How and what to use to re-paint rusty metal rail? (installed, cleaning)
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Your way sounds like a total remake, can u guys suggest the quick and easier way?
IF you're looking for a very easy and inexpensive rust cover-up method:
I had similar rusting, but on my car window trim. I posted for advice on the auto forum, but the only suggestion was to pay for a pro to replace the rusted parts. I did more online research and came up with this: PlastiDip! Three months later and the parts still look great. PlastiDip comes in a variety of colors. Lots of YouTube videos show how to apply it. Works on a variety of items. $6 a can at Lowe's.
I wish I have a tool collection like you guys do. Your way sounds like a total remake, can u guys suggest the quick and easier way?
Generally I never recommend cheap tools but in this case it's not something you will use a lot. You can get a grinder for about $14 at Harbor freight. The wire whell is probably going to cost you another $4.
Warning: Grinders are fairly dangerous tools. Make sure the wheel is spinning in a direction that if it gets away from you it's not going to bounce back at you. No loose clothing, hair, chains etc. Always unplug it before changing a wheel and when you lay it down make sure you lay it down on it's back.
You can actually kill two birds with one stone here and get polisher instead. They are bigger, bulkier, more expensive and don't work as fast as a grinder but since it's variable speed you can use it on your car.
You do not sand (it takes a long time), do not paint over it either unless lazy comes to mind. If you want to keep it as original and repaint, soda blast it. Soda blasting will remove the rust (the type you described) is non-toxic and pretty easy to do. Then when you paint, it will look very nice and professional as opposed to ghettogineered.
You can pick up a soda blaster for less than a hundred bucks, complete with media. Think baking soda. While you wear a paper mask and eye protection, doing more than sharpening a pencil without that is foolish anyway.
Once you've done that you'll find lots of uses for a soda blaster when cleaning things. All your tools will always look new and the uses are limited by imagination.
I read # 4 and cringe. All those chemicals, might as well call the EPA. Lots of hard work too.
BTW, soda blasting does not harm the environment. It is very quick. If you are worried about clear plastic sheeting over the area you work (just covering the area, you are outside, makes a completely no mess solution. When done, you rinse away dry and prime/paint as usual.
This is small project right? Sanding is way too much work and gives you poor results unless you sand like a freak, sandblasting works really well bu that makes a giant mess and is gong to be expensive.
Again, grinder with a wire wheel.... you'll be done in no time and have it right down to bare metal. Watch how fast and easy...
Lift the house on jacks, place it on a flatbed, bring it to an autobody shop, and have them do the job properly.
I too am getting a chuckle out of this thread. I remember at my parents house there was a bit of the cheap metal porch rail on the back stoop that used to get rust. Scraped off the bubbled paint, wire brushed the rusted area, slapped on some black rustoleum and in a couple three years the paint would have become grey and more bubbling would be starting, so I would rinse, lather and repeat. It took me longer to read the thread than do that job a couple of times.
You sprayed the whole rail not just the rusty spots right? And did you take off the rail or it's free standing? I could not take off mine, and I'm having trouble figuring out how to use the spray without the paint hitting on the ground, and off in the air as well.
Use tape and newspaper to cover the things you don't want to paint. That works really well for the ground. If you're painting something that has openings in it and you're worried about the spray paint going through the openings, put a cardboard behind the part you're spraying. Don't tape the cardboard on, just hold it in place and move it as needed.
This is small project right? Sanding is way too much work and gives you poor results unless you sand like a freak, sandblasting works really well bu that makes a giant mess and is gong to be expensive.
Again, grinder with a wire wheel....
This method works really well -- just PLEASE wear safety glasses - those wires come out and I have had them stick in my face... with my face it is no real loss YFMV
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