What are the best tools and methods for cleaning, painting, and repairing gaps between bricks in deteriorating railings?
Asked by Colin Williamson 
2 weeks ago
Last Updated: November 8, 2024
I’m planning on sprucing up these railings by cleaning and painting them. I’m thinking of using my palm sander and a wire brush to get rid of the rust. Do you have any suggestions for an easier method? Also, any recommendations for the type of paint I should use? I also need to fill in gaps and cracks in the mortar between the bricks, especially on the other side. Would you suggest using mortar caulk or the mortar powder that you mix yourself? Any help would be greatly appreciated! 🤙
A grinder and wire wheel would definitely make things easier.
Listen to ‘s advice! And don’t forget to wear your safety glasses!!!
Handheld sandblaster!
I would personally remove the bolts and bring them to my local sandblasting professional (if feasible, though it seems like yours may not be easily detachable), but using a wire wheel is also an option.
Use a grinder and wire wheel to clean, then pick out any Rustoleum color you prefer. We chose hammered bronze. When working on the mortar, definitely try a dry mix and see if you can match the current mortar color, or else it will stand out. We used this method on our 4 plex rails last year and they still look fantastic!
I think I’d start by cleaning the stairs first.
Sandblast and apply magnetic paint. Minimize overspray as much as possible.
I recommend starting with a chemical stripper and wire brush. Follow up with a wire cup on an angle grinder. Remember, it’s important to wear your safety glasses at all times.
Why not pressure wash everything first? Then try to sand as best as you can. Be thorough! After that, prime it with red primer and paint with a metal paint of your choice.
For filling holes and cracks, consider using hydraulic cement.
Have you considered using a wire wheel on an angle grinder? You can choose between 4 inch or 6 inch. ‘t forget to fill in those open ended bricks – they make a nice home for wasps and don’t look great right now.
You can use a wire wheel attachment for either a drill or a grinder.
Start by applying a rust converter primer, followed by two coats of Rust-Oleum black paint. Make sure to scrape and use a wire wheel before applying each product. There are many helpful videos available on tuck pointing techniques.
To tackle heavy rust scale, try using a cheap hand-held wire brush from Harbor Freight for around $2. Once that’s done, pick up some rust converter paint in your preferred color. Remember, the paint needs rust on the project to adhere properly – it won’t stick as well to clean metal. After brushing the metal, it’s a good idea to pressure wash the entire thing to improve the overall appearance of the steps.
Hey , do you think I should go with paint spray or a paint brush?
Rust emulsion paint tends to be thicker. I personally applied it with a brush on a truck suspension project, and it held up nicely.
‘t forget to wear safety glasses when using a wire brush during drilling!
If you’re up for it, try looking for a sandblaster, maybe at (Harbor freight). For pointing the brick, grab a really stiff wire brush, a scraper, and a chisel to clean up the mortar. Then, purchase dry mortar mix. The sandblaster will save you time and produce better results. And don’t forget to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
In my opinion, using a wire brush along with Benjamin Moore direct to metal paint is the way to go.
I opted for a wire brush, but you might want to consider using a wire wheel attachment on a die grinder or drill instead. Make sure to prime with a rust conversion coating before painting.
If you prefer a black finish, you can use BBQ grill paint and then hit it with a heat gun after an hour.
I used rustoleum’s metal enamel in black to paint mine, and it looked so much better.
Hey , did you end up using spray paint or a paint brush for the job?
Hey , did you brush it on?
I did most of the wire brushing like you mentioned, and then I used a wire wheel on my drill to get into the corners and other hard-to-reach areas.
Consider getting both a wire wheel and a drill for your project.
Using a wire wheel on a grinder is a good idea, especially when dealing with rust paint and primer. Just make sure to wear a full face shield for protection!
Remove the grime, use some 3m spray rust converter, and then apply paint