Painting wrought iron fence and balustrades - recommendations or tips?
Thanks all. I’m taking it from the numerous tips on DIY and lack of recommendations on contractors that this is entirely do-able myself. But any indications of how long the job should take greatly appreciated (if for no other reason than to back me up when I convince my wife that I should indeed DIY-it). Thanks Ben

aussieben
in About Brooklyn 11 years ago
5
Please log in, in order to post replies!

aussieben | 11 years ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5148 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5103 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "177558" ["user_login"]=> string(9) "aussieben" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BR1CyoEws3ohExigb6T3pgUkZ3E0lP0" ["user_nicename"]=> string(9) "aussieben" ["user_email"]=> string(20) "ben.batros@gmail.com" ["user_url"]=> string(24) "/forums/users/aussieben/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:17:49" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(9) "aussieben" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(177558) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Hi all We really should paint the front wrought iron fence and balustrades on our brownstone – preferably before the winter hits. They are not in bad condition, but the paint is chipping and flaking in some places, with rust where it has. Looking at about 25-30 linear feet of fence (medium level of detail), but two fairly simple balustrades up the stoop. Most threads I’ve seen focus on repairs and restoration, which is beyond what we need. Any recommendations to call for a quote on this job? (I’ve seen Core Solutions mentioned). If it’s a handyman task, we’re in Bed Stuy. Alternatively, if people have tackled similar work on a DIY basis, any tips and realistic heads-up on what’s involved much appreciated! I’ll certainly be getting a couple of quotes, but if they come in high and it sounds doable myself, may take it on… Thanks Ben

bedstuytownhouse | 11 years ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5147 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5146 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(4) "5144" ["user_login"]=> string(16) "bedstuytownhouse" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BBnz.Fab/ro0nVxPBVpsVEAzT.g3Gs0" ["user_nicename"]=> string(16) "bedstuytownhouse" ["user_email"]=> string(26) "andreaetienne228@yahoo.com" ["user_url"]=> string(31) "/forums/users/bedstuytownhouse/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2007-11-16 03:10:38" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(16) "bedstuytownhouse" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(5144) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
We just painted over it with Rustoleum black paint and it looks great. Only thing is that you have to paint when it is 55 degrees or warmer so you’d want to get this sooner rather than later.

rh | 11 years ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5103 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5143 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(4) "3878" ["user_login"]=> string(2) "rh" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BL48JCuNvr9CIMtn9XLzqcR6qYGkGS1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(2) "rh" ["user_email"]=> string(22) "info@reclaimedhome.com" ["user_url"]=> string(27) "https:www.reclaimedhome.com" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:12:47" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(2) "rh" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(3878) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
To DIY: You’ll want to knock off and scrape any of the chipping paint with wire brush and scraper. Roughen up the remaining paint with sandpaper. I would prime the entire thing, but you can get away with priming only in those spots that are rusted or bare metal. You can use gray primer or tint yourself so you don’t have to do black over white. Be sure to use an exterior enamel paint that will last. You’ll need at least 2 coats and make sure you give it enough drying time between each coat. Also…protect the area well, especially if you’re spraying.

thetinkerswagon | 11 years ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5148 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5149 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(5) "21531" ["user_login"]=> string(15) "thetinkerswagon" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B9fa6hkzhGwaxF0yusnHu3jP27xv4Y0" ["user_nicename"]=> string(15) "thetinkerswagon" ["user_email"]=> string(27) "service@thetinkerswagon.com" ["user_url"]=> string(30) "http://www.thetinkerswagon.com" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:05:31" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(15) "thetinkerswagon" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(21531) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
if you so what the others are saying and scrape, good. prime the bare spots with a rust inhibitive primer. I use rusty metal primer on everything – though someone told me that is wrong unless it is rusty.

