Rochester, New York
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Remove the remainder of the rust with a commercial rust remover (like naval jelly). Rinse well and allow to dry thoroughly. Paint with Rustoleum or similar material. These contain chemicals that inhibit further oxidation.
George Brackett III- Utica, New York
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Ed. note: see letters 26857,
32772, and
33964 for additional discussions on this topic.
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I want to refinish my mother's outdoor wrought iron table and chair set. It is rusty and flaking. What is my first step? What kind of paint do I use? What is the difference in finishes between powder paint and spray?
Thank you for any help.
Jennifer D . [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- New York City, New York
-- this entry appended to this thread by editor in lieu of spawning a duplicative thread
I have recently rescued a set of 4 wrought iron chairs and wrought iron & glass table from a scrap heap. The finish is a sage colored verdegris. I would like to paint it a different color but am unsure about the best way to prepare it for painting.
Any suggestions regarding what to do as well as what not to do would be most appreciated.
Karen L [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Columbus, Ohio
-- this entry appended to this thread by editor in lieu of spawning a duplicative thread
I would like to paint an interior black wrought iron railing with an ivory color. Are there certain paints that work better for this than others? oil or latex ok? Are there any special prep techniques I need to use?
Thanks,
Tom F . [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Apple Valley, Minnesota, USA
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I have a glass covered coffee table and end table with a matte black finish that I want to dramatically change. I want the end result to looked either dry-brushed, hammered or even crackled. The end color(s)should blend well with Ivory/light beige leather furniture and cream walls. I also have matching floor lamp and table lamps with black metal bases that have a nubby finish. How can I achieve the same desired effects on all 4 pieces? Any suggestions are welcome as to technique, finish, paint type, brush type!
In other words.....HELP! Thank you!
Catherine P . [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Fairport, New York
++A popular (cellulose-based) commercial paint available in the UK produces an excellent 'hammered' finish. The brand name is Hammerite [linked by editor to product info at Amazon] and I have used it very successfully for many years on both metal and wood surfaces. A few basic colours are available, including Gold. Its durability alone fully justifies its cost. The manufacturer is Hammerite Products, Prudhoe, Northumberland, UK. I have no connection with the company.
Idris Hughes
- North Wales, UK
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De-rusting canal boat. I need to remove/convert rust on a narrowboat I am painting. the boat is new so only surface rust is present. can you please confirm what is the best product I should use (eg. acids, )and in what form. thanks for your help - Mike
Michael John Lewinhobbyist - Peterborough, UK
August 23, 2008
i am attempting to refinish a very rusted iron bookcase.
bookcase is constructed of 1/4" round iron "bars" separated approximately 2". as this is my first project of this type any/all help would be appreciated...especially in the stripping phase.
- houston, texas
August , 2008
Hi, Michael. I'd start by sanding away the heavier and looser rust and then, as mentioned by George B., naval jelly is a good starting point as it will convert the powdery red rust to adherent black rust. Then you can simply use Rustoleum or Krylon paint for metal. Good luck.
Regards,
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