Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Paint finish for old metal garden statue

February 16, 2008

I have bought a cast iron statue froma reclamation yard. It is a beautiful long-haired maiden and the winged god Borealis, so you can imagine the detail. It is currently painted offwhite and is going somewhat rusty. What would be an appropriate weatherproof finish that I can apply myself in the garden? I thought about Kurust first then a paint, but I don't know what's available.
Thank you
Shona

Shona Walton
DIY homeowner and gardener - Banbury, Oxon, UK

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I think the Kurust is a good idea. Sounds like stripping back to bare metal will be difficult because of the detail, so here's what Ii would do. Wire brush off surface rust - use a rotary wire brush in an electric drill.
Then treat with Kurust. It will go everywhere so when fully dry, lightly jet-wash off the overspills. A light primer will be essential to ensure top coat adhesion on the remains of the old paint and avoid filling in detail - one of the zinc based ones should do the trick. Follow up with a thin coat of spray paint - one of the automotive ones or something like Plasticote. I'd steer clear of Hamerite as it will probably come out too thick filling in detail. With effectively two layers of anti-rust primer, almost anything will last.
As the statue is very detailed, you may be able to remove any accidental runs with the edge of kitchen towel - but only if you spot then straight away.

Good luck!

Adrian Berry
- Banbury, Oxfordshire, England
June 3, 2009