How to Prime and Paint Outside Galvanized Railings

Dampen a scrub brush with water-based degreaser and wipe down the railing. Scrub the railing with the brush to remove all of the dirt and grease from it. Rinse the railing off with water and allow it to dry completely before continuing.

Put 150-grit sandpaper into your sander. Sand down the galvanized metal until the entire surface is rough to the touch. Wipe off the excess grit and residue with a damp cloth.

Lay a tarp around the galvanized metal railing to prevent paint from splattering on your plants and walkway.

Apply corrosive-inhibitor latex primer to the galvanized metal railing with a paintbrush. Coat the entire railing with the primer. Corrosive-inhibitor latex primer keeps the galvanized metal from rusting through, unlike normal latex primers that don't. Allow the primer to dry completely. Rinse off the paintbrush.

Paint the metal railing with latex paint. Paint the metal balusters first, the metal spokes that hold the railing in place. Coat the balusters from the ground to the top of the railing with paint. Paint under the hand railing next then the sides and top of the hand railing. If the railing has any decorative toppers, paint those last.

Allow the paint on the galvanized railing to dry. Apply a second layer of paint if needed.