How to Repaint Steel Railing

Steel fixtures and furniture can easily rust or lose their texture. Steel railings often require repainting, since most people use them as support when walking up and down the stairs or to restrict others from entering a certain area. Repaint the railing yourself using some elbow grease and a handful of supplies.

Steel bristled brush
Metal file
Medium-grit sandpaper
Damp rag
Phosphoric acid
Trim brush
Oil-based primer
Oil-based metal paint
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any visible rust or peeling paint from the surface of the steel railing. Brush a steel bristled brush along the railing, moving the brush back and forth in quick motions, while applying enough pressure on the brush to remove the rust and paint.
- 2
  Rub a metal file on the surface of the railing, moving the file back and forth to get rid of all the rust.
- 3
  Sand the rounded and curved portions of the railing using medium-grit sandpaper, to remove the rest of the peeling paint and rust. Use a damp rag to wipe the area clean of dust and small debris, after sanding.
- 4
  Spray phosphoric acid onto the steel railing, following the directions of the manufacturer. The acid will aid in getting rid of all the remaining rust by combining with it and forming an iron phosphate crust. Leave the acid on overnight, then dry and brush it off the following day using your steel bristled brush.
- 5
  Soak a trim brush with oil-based primer and apply a coat of the primer onto the railing. Let it dry for about four to eight hours.
- 6
  Finish the steel railing by painting it with oil-based metal paint, applying a thin coat with your paintbrush. Start painting from the top of the steel railing, and work your way down. Use quick strokes and leave the first coat to dry for at least four hours before doing a second coat.
- 7
  Leave the paint to dry for at least 24 hours.

Whitewash Directions

Paint Scraping Tools

Outdoor House Painting