Iron parts need periodic maintenance to be in good condition. Moisture is its main enemy and that is why it is important to know what protection treatments to apply or how to stop the advance of rust once it has appeared.

Bars and windows, fences, doors, knobs and handles, or even wrought iron outdoor furniture are pieces that accompany us outside the houses and we love them. But we do not stop to think about how to prevent rust until it appears, and at that moment we think that there is no possible solution. False! Here is a guide with complete care ...

Cleaning iron objects

There are several ways to clean iron depending on how dirty it is. Once the cleaning is done, the object cannot be packaged for a day or two. Never store iron in damp places.

Little dirty. If it has a degree of dirt, say, little, you can wipe a cloth with water and a few drops of dishwasher detergent or a cotton cloth with burning alcohol. It can also be rubbed with a green scourer and a few drops of oil to lubricate it and make it slide better or with 00 aluminum scourer.

With reddish crust. If a brown crust has already formed, then it is necessary to intervene more drastically, and use a metal bristle brush, rub with steel nap from 0 to 1 or rub with sandpaper No. 60 with a few drops of olive oil.

Major scab. If the piece of iron is very neglected and the crust is already thick, then it is advisable to use a steel brush as an accessory to the electric drill for large surfaces and a micro-brush with a bristle brush for the most remote or finely carved areas.

Protect iron the easy way

Inside. Small pieces of decoration and iron applications in furniture, etc. They are protected with microcrystalline wax applied in thin layers, which is cleaned with circular movements. It is worked polishing until it dries. The other option is to apply linseed oil with a cloth and polish. It is a simple job that only requires patience in the application. Large pieces such as railings look great applying graphite cream with a brush and then polishing with a cloth. It is sold in restoration and craft stores and is marketed under the name Crema de Chaumont.

In the open. It is best to use a clear antioxidant varnish or the classic orange layer of minium. Then a hammered semi-matt paint is applied in smoke gray or black.

Paint the iron

Iron takes on a neater appearance when painted. It is not advisable to do it on antiques or wooden furniture fittings. But if this is not the case, two coats of synthetic enamel can be applied to a new piece of metal after cleaning, degreasing and applying an anti-rust primer or lead lead. If the metal is already painted, then it is sanded well and the same procedure is followed. A proposal from paint manufacturers to take into account is the ‘direct to rust’ enamels, which already have enamel and primer all in one.