Stripping paint from iron bars
I have tried different methods for removing the layers of peeling paint from the iron bars and fence in the front of the house. I want to expose the detail that is hidden under the 100 years of paint. I started with using just a wire brush but that did not work well. Now I…
I have tried different methods for removing the layers of peeling paint from the iron bars and fence in the front of the house. I want to expose the detail that is hidden under the 100 years of paint. I started with using just a wire brush but that did not work well. Now I am applying paint stripper and using the wire brush. Are there any other methods that I can try to remove the paint, e.g., a pressure washer?
You might want to use a welder’s hammer (HD)to knock off built up paint and rust. Even a tack hammer would do around tight spots. I used these to clean off an iron gate with a century of paint. Be patient too. It’s a labor intensive and annoying job.
I have used the wire wheel on the grinder and it works great. However, I have seen the professionals using a torch. I tried this too. If you get a small tank of MAPP Gas and torch it off, that works too.
Please use a mask. That lead paint can do a number on your body.
not a cup brush a wire wheel brush – I have tried the cup brush in a drill and it will not be much help – you need a grinder and a wire wheel see link for example – but this is not for a drill must be a grinder – it will come off in seconds!
http://www.drillspot.com/products/85169/WEILER_17687_Knot-Wire-Wheel-Brush?s=1
A wire wheel is called a ‘cup brush’ – they come in varying degrees of stiffness and I’d recommend trying the stiffest and working your way down the scale. Also, you’ll need a corded electric drill; you’ll blow through the charge on a cordless in no time.
Good luck; this kind of work is so tedious and time consuming it’s easy to lose hope halfway through…keep your eye on the prize. It’ll look great when you’re through.
I second the wire wheel, but wear safety goggles and gloves!
just get a grinder with a wire wheel – not the brush but a wire wheel – comes right off – just grind away – and this will also remove most of the rust! – paint with primer for rust and top coat – I just fininshed mine
How do you keep the power washer from spraying the paint all over the stoop, sidewalk and staining it. I guess you have to let the mixture completely dry. Is that right, 11:23? Tks.
Use the heavy duty paint stripper the same one used to remove paint off stone leave it on for 24 to 36 hours use a power washer and you will be down to the wroth iron in less than half the time.