Metal Railing
 

My parents just got a lot of work done on their house.
My mom called me the other day asking if I knew how to fix a metal railing that is all rusted in the backyard where some outside housework has been done.
I'm not quite sure how to fix this. It is very rusty and the paint has chipped.
I'm thinking maybe I need to sand down the whole thing until its all shiny and then perhaps paint that. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Simple, sand down the entire railing, use 60 - 80 grit sand paper. For large flaking rust get a wire brush or a 4" angle grinder with a wire wheel attachment.

Get some rustoleum primer and spray paint it. let dry (what ever it says on the can), sand down lightly with 120 grit sand paper and a dust clean any lint or dust.

Then spray your final color. If you want a second coat or you get a run in the paint, wait until dry (see the can label) again sand it down lightly with 120 grit, dust clean, and spray.

Best to do before the sun hits it, watch the weather for rain or high humidity, and provide cover for the ground and the house.

Remember 90% of painting it prep.

Get an angle grinder and put a power brush on it, you can get different strength ones from a very strong wire to a brass wire.
Word of caution, WEAR GOGGLES and hold it real tight cos if it hops it can lead to a nasty accident

A note on wire brushes: the bunched kind is stronger than the brisly kind. By them at a welding supply place, They'll cost twice as much as the home depot ones and last 5 times as long.

Their is also a product called Rust-mort, it turns heavy rust into a hard paintable surface, I have used it for automotive body work with excellent results, and the best part is no sanding required.

I just did this same project. Wire wheel brush is the way to go.

An important thing to investigate first - is there water INSIDE the railing? If your fence is rusting out from the inside, you may want to reconsider your investment of time in this project.