Custom fabrication products, like ornamental metalwork, are undeniably beautiful and durable. When made with iron, expect your railings to last for several decades, as they don’t rot and pests don’t infest them. However, these railings are vulnerable to rust. Exposure to moisture and salt will contribute to corrosion, but here is how you can prevent it.

How to Keep Your Ironwork Rust-Free

1. Choose the Right Coating 

Most custom fabrication works roll off the production line with protective coating on them. Opt for powder-coated, galvanized, or baked enamel surfaces to ensure that your ironwork is less susceptible to peeling or flaking over time. While they’re more expensive than painted or varnished metal, they’re better at withstanding humidity and salt.

2. Clean Them

Washing your iron railings occasionally delays corrosion. Using a sponge or old toothbrush, scrub the surfaces with warm water and mild detergent to get rid of dirt and grime. Hose off the soapy mixture, then let them air-dry under the sun or wipe excess water with a rag. When cleaning, don’t damage the coating with vigorous scrubbing or brushing.

3. Paint Them

Sometimes, your iron railings need fresh paint. If yours have already worn out their protective coating, you can take a few steps to refresh them. Scrub the surfaces with a wire brush to take away the loose coating, metal flakes, and forming rust. Use a scraper or fine-grit sandpaper to get rid of rough patches and smooth everything down. You can also spray the metal with phosphoric acid, combined with other chemicals, to remove residual rust and prevent future corrosion.  

Let them dry for a day before applying an oil-based primer, which acts as a protective barrier against water and oxygen. Once fully dried, coat every surface with oil-based metal paint to give the railings a finished look. Go with a glossy sheen instead of a flat finish, since it lasts longer.

When you need help keeping your iron railing rust-free, consult the experts at Magna Steel Sales. Located in Westport, CT, they’ve provided custom fabrication, steel plates, beams, bar grating, and other structural hardware to clients around New Haven County for over 30 years. Call (203) 888-0300 to request estimates on custom fabrication or view their full list of steel products online.