Painting an outdoor railing?

Recently, i decided that the railing outside my house needed painting. The railing is just outside my front door and runs along a few steps. Firstly, what are the tools i am going to need? What type of paint (brand, base, etc) should i use? Are there any things i need to do before i start? How should i clean up? And are there any health risks or anything of the sort i need to be careful about...?





Thanks in advance...=)Painting an outdoor railing?
any time you're paint a metal or slick surface your need to prep and prime


even if the iron has been painted and is flat, you should sand it down, and then prime over it. Behr paint at the home depot has an exterior line of paint and primer in one that is great! it saves you money and time since you don't have to wait for the first coat to dry or buy a second can. it should take one coat and then it's done! what ever you decide to do, prep is the most important aspect of painting. if your paint is peeling or rusted or shiny, you must sand and prime. I always recommend primer because it's an adhesive which acts as a clean slate so your new paint bonds and lasts.Painting an outdoor railing?
It depends on whether the railing is wrought iron or wood.





For a wood railing...Standard brushes, standard paints, standard primer. (Primer and paint made for Exterior surfaces, tho.) You might buy a tiny roller brush to do the job, too.





If the railing is wrought iron...first remove all rust with chemicals, steel wool, etc.





Then prime it using a primer made specifically for metals.





And finally paint it using paint made specifically for metals. If the railing has twists in it, there is a special brush you can buy that paints around these twists. (The brush itself is twisted.)





Good luck.
Is the railing wood or wrought iron? Each is handled differently. You will need a good brush and a tarp, but for the paint type more info is needed. Hope this helps.





EDIT: First and most important step is the preparation. Use a wire brush to remove any rust or loose paint. You can use one with a handle or get the wire brush attachment for a drill. Once you have the old cleaned up, prime it. Use an exterior oil based primer for best results. If you plan to paint a dark color, have your primer tinted. This will make coverage easier for the finish paint. Next, apply 2 coats of oil based exterior enamel. Be sure to lay a tarp down. This has a tendency to drip, and it will stain whatever it drips on. To apply the paint, you can get a lambs wool mitt. Makes it very easy to paint the spindles. Just dip your hand in the paint tray and then wrap it around the spindle. Down and back up, then on to the next one. Good luck..