How to Strip Paint off of Wrought Iron Railing

Many houses have wrought iron railings and handrails which are beautiful, some look like works of art. You will find gorgeous intricate designs, especially in older homes. Many of these works of art have been painted and repainted and then painted again. After years and years of wear and paint, you don't even know how to start stripping all of the old paint off.

Instructions

1. 

   The first thing you have to do is have the paint tested to see if any of the layers are lead based. If you have lead based paint you will need to take some extra precautions such as wearing a dust mask.

2. 

   One of the fastest and most effective ways of removing layers of paint from wrought iron railings is to either sandblast them or have them sandblasted. Sandblasting is just that, it is a blast of high powered sand aimed directly at the wrought iron which strips away the layers of old paint. Many home improvement stores rent sandblasters. If you don't feel comfortable using a sandblasters, you can hire someone to sandblast for you.

3. 

   There are many chemical paint strippers available in your local hardware and home improvement stores. This is a very labor intensive method to remove built up paint layers from your wrought iron. Usually, you will have to clean your railing, apply stripper, wait according to the directions and using steel wool, sand paper or a wire brush, begin scraping. Always use in a well ventilated area.

4. 

   Home improvement and hardware stores sell attachments that fit on to drills. These attachments are stiff wire brushes. This method takes a long time, but the drill does most of the work so it's not overly strenuous.

5. 

   Pressure washers can be used to strip paint from wrought iron railings. Pressure washers are effective, but don't do as well as sandblasting.

6. 

   A heat gun can also be used. A heat gun is almost like a blow dryer for your hair, but it gets much hotter. This method still involves scraping and wire brushing.

7. 

   Layers of old paint can be burnt off using a torch with a flame spreader attachment. This method should be left only to those skilled in the use of torches. Using a torch still involves scraping. NEVER use a torch after you have applied paint stripper.