Wrought iron is a metal that can be used both indoors and out. Outdoor uses for wrought iron may include gates, pergolas and patio furniture. Although it’s a hard-wearing metal, if it’s used outdoors then eventually it will need to be spruced up a bit with a new coat of paint. Before you begin to paint wrought iron, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to do a good job.
The main thing you need to do before you paint wrought iron is prepare the surface first. This does take a little time and effort but it’s worth it if you want to do a good job. If the wrought iron is dirty wash it gently with soap and water and a soft brush or cloth. Make sure it’s completely dry before you start to paint.
You may find some rust when you’re cleaning, especially if your wrought iron item has been outdoors in all kinds of weather for a long time. Don’t be tempted to paint over the rust; this simply hides it and it will eat away at the metal underneath the paint. If it’s a large area such as a wrought iron fence or gate needing to be cleaned before painting, then you might want to consider sandblasting it. It’s effective and much quicker than doing it by hand. You can hire a sandblaster or buy one if you intend to do the job regularly. For smaller areas, a wire brush does a good job. Sandpaper is another option, but it needs to be a coarse type.
Once the rust has been removed wipe it clean and you’re ready to start painting your wrought iron. Don’t just use any old paint; it has to be one specially formulated for use on metal surfaces. Anything else, like exterior paint, will crack and peel after a time. Look also for paint that has added rust inhibitor.
Like cleaning, how you paint wrought iron depends on the size of it. A large area would probably be best done with a sprayer, unless of course you like the idea of spending hours or even days doing it. Wear goggles and overalls to protect your clothing if you use a sprayer. And, although this may seem obvious, don’t attempt to do it on a windy day!
A small or intricate area is best done with a simple paintbrush. A good tip is to get two or three in different sizes so you can get into all the nooks and crannies on your wrought iron surface. If it’s particularly intricate then an artist brush will help.
Whether it's big or small, if you take the time to prepare and use the correct tools for painting wrought iron, your piece will look as good as the day you bought it.
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