Outdoor metalwork

[Matt__H]

Hi all, my work place is wanting me to 'make good' and paint their outside stair case. It's metal (not sure on what kind) but I'd also very rusty.

I was thinking I would pressure wash the whole thing first, but then I would need to do something with the tidy? Presumably write brush? (This would take for ever). There are 3 flights of stairs.

Then I'm not too sure on which paint to use

Here are a few pictures, can anyone help give me some tips, tricks, or additional advice please?

Thanks
Matt

 

[Belle427]

You will need to remove all loose flaking paint and major scabby rust with a scraper and wire brush. A very laborious task sadly!
You can then use something like this, not cheap but very good.
http://www.johnstonestrade.com/products/product-display/smooth-metal-paint

 

[Matt__H]

Thought as much

Do you think I could use my air compressor to help with the spreading? I haven't used the paint sprayer with it yet.. I wasn't sure if I had to use a specific type if paint!

 

[Belle427]

you could but would have to find a suitable quality paint that could be sprayed which may prove difficult.

 

[emilybronte]

I would just sand it with coarse grit to remove any loose flakes of rust, then brush paint with Hammerite direct-to rust gloss/satin. Spraying spindles is very wasteful (and can be messy).

 

[Matt__H]

Thanks for all the advise guys. I think I know what I have to do.. Just a lot of hard grafting for the weekend lol.

Maybe I'll try and get some hands to help!

Thanks a lot
Matt

 

[Matt__H]

Actually... I was wondering what it would be like to use a sand blaster to help take it back to "good"?

I can see that you can hire them from Brandon hire for pretty cheap (about £100 a day).

Are they super messy? (I'm assuming so) - Has anyone every used one before and can they make any recommendations about it?

Thanks
Matt