Caring For Your Wrought Iron Railings

Porch or veranda railings that are made with wrought iron can be stronger and also last longer than their wood counterparts. They won't require refinishing or painting as regularly as wood and a bit of rust proofing will go a long way to keep them looking great for many years. A little bit of proactive effort on your part with your wrought iron railings can help to inhibit corrosion as well as rust and can extend the life of your railings. That little bit of maintenance can go a long way in extending the life of your outdoor wrought iron. It needs to look good and be stable and solid in order to be worth having. Good looking iron rails can even increase the value of your property.

How can you keep your outdoor wrought iron rust free and looking good?

Rust can happen quickly. Exposure to elements can make it more likely, especially if your climate is wet. But, by taking a little time and effort, your wrought iron rails and outdoor iron furniture such as arbors, gates or patio furniture can stay looking gorgeous. Clean it regularly with soap and water when it can dry in the sun or hand dry it. You can also lightly clean off small amounts of new rust with a soft brush, sand paper or mild cleaning product designed for this purpose being careful not to scratch the surface. You can also paint with special rust proof or covering paint.

Different finishes and different areas will determine how much maintenance is required but minimal maintenance can go a long way in preserving the life of your railings.

Neglect can lead to corrosion and rust. Examples of neglect include leaving furniture wet such as in puddles or near storm drains where constant run off of water lands on areas of wrought iron. Regular cleaning and applying a product that's designed to protect your wrought iron from rust and corrosion can help you reduce the chances of corrosion significantly.

What if it's already happened?

Sometimes, corrosion can be inevitable and require intensive restoration. Perhaps the coating or paint you have used has a limited Other times, a bit of neglect can rapidly deteriorate the stability of your railings and professional help might need to be sought out in order to correct the problem. Your safety is as important as the look of your railing so stability is critical. Regular examination can help you keep your iron in good form.