Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

July, 2005

Removing Paint from Cast Iron Railings

Q. I have an elaborate cast iron riverside railing of about 1860 with many coats of paint, some of them lead based, and one rubber based, together with a marvellous collection of algae and moss. Any suggestions for treatment in situ and repainting?

A. It sounds to me as if your best bet will be to sand blast the old paint until you are left with nice clean cast iron. I doubt that you would want to use paint remover because it is messy and will take lots of time to seep through the old paint layers. If you can afford it, I suggest you hire a contractor who can do the job.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph