How to Paint Black Wrought Iron

Co-authored by Ez's Painting LLC and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: January 20, 2022 References Approved

Wrought iron is an iron alloy that is known for its malleability and durability. While rarely used in structural or other commercial applications, it is a common material used for fences, outdoor railings, and outdoor furniture. It has a very dark appearance (unlike polished steel, for example), and is often painted black when used in outdoor applications. Painting wrought iron can improve its appearance and protect it from rust. Whether you are painting an unfinished piece or refreshing an old coat of paint, learning how to paint black wrought iron will allow you to protect and preserve your outdoor fences and furniture.

Steps

1
Scrub away any rust from the wrought iron. When left exposed to air (either indoors or outdoors), wrought iron will rust readily. If there is any rust present on your piece, you should remove it instead of painting over it. This is best done with a stiff wire brush, although it can be done more efficiently with a sandblaster if you have the required space to use one. Scrub the entire piece with the brush until all visible rust is gone.^{[1]
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Research source} You may want to do this in a garage where you can easily sweep up the metal and paint flakes afterwards.
- If the wrought iron is already painted, you will get the best results if you scrub away the old coat of paint with the wire brush.
2
Sand the wrought iron.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Ez's Painting LLC
Painting Professionals
Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.} To prepare the iron for painting, go over the whole piece with medium-grit sandpaper.^{[3]
X
Research source} This provides the ideal surface for the primer and paint to adhere to.

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3
Apply a coat of rust inhibiting primer to the wrought iron. After sanding the piece smooth, you need to apply a coat of primer.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Ez's Painting LLC
Painting Professionals
Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.} This will help prevent the formation of rust and make your paint color appear as it should. Rust inhibiting primer is a product specifically designed for use on metals containing iron, and it can be purchased at any hardware store.^{[5]
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Research source} It is best applied with a brush in a single thin coat.
4
Sand the primer. After letting the primer dry completely, sand it lightly with medium-grit sandpaper. Clean the entire piece with a tack cloth before painting to ensure that metal flakes and dust do not mix into the paint.
5
Apply paint to the wrought iron.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Ez's Painting LLC
Painting Professionals
Expert Interview. 12 January 2022.} For painting wrought iron, use exterior-grade enamel paint. For best results, use a "direct-to-metal" (DTM) paint that contains a rust inhibiting ingredient. Using ordinary exterior paint will lead to chipping. The paint should be applied with a brush in long, smooth strokes. A second coat can be applied if desired.

Community Q&A

Question

Can you spray paint the furniture? And do you need to use the rust protector if there is no rust?

Community Answer

You can spray paint the furniture. You don't need to use the rust protector if there is no rust.
Question

The paint on my black wrought iron patio chair arms is flaking off, with white residue underneath. What is happening?

Community Answer

I suspect the base metal is coated with zinc (galvanized), then painted. I would scrape and sand loose paint, and repaint.
Question

Is flat or semi gloss better for covering old paint on cast iron furniture?

Community Answer

Either will work, but glossier paint will shed water better in the future.