Painting cast iron

[Mojooo]

I have bought some secondhand cast iron freeweights - like these:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/paulodd/Bod...

The problem is the ones I have are quite dirty and have a bit of rust on them. I have tried cleaning them with water but what they really need is a lick of paint - which will be handy as I can colour code them as well.

Now I really don;t want to spend a lot of money on this but I am thinking I need to

1) use some fine sand paper to sand them down

2) use some primer like this:

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detai...

or

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

3) use some spray paint like this:

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detai...

or

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...


Is my theory OK or not? And is there anywhere mainstream that I can buy paint for cheaper than Halfords?

[Simpo Two]

You don't get rid of rust by washing it with water

I'd give them a thorough wire-brushing to remove as much rust as possible, then a wipe over with a rag soaked in meths (this will remove the dust, any grease, and evaporate away. Then use one of your last two paint options and place in the airing cupboard to harden for a day.

[Jasandjules]

Remove the rust then seal with Hammerite......

[Simpo Two]

I would have said Hammerite for outside use, but it needs cellulose thinners (or you lose a brush) so the aerosol seemed easier and probably cheaper.

[Mojooo]

By initally washing tham did get a lot of the crap off but there is still a lot of filth on them - the last guy had them in his garage


So if I buy a thinner to get rid of the grease/crap will I still need a primer?

[MrV]

Here you go Hammerite in an aerosol

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detai...

[MJG280]

Immerse them in vinegar for two days and that will take all the crap and rust off. Then wash and dry. Paint with whatever but I've used domestic black gloss in similar circumstances.