How to Paint Porch Railings
Lay down drop cloths around your railings., Wear a long sleeved work shirt, long sleeved pants, work gloves, safety goggles and a face mask for the duration of the preparation process., Use a power washer to remove caked on dirt and loose paint...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Lay down drop cloths around your railings.
Try to drape them over concrete, furniture, plants and even soil so that you can pick up paint chips or rust at the end of the preparation process by folding up the cloth or plastic sheet. -
Step 2: Wear a long sleeved work shirt
Brushing and sanding expels fine dust, dirt and harmful materials in the air. , Stay a few feet from the rails when using the washer to avoid damaging the rails. , Depending upon the type of porch railing you own, specifically plastic or metal, you will use a slightly different process.
For metal railings, start by using a wire brush to remove rust over all the railing's surfaces.
If you have ornate metal railings or hard to remove rust, find a wire brush attachment for your power drill and apply it to your railings.
For wooden railings, use a wire brush and metal scraper to remove paint from the surface.
Try to work with the grain of the wood rather than against it to avoid damaging the surface grain.
For either surface, place a large shop vacuum nearby to suck up falling debris and improve the ease of cleanup. , 80 grit sandpaper is good for either metal or wood railings.
Make sure to get all surfaces of the railings while scuff sanding. , Rub the surface of the railings with tack cloth to remove tiny bits of debris. , Ask a clerk at the hardware store to suggest a good wood caulk for exterior use.
After applying caulk with a drip-free gun, use a moist towel to smooth the caulk into the gaps.
Wooden railings that have been improperly painted or painted long ago may be loose and have gaps between the spindles and railings.
These gaps allow moisture to leak into the wood, ruin the paint job and degrade the wood. , Allow the caulk to dry for at least 24 hours, or according to package directions, before continuing.
You can use a polyurethane caulk to connect wooden railings to concrete.
Be careful to use a light squeeze because it is harder to remove.
Smooth it over with a moist towel mixed with a small amount of dish soap. -
Step 3: long sleeved pants
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Step 4: work gloves
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Step 5: safety goggles and a face mask for the duration of the preparation process.
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Step 6: Use a power washer to remove caked on dirt and loose paint.
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Step 7: Remove more debris
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Step 8: dirt and peeling material from your porch railings.
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Step 9: Sand the surface of the railing with medium-grit sandpaper.
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Step 10: Vacuum the surface of the railings and brush excess debris away with a soft brush.
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Step 11: Caulk any gaps or holes in wooden railings with a wood caulk gun.
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Step 12: Remove excess caulk.
Detailed Guide
Try to drape them over concrete, furniture, plants and even soil so that you can pick up paint chips or rust at the end of the preparation process by folding up the cloth or plastic sheet.
Brushing and sanding expels fine dust, dirt and harmful materials in the air. , Stay a few feet from the rails when using the washer to avoid damaging the rails. , Depending upon the type of porch railing you own, specifically plastic or metal, you will use a slightly different process.
For metal railings, start by using a wire brush to remove rust over all the railing's surfaces.
If you have ornate metal railings or hard to remove rust, find a wire brush attachment for your power drill and apply it to your railings.
For wooden railings, use a wire brush and metal scraper to remove paint from the surface.
Try to work with the grain of the wood rather than against it to avoid damaging the surface grain.
For either surface, place a large shop vacuum nearby to suck up falling debris and improve the ease of cleanup. , 80 grit sandpaper is good for either metal or wood railings.
Make sure to get all surfaces of the railings while scuff sanding. , Rub the surface of the railings with tack cloth to remove tiny bits of debris. , Ask a clerk at the hardware store to suggest a good wood caulk for exterior use.
After applying caulk with a drip-free gun, use a moist towel to smooth the caulk into the gaps.
Wooden railings that have been improperly painted or painted long ago may be loose and have gaps between the spindles and railings.
These gaps allow moisture to leak into the wood, ruin the paint job and degrade the wood. , Allow the caulk to dry for at least 24 hours, or according to package directions, before continuing.
You can use a polyurethane caulk to connect wooden railings to concrete.
Be careful to use a light squeeze because it is harder to remove.
Smooth it over with a moist towel mixed with a small amount of dish soap.
About the Author
Justin Stevens
Enthusiastic about teaching DIY projects techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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