How to Paint Black Wrought Iron

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Wrought iron is an iron alloy that is known for its malleability and durability. While rarely used in structural or other commercial applications, it is a common material used for fences, outdoor railings, and outdoor furniture. It has a very dark appearance (unlike polished steel, for example), and is often painted black when used in outdoor applications. Painting wrought iron can improve its appearance and protect it from rust. Whether you are painting an unfinished piece or refreshing an old coat of paint, learning how to paint black wrought iron will allow you to protect and preserve your outdoor fences and furniture.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-1.jpg\/aid1607322-v4-728px-Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When left exposed to air (either indoors or outdoors), wrought iron will rust readily. If there is any rust present on your piece, you should remove it instead of painting over it. This is best done with a stiff wire brush, although it can be done more efficiently with a sandblaster if you have the required space to use one. Scrub the entire piece with the brush until all visible rust is gone. [1] You may want to do this in a garage where you can easily sweep up the metal and paint flakes afterwards.
    • If the wrought iron is already painted, you will get the best results if you scrub away the old coat of paint with the wire brush.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-2.jpg\/aid1607322-v4-728px-Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [2] To prepare the iron for painting, go over the whole piece with medium-grit sandpaper. [3] This provides the ideal surface for the primer and paint to adhere to.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-3.jpg\/aid1607322-v4-728px-Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After sanding the piece smooth, you need to apply a coat of primer. [4] This will help prevent the formation of rust and make your paint color appear as it should. Rust inhibiting primer is a product specifically designed for use on metals containing iron, and it can be purchased at any hardware store. [5] It is best applied with a brush in a single thin coat.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-4.jpg\/aid1607322-v4-728px-Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After letting the primer dry completely, sand it lightly with medium-grit sandpaper. Clean the entire piece with a tack cloth before painting to ensure that metal flakes and dust do not mix into the paint.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-5.jpg\/aid1607322-v4-728px-Paint-Black-Wrought-Iron-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [6] For painting wrought iron, use exterior-grade enamel paint. For best results, use a "direct-to-metal" (DTM) paint that contains a rust inhibiting ingredient. Using ordinary exterior paint will lead to chipping. The paint should be applied with a brush in long, smooth strokes. A second coat can be applied if desired.
    6. Advertisement

Video

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can you spray paint the furniture? And do you need to use the rust protector if there is no rust?
    Community Answer
    You can spray paint the furniture. You don't need to use the rust protector if there is no rust.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 39
  • Question
    The paint on my black wrought iron patio chair arms is flaking off, with white residue underneath. What is happening?
    Community Answer
    I suspect the base metal is coated with zinc (galvanized), then painted. I would scrape and sand loose paint, and repaint.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 16
  • Question
    Is flat or semi gloss better for covering old paint on cast iron furniture?
    Community Answer
    Either will work, but glossier paint will shed water better in the future.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 15
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • It is a good idea to wear gloves and a dust mask when sanding or painting to avoid getting paint on your hands or inhaling it. [7]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • For larger projects, you may want to rent or purchase a paint sprayer instead of using a brush.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Wrought iron
      • Stiff wire brush
      • Sandblaster (optional)
      • Medium-grit sandpaper
      • Rust inhibiting primer
      • Paintbrush
      • Tack cloth
      • Exterior enamel paint
      • Paint sprayer (optional)
      • Gloves
      • Dust mask

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Paint Brass
      How to
      Paint Over a Chrome Surface
      How to
      Paint Galvanized Steel
      How to
      Paint Cast Iron
      How to
      Paint Metal Surfaces & The Best Paint to Use
      How to
      Powder Coat
      How to
      Spray Paint Metal
      Painting a Metal Roof the Right Way: Best Tips, Tricks, & More
      How to
      Paint Stainless Steel
      A Beginner's Guide to Painting Metal Cabinets
      How to
      Paint a Metal Bed Frame
      How to
      Paint Rusty Metal
      How to
      Paint Metal Knobs
      A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing a Wrought Iron Fence for Painting
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://sciencing.com/tips-getting-rust-off-repainting-wrought-iron-gazebo-12089846.html
      2. ↑ Ez's Painting LLC. Painting Professionals. Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/29777-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-wrought-iron/
      4. ↑ Ez's Painting LLC. Painting Professionals. Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.
      5. ↑ https://sciencing.com/tips-getting-rust-off-repainting-wrought-iron-gazebo-12089846.html
      6. ↑ Ez's Painting LLC. Painting Professionals. Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.
      7. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-stop-rust-when-painting-wrought-iron-railings/
      8. http://www.wrought-iron-crafts.com/articles/paint-wroughtiron-fence.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 298,652 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Jennifer Martin

        Apr 13, 2016

        "Clear and concise descriptions of the tasks required with excellent images."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement