Cast-iron railings are a wonderful feature unless in need of a bit of cosmetic attention. To keep your railings looking gorgeous, follow these steps and watch how it transforms the look of your garden.

TOP TIP: Do this task on a warm, dry day. Windy weather may blow dust particles onto your paint work, requiring you to sand and repaint the railing. You don’t want to do that!

For this task, you will need: rubber gloves, dust mask, paintbrushes, bucket, exterior metal primer, exterior metal paint, white spirit for cleaning, abrasive paper, wire brush, cloth, metal cleaner/de-greaser and rust stabiliser.

Put on a dust mask before you begin. Use the wire brush to remove loose flakes of paint and rust particles. Brush in all directions so that you do not miss any intricate or convoluted areas.

Sand all surfaces with coarse abrasive paper to take the shine off the previous paintwork. This will also create a good, smooth base for the primer and top coats. Roll the abrasive paper into a small tube to get it into small, tight, or curved areas. A flexible sanding pad will help buff intricately patterned surfaces.

Spray the cast iron railings with the metal cleaner/de-greaser, ensuring to saturate every area of the railing.

With a bucket and warm soapy water, wash the railings thoroughly with a cloth to remove all the residue from the metal cleaner. Allow to dry. If you discover rust patches, apply a rust stabiliser to the affected area and allow it to dry completely. Rust tends to spread so it is important to tackle the affected areas sooner rather than later.

If you plan on changing the colour of the metal, you will need to prep it with exterior metal primer. Using a clean brush, apply a liberal coat of primer to the railing and allow it to dry.

Before you start painting, use plenty of old newspaper to protect the surrounding area from drips. Apply one or two coats of paint with a paintbrush. Allow time to dry between paint applications and apply the paint in thick coats to provide a protective layer.

As you make your garden improvements, you may want to upgrade your garden gate furniture. Our high-quality selection of gate furniture features everything you need to operate a gate and secure you garden and shed.

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. If you love all things interiors and style, check out our previous blogs and be sure to visit our Pinterest for more inspiration!