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How Can I Make My Wrought Iron Railing Look Better?
To clean wrought iron railings, wipe them with a soft cloth and warm water with a little mild dish soap, then dry them right away. Skip harsh cleaners and scrub pads, which can dull or scratch the finish. To make an iron railing look better, clean it, touch up scratches with a matching touch-up pen or touch-up spray can, and tighten anything loose.
How to Clean Iron Balusters and Railings
- Dust the balusters and handrail with a dry microfiber cloth or a soft brush. A paintbrush gets into scrolls and baskets.
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Wipe each baluster with a soft cloth dampened in the soapy water. Wring it out well. You want damp, not dripping.
- Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water to rinse off the soap.
- Dry everything with a clean towel, especially around the base shoes.
What Not to Use
- Scrub pads, steel wool or wire brushes. They scratch powder coat and faux finishes.
- Harsh or abrasive cleaners, like bleach, ammonia and scouring powder. They can dull the finish.
- Soaking wet rags. Water sitting in the shoes or holes is what leads to rust.
Faux finishes like oil rubbed bronze and oil rubbed copper have a hand-applied look, so clean them gently and don’t scrub.
How to Fix Scratches and Chips
| Damage | Fix | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| Light scratches | touch-up pen ($38.20) | Satin Black, Oil Rubbed Bronze |
| Larger scratches and nicks | touch-up spray can ($76.26) | Satin Black |
Clean and dry the spot first. Shake the pen well, press the tip to start the paint, and dab lightly over the scratch. For the spray can, mask around the area and spray light coats.
More Ways to Make an Iron Railing Look Better
- Tighten loose balusters. A wobbly baluster makes the whole railing look tired. See how to fix loose metal balusters.
- Freshen up the handrail. Clean, re-stain or refinish a worn wood handrail. A darker stain looks more modern.
- Repaint for a new color. See can you paint metal balusters.
- Go further. For a bigger update, see how to modernize a wrought iron railing.
How Often to Clean
Dust indoor railings every week or two, and give them a soap-and-water wipe every few months, or whenever handprints build up on the handrail and the balusters near the bottom of the stairs.
Iron Railing Care FAQ
What is the best way to clean wrought iron railings?
Dust them, then wipe with a soft cloth and warm water with a little mild dish soap. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry right away.
How do I fix scratches on black iron balusters?
Use a touch-up pen for light scratches, or a touch-up spray can for larger nicks. Both come in satin black, and the pen also comes in oil rubbed bronze.
How do I make my wrought iron railing look new again?
Clean it, touch up scratches, tighten any loose balusters and refresh the handrail. For a bigger change, repaint or swap to modern balusters.