cate | 11 years ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5147 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5150 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "176696" ["user_login"]=> string(4) "cate" ["user_pass"]=> string(63) "$wp$2y$10$4JNbGAK5cKoEp6kzsYVSBO7oMZphxvnQPCDInpVARCm3B1Dj6U75i" ["user_nicename"]=> string(4) "cate" ["user_email"]=> string(20) "cate@brownstoner.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:24:59" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(13) "Cate Corcoran" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(176696) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["administrator"]=> bool(true) ["editor"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(13) "administrator" [1]=> string(6) "editor" } ["allcaps"]=> array(191) { ["switch_themes"]=> bool(true) ["edit_themes"]=> bool(true) ["activate_plugins"]=> bool(true) ["edit_plugins"]=> bool(true) ["edit_users"]=> bool(true) ["edit_files"]=> bool(true) ["manage_options"]=> bool(true) ["moderate_comments"]=> bool(true) ["manage_categories"]=> bool(true) ["manage_links"]=> bool(true) ["upload_files"]=> bool(true) ["import"]=> bool(true) ["unfiltered_html"]=> bool(true) ["edit_posts"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_posts"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_posts"]=> bool(true) ["publish_posts"]=> bool(true) ["edit_pages"]=> bool(true) ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_10"]=> bool(true) ["level_9"]=> bool(true) ["level_8"]=> bool(true) ["level_7"]=> bool(true) ["level_6"]=> bool(true) ["level_5"]=> bool(true) ["level_4"]=> bool(true) ["level_3"]=> bool(true) ["level_2"]=> bool(true) ["level_1"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_pages"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_pages"]=> bool(true) ["publish_pages"]=> bool(true) ["delete_pages"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_pages"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_pages"]=> bool(true) ["delete_posts"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_posts"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_posts"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_posts"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_posts"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_posts"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_pages"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_pages"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_pages"]=> bool(true) ["delete_users"]=> bool(true) ["create_users"]=> bool(true) ["unfiltered_upload"]=> bool(true) ["edit_dashboard"]=> bool(true) ["update_plugins"]=> bool(true) ["delete_plugins"]=> bool(true) ["install_plugins"]=> bool(true) ["update_themes"]=> bool(true) ["install_themes"]=> bool(true) ["update_core"]=> bool(true) ["list_users"]=> bool(true) ["remove_users"]=> bool(true) ["promote_users"]=> bool(true) ["edit_theme_options"]=> bool(true) ["delete_themes"]=> bool(true) ["export"]=> bool(true) ["NextGEN Gallery overview"]=> bool(true) ["NextGEN Use TinyMCE"]=> bool(true) ["NextGEN Upload images"]=> bool(true) ["NextGEN Manage gallery"]=> bool(true) ["NextGEN Manage tags"]=> bool(true) ["NextGEN Manage others gallery"]=> bool(true) ["NextGEN Edit album"]=> bool(true) ["NextGEN Change style"]=> bool(true) ["NextGEN Change options"]=> bool(true) ["email_users_notify"]=> bool(true) ["email_single_user"]=> bool(true) ["email_multiple_users"]=> bool(true) ["email_user_groups"]=> bool(true) ["NextGEN Attach Interface"]=> bool(true) ["copy_posts"]=> bool(true) ["ure_edit_roles"]=> bool(false) ["ure_create_roles"]=> bool(false) ["ure_delete_roles"]=> bool(false) ["ure_create_capabilities"]=> bool(false) ["ure_delete_capabilities"]=> bool(false) ["ure_manage_options"]=> bool(false) ["ure_reset_roles"]=> bool(false) ["edit_ads_txt"]=> bool(true) ["manage_feed_settings"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_source"]=> bool(true) ["read_feed_source"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_source"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["publish_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["manage_feed_source_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_source_terms"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_source_terms"]=> bool(true) ["assign_feed_source_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_item"]=> bool(true) ["read_feed_item"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_item"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["publish_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["manage_feed_item_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_item_terms"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_item_terms"]=> bool(true) ["assign_feed_item_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_blacklist"]=> bool(true) ["read_feed_blacklist"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_blacklist"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["publish_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["manage_feed_blacklist_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_blacklist_terms"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_blacklist_terms"]=> bool(true) ["assign_feed_blacklist_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_template"]=> bool(true) ["read_feed_template"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_template"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["publish_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["manage_feed_template_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_template_terms"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_template_terms"]=> bool(true) ["assign_feed_template_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_shortcoder"]=> bool(true) ["read_shortcoder"]=> bool(true) ["delete_shortcoder"]=> bool(true) ["edit_shortcoders"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_shortcoders"]=> bool(true) ["publish_shortcoders"]=> bool(true) ["delete_shortcoders"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_shortcoders"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_shortcoders"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_shortcoders"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_manage_seo"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_page_analysis"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_page_general_settings"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_page_advanced_settings"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_page_schema_settings"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_page_social_settings"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_edit_htaccess"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_titles"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_general"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_sitemap"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_404_monitor"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_link_builder"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_redirections"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_role_manager"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_search_console"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_site_analysis"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_onpage_analysis"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_onpage_general"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_onpage_advanced"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_onpage_snippet"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_onpage_social"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_admin_bar"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_analytics"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_content_ai"]=> bool(true) ["srm_manage_redirects"]=> bool(true) ["SPF Manage Analytics"]=> bool(false) ["administrator"]=> bool(true) ["editor"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
I think also these days Rustoleum makes a paint that includes primer, so you only have to do one coat, right?