Wrought iron is often used for exterior garden gates, railings, doors, decorative panels and more. However, wrought iron surfaces are prone to common issues like peeling paint, meaning that it is essential to use the right primer for the job. Zinsser Cover Stain is a stain-killing primer-sealer specifically designed to resist cracking and peeling and provides superior adhesion.
Read on to find out the best way to restore old iron railings, ensuring long-lasting protection and a flawless paint finish.
Follow these simple steps to ensure proper surface preparation and achieve a smooth, durable finish.
Start by cleaning the wrought iron with a cloth and Zinsser Universal Cleaner & Degreaser to remove any dirt, dust and grime. Rinse well and allow the surface to dry completely.
Use a wire brush to scrape away any loose or peeling paint. For stubborn areas, consider using an abrasive pad or a sanding disc attached to an angle grinder. This will help to smooth the surface and ensure better paint adhesion.
Use the same wire brush, abrasive pad, or sanding disc to remove any rust from the surface, as rust can compromise the durability of your paint job. Ensure all rust is cleared before moving to the next step.
Lightly sand the wrought iron to create a smooth, even surface for priming and painting. Focus on areas where rust or old paint has been removed to ensure a consistent finish.
Now that you’ve prepared the surface, the next step is to prime the wrought iron for painting. When painting iron railings and similar surfaces, the most suitable primer is Zinsser Cover Stain however, Bulls Eye 123 can also be used as a water-based alternative.
Cover Stain is the ultimate primer for the job as it has great hiding power and enamel undercoating performance, with a specialist formula designed to resist cracking and peeling. It is also compatible with all decorative topcoats.
In most cases, only one coat of Cover Stain is necessary. Make sure to allow two hours drying time before recoating.
When painting iron railings, gates, panels and metal furniture, it’s important to choose a product that is up to the task and offers supreme protection to exterior surfaces. We recommend AllCoat Exterior as the ultimate wrought iron paint to use as a decorative topcoat, as it forms a low-maintenance, water-shedding coating that will stand up to rain and severe weather, all the while providing excellent resistance to cracking and peeling.
Start by using a high-quality brush or a small roller to apply the paint, ensuring you reach all the intricate details and tight corners, such as around hinges and railings. Movement in the wind can be a challenge, so it’s advisable to secure gates before painting to avoid streaks or uneven coverage. Apply two coats of Zinsser AllCoat Exterior for optimal durability, allowing each coat to dry for at least 1 hour before applying the next.
Yes, both Zinsser Cover Stain and Zinsser AllCoat Exterior are compatible with an airless sprayer.
Using an airless sprayer to paint an iron fence makes the job quicker and more efficient, while easily covering intricate details and hard-to-reach areas such as around spindles, hinges, and tight corners. This method significantly reduces the time and effort compared to brushing or rolling, especially on larger projects, and ensures a uniform finish without brush marks.
Zinsser Cover Stain is also available in an aerosol too.
The steps above can be applied to wrought iron furniture. Just like it states above, start by thoroughly cleaning the surface and removing any rust or loose paint with a wire brush before sanding. Prime with Cover Stain and allow to dry before using a high-quality exterior paint like Zinsser AllCoat Exterior. Apply two coats with a brush, roller, or airless sprayer, allowing 1 hour of drying time between coats.
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