How to Paint Balcony Railings

Removing Mildew

• 1

  Make a solution to remove any mildew from the balcony. Mildew causes discoloration and rotting beneath the surface of the paint, so get rid of it before painting. Experts at Iowa State University Extension recommend mixing 1 quart of bleach, 3 quarts of warm water and 1/3 cup of household detergent.

• 2

  Put on rubber gloves to avoid chemical burns from the bleach in the solution.

• 3

  Scrub the balcony railings with a sponge and the mildew-killing solution.

• 4

  Rinse off the railings with clean water. Avoid getting the bleach solution on clothes or nearby garden spaces.

• 5

  Allow the railing to dry thoroughly before sanding and painting it.

Sanding and Preparing the Railings

• 6

  Sand rough parts of the railing with sandpaper.

• 7

  Clean any dirt or dust from sanding off of the railing.

• 8

  Fill in old nail holes and cracks in the wood with waterproof caulking.

• 9

  Apply a sealer over knots in the wood to prevent them from bleeding sap into the paint.

• 10

  Coat the railings with a layer of primer. Allow the primer to dry before painting the railings.

Painting the Railings

• 11

  Stir the paint, because chemicals in the paint can separate while it sits.

• 12

  Pour a small amount of paint into a bucket or paint tray and reseal the paint can.

• 13

  Paint the railing using a paintbrush. Paint at the highest parts of the railing first and work downward to avoid paint drips. Paint in long strokes to use the paint most efficiently. Apply the paint in one direction and then brush over it again in the opposite direction to avoid visible brush stroke lines.

• 14

  Let the paint dry thoroughly.

• 15

  Repaint the railings with a second coat of paint. Two coats generally last longer than one.