Renovating cast/wrought iron bench hardware

[Junglebert]

When we bought chez Bert there were a considerable number of absolutely knackered iron benches dotted here and there. I’ve found a place to supply prepped, cut and stained timber, and had assumed I’d just use the iron parts in their distressed state, well no, that’s not going to happen, apparently they’ve got to be tarted up somewhat. So what’s the best tool? Already buying an angle grinder (team Milwaukee) so if there’s a widget for that great, if not, what other unit do I need, for general prep of painted iron? Rust removal and surface prep. Ta!

[Nigel_O]

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/sb30-large-blast-c...

[Junglebert]

Bit of a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but it would work, and I think I have 8 benches to do, so, man maths says yes, perfect!

I need to check the measurements to see if the biggest bits will fit in. And get air installed!

Thanks you.

[PhilboSE]

Find your local shotblaster, they’ll do the lot in moments (using walnut shells probably, yes really!) and for less money than buying the kit.

Then paint with rust-oleum Combicolor primer & topcoat.

[normalbloke]

As above, get them blasted by a pro outfit, and possibly coated again. If you buy the happy shopper blaster, do not underestimate just how much air it’ll consume and the mess it’ll make.

[Simpo Two]

When I tried replacing the slats in an old bench progress was stopped by the bolts being totally rusted solid. I bought some special cobalt drills to drill them out but the bolts just laughed at them.

[Gtom]

Best/cheapest/easiest way is to get them shot blasted and powder coated.

A friend had his bistro table and two chairs done for £60.

I get all removable metalwork (gates, benches etc) blasted and powder coated, it s just better all round.

Edited by Gtom on Wednesday 17th June 22:03

[Junglebert]

Hadn’t even considered sending them to be shot blasted/powder coated, so thanks all. Google shows me a couple of places locally, I’ll see what they say.

Thanks again.

[Murph7355]

Are they rusted through in any places?

If not, local shot blaster/powder coater.

If they are...maybe not!

I have some old metal railings that I need to sort. The "finials" have rusted through in some places and local shot blasters said no chance. I bought some flap wheels for my Dremel to try and have a go at saving them...will then use rust treatment and filler and them spray them. Probably futile, but will see (when I get chance to do them!).

[Huzzah]

Our local place tackles much more than just automotive.

Nice guys too.

https://pro-coating.co.uk/

[PhilboSE]

The shotblasters don’t usually do coating, for that you would need to find a “finisher”. They would recommend the best process to coat your metalwork. The shotblasters will be able to recommend a local finisher, there’s often one next door for obvious reasons!

Or, save some money and DIY paint using the products I previously named.

[shtu]

Murph7355 said:

I have some old metal railings that I need to sort. The "finials" have rusted through in some places and local shot blasters said no chance.

It might be easier to just bite the bullet and replace them, they're not expensive,

https://www.fhbrundle.co.uk/wrought-iron-component...

[B'stard Child]

Junglebert said:

Hadn t even considered sending them to be shot blasted/powder coated, so thanks all. Google shows me a couple of places locally, I ll see what they say.

Thanks again.

Ask them if they do "Hot Zinc Galv" as a base coat before powder coating - my local place does it and it makes a huge difference to the life of the powdercoating for only a few quid more in overall cost

[Junglebert]

Thanks for the advice everyone. You’ll be glad to know I ignored all of it, I was struggling to find someone to do the work, so after a second look and realising the metal work wasn’t that bad I went for the second best option of a wire brush and many cans of Jenolite direct to rust spray paint. I think it’s turned out ok, I’m quite looking forward to doing the others now.

[bimsb6]

That jenolite is really good stuff, it seems to have a really good shelf life aswell.

[CTO]

Oooh, that looks good!

I did this last year with a knackered old bench that I found behind the MIL garage. No slats, just rusted old bolts through all the holes…

After wire brushing all the surface rust off….



After painting and adding new slats, and much much oiling and wet sanding…





Nice work OP

[Junglebert]

Ta!

Good job by you too.

Those sides look exactly like mine.

[Slagathore]

If you have many more to do and want to save a bit of elbow grease:

https://www.toolstation.com/power-tool-accessories...

Attachments for drills and angle grinders. Might make it a bit quicker.

[Junglebert]

Slagathore said:

If you have many more to do and want to save a bit of elbow grease:

https://www.toolstation.com/power-tool-accessories...

Attachments for drills and angle grinders. Might make it a bit quicker.

That is definitely a good shout, I bought an angle grinder to zap the rusted bolts and screws.

[RustyNissanPrairie]

Commerical shot blast. End of conversation. Keep it dry once collected.

The ultimate is hot dip zinc galvanising but not many places do this nowadays. I use Zinga instead - its weird stuff and is effectively 96% zinc in a primer. I then topcoat with Jotun or Combicolour.