Wrought iron is a high-quality and long-lasting material, due to which any construction made of this material, including a wrought iron stair railing, can last for many years. But, if not properly maintained, this kind of metal is prone to rust, which can lead to the collapse of the building. To prevent such occurrences, below we will examine the type of wrought iron and several ways of maintenance according to the status of the structure, be it railings or property gates.
What is a wrought iron?
Wrought iron is a metal known for its thick and ductile properties. It has long been used to create the widest range of metal structures, including balconies, gates, railings, and more, because of its versatility. Nevertheless, despite these qualities, metal requires routine maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion to keep its appearance fresh and undamaged. So, how should wrought iron structures be maintained based on the degree of rusting?
The wrought iron maintenance
Before we get into how to care for rusted iron, let’s understand how to prevent wrought iron from rusting. These are the preventative and preemptive measures meant to protect your metal structure from failing too soon.
Dusting
Over time, accumulated dust can cause moisture and rust. To avoid this, you can use a microfiber cloth to clean the dust off of the structure regularly. This type of cloth works well at removing dust without causing any harm to the surface.
Deeper cleaning
If your wrought iron structure hasn’t been maintained for a while, a deeper cleaning is required. First, it is necessary to prepare the cleanser – you can create a safe cleaning solution for the structure by combining dish soap and water. Strong chemical-containing products should be avoided as they have the potential to corrode wrought iron.
After that, you can clean the wrought metal with a regular sponge. Rough or forceful movements must be avoided, though, as even in those cases the structure’s surface may be harmed. A tiny nylon brush can be used to easily clean confined spaces in a smaller stair railing design.
After cleaning, remove soap and dirt using clean water. To get rid of any traces of moisture, the structure needs to be cleaned and dried with a clean cloth.
Rust cleaning
Rust is a result of improper maintenance of wrought iron. And these are some indicators that, upon observation, the structure needs to be taken care of right away.
- Paint cracks on the surface: As we already know, in the case of wrought metal, the paint serves as a protective layer. If you notice areas of cracked paint on the surface of the structure, then it is time to resurface it, because the indifference will cause the moisture to seep into the cracked areas and rust will grow.
- Gaps: If you notice unusual gaps on the structure, they are most likely the result of deep rust and indicate metal rotting.
- Paint bubbles: Paint bubbles that appear on the building’s exterior are a sign that rust is starting to seep into the paint. For this, it is necessary to remove the paint, clean the rust, and apply a new protective layer.
First, look for areas of the structure with higher moisture levels. For gates, these might be the sections closest to the trees; similarly, depending on where they are, railings might be complete. In addition, you can also check the metal base of the stairs because they are not so visible, but are the most prone to rust.
If you find rust after checking, remove it with sandpaper or a wire brush. You can use specialized rust removers in difficult-to-reach areas; however, before using those, explore their composition and application guidelines. Additionally, you can create a cleaning solution at home by combining vinegar and lemon juice. To protect your skin, put on gloves.
Surface painting
After the structure is completely cleaned, you can add a protective coating to its surface. The steps or railings can be completely covered with an anti-rust cleanser, which you can apply and then let it dry.
You can apply two coats of high-quality anti-rust paint after it has dried. To use paint effectively in this situation, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Overall rust prevention
Regardless of the type of structure, whether it’s a railing, metal stair stringer, or a gate, you can make a small schedule to check it regularly. This way, you will notice rust formations earlier and clean them without the risk of complications.
If your terrace railing design made of wrought iron is exposed to bad weather, you can cover it using plastic. For instance, they will shield the structure from moisture and the possibility of rusting during periods of intense rain or snowfall.
Furthermore, you can apply protective and anti-rust agents and paints to the surface of the construction and renew them on a regular basis to make sure they are highly efficient if your apartment or real estate is situated in a continuously damp area.
Conclusion
Wrought iron is a strong and durable type of metal, but its only enemy is rust, which improper care and disposal can lead to the premature end of the metal. However, constructions made of this metal do not require complex maintenance, you can simply remove the accumulated dust and dirt regularly (twice a year) and enjoy the beautiful and flexible design of wrought iron for years. Thus, wrought iron is one of those types of metal that needs regular but not complicated care and in return gives the most beautiful and flexible designs.