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Restoring 100 year old cast iron statues

I have four old cast iron statues - each about 3 ft high and probably over 100 years old - which are rusted to a deep red color. The features are reasonably delicate so I would like to know whether it is safe to have them sandblasted in order to restore them or should I try to restore them by hand. Also what should I paint them with after I clean them down to provide long-term protection.

Martin Creaner
hobbyist - Cobh, Cork, Ireland
2003
publicly reply to Martin Creaner

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Hello, Martin. I'd probably wire brush them, then use rust converter ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil links] rather than blasting them and their delicate features. Note that naval jelly ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil links] is pretty much the same thing. Then use might prime them with a Self-etching primer ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and paint them with whatever you like. The only caution there is that epoxy is the wrong choice if they'll be in the sun. Good luck!

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
publicly reply to Ted Mooney

Hi, I am wondering if you succeeded in restoring your iron statues. Thank you, John.

John cook
video producer - dublin
March 19, 2009
publicly reply to John cook