Metal spray painting and metalwork

Why spray metalwork

Railings and balustrades are made of many narrow uprights, welds and junctions. Spraying puts a consistent film into every corner, where brushwork tends to leave thin edges that are the first places to rust again. Where overspray cannot be contained safely, such as near cars or busy pavements, brush and roller are used instead. The coating system matters more than the method.

Rust treatment and primers

Loose rust and flaking paint are removed by hand or power tools, edges feathered back and bare steel primed promptly so it does not flash rust. Direct-to-metal products can combine primer and finish on suitable surfaces; heavily corroded or exposed steel usually needs a separate anti-corrosive primer under the topcoat. Galvanised steel needs its own etch or primer, as ordinary paint often peels from it.

• Railings, gates and balustrades
• Structural and exposed steelwork
• External fire escapes and stairs
• Galvanised and previously painted metal

Painting railings black, white or another colour

Black remains the traditional railings colour and suits period streets. White railings look sharp but show dirt and rust staining faster. Satin or semi-gloss metal finishes are generally more durable outside than flat finishes, and an eggshell finish on interior railings gives a softer look. Steps and walkways that people stand on need a floor-grade or anti-slip coating rather than a standard railings paint.

Fire escapes and steel painting on occupied buildings

A fire escape has to stay usable, so work is phased with a clear route maintained and agreed with the building manager. Commercial sites receive RAMS before work starts, and work can be scheduled out of hours. We are fully insured and health and safety compliant, and our team is employed directly.

Fire protection to structural steel

Where steelwork needs a fire rating rather than a decorative finish, that is a different specification. See our intumescent painting page, which explains how those coatings are specified and applied.

Getting a quote

Send photographs showing the overall run of railings or steel and close-ups of the worst rust, with approximate lengths and heights. Access, the extent of corrosion and the number of coats all affect the price, and the free written quote lists the preparation and system to be used.

Maintenance cycles

Metalwork lasts longest when small areas of breakdown are treated before rust spreads. For managed buildings, a regular inspection with spot repairs between full repaints usually costs less over time than waiting for widespread corrosion. Railings near the coast, gritted roads or drainage outlets tend to need attention sooner. We can note the condition of each run when quoting so you can plan the next repaint as well as this one.

Containment and protection

Metal preparation produces dust and paint debris, and spraying produces overspray. Pavements, cars, glazing and planting are protected, and debris is collected rather than left on site.