Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Cast iron can be painted with an oil-based metal primer and paint. With rusty or previously painted iron, the rust or paint must be removed before starting new paintwork. Oil-based paints allow for a bit of grooming and may take several hours for the paint to dry. Spray paint can also be applied to cast iron. Follow these steps to paint cast iron.

To step

1. Remove any rust on the cast iron. Use a wire brush to get the rust out. A sandblasting machine or chemical products to remove rust can also be used if you need to remove a lot of rust and don't mind the potential damage to the cast iron.
   • Wear proper safety equipment when working with a power tool or chemical to remove the rust. This may include gloves, goggles and a respirator.
2. Sand off or otherwise remove the existing paint. Sanding can be done slightly. Gather and discard any chipped or flaking paint, which may contain lead.
3. Clean the cast iron. Remove dirt, dust, stains, or other things such as cobwebs. You may need a brush for this.
4. Wear old clothes for dyeing. You may have to throw the clothes away after painting the cast iron.
5. Prepare a place to paint outside or in a well-ventilated area. Use a flat surface or material to catch the dripped paint while you work. A table or a tarpaulin are possible options.
6. Keep a clean rag and turpentine near your work area. Use the rag to clean your hands while you paint. With the turpentine you can clean your painting tools and dilute the paint.
7. Coat bare or unpainted cast iron with a primer. Choose an oil-based primer. Follow the primer directions for the number of coats you need. Allow one coat of primer to dry before applying another, if necessary.
8. Apply oil-based paint to the cast iron. Dip the paintbrush into the paint for half an inch at a time. This way you ensure that less paint drips from the brush.
   • Give the iron two coats of paint. Wait 24 hours for the first coat to dry before applying the second.

Tips

• If you're painting an object that conducts heat, such as a cast iron radiator, keep in mind that paint with a metallic finish conducts less heat than matte paint.
• Buy primer, paint, and cleaning and painting supplies for cast iron item (s) from a hardware store.
• Use high temperature spray paint as an alternative to oil based paint. Keep the can of spray paint moving nicely to get an even layer.
• You may want to prime cast iron radiators or other detailed cast iron items first and then spray paint on them after drying.
• Consider hiring a professional to sandblast rust or remove paint from the cast iron.

Warnings

• Wear a respirator when spraying primer and paint.

Necessities

• Construction market
• Wire brush
• Sandblasting machine
• Rust remover
• Cleaning rags or brushes
• Safety equipment
• Old clothes
• Paint place
• Clean cloth
• Turpentine
• Paintbrush
• Oil-based primer
• Oil-based paint