Metalwork & Railing Painting

Our Approach

The longevity of any metalwork paint system depends almost entirely on the quality of preparation, and we never compromise on this critical stage. We begin by assessing the condition of every element — railings, gates, hinges, finials, and fixing points — to determine whether the existing coating can be overcoated or must be stripped back to bare metal. All loose and flaking paint is removed using wire brushes, scrapers, and needle guns as required. Where corrosion has penetrated into pits, crevices, and the backs of bars where moisture collects, we apply chemical rust converter — Jenolite or Fertan — to neutralise the oxidation and create a stable surface for priming. We then apply a zinc phosphate primer, which is the most effective anti-corrosive barrier available for ferrous metalwork, building the coating system with a purpose-formulated metal undercoat followed by two coats of exterior gloss or satin. For ornate Victorian and Edwardian ironwork with scrolls, rosettes, spearhead finials, and floral castings, every decorative element is painted by hand with small brushes to ensure full coverage in recesses, behind curves, and in the joints where sections are riveted or bolted together. We take particular care to protect surrounding stonework, York stone paving, and established planting from drips and debris, using masking film and dust sheets throughout. At the end of each project, we clean up any incidental paint marks on adjacent surfaces and leave the site immaculate.

Materials & Brands

Our metalwork specification draws from the best professional-grade products available for exterior ferrous metal protection. Primers include Dulux Trade Metalshield Zinc Phosphate Primer, which provides an electrochemical anti-corrosive barrier that outperforms conventional primers in damp conditions; Zinsser Allcoat Exterior, an excellent all-in-one option for less severely corroded surfaces; and traditional red oxide primer where a heritage specification is preferred. Topcoats are selected based on the required finish and the exposure conditions: Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Gloss delivers a high-sheen, weather-resistant finish that is the industry standard for London railings; Dulux Trade Weathershield Satin offers a subtler sheen for clients who prefer a less reflective appearance; Hammerite Direct to Rust is used for less accessible areas and secondary metalwork where its combined primer-and-topcoat formulation provides practical advantages; and Teknos Aquatop offers a water-based option with extremely low odour, suitable for metalwork adjacent to opening windows or outdoor dining areas. Rust converter treatment uses Jenolite or Fertan, both proven products that chemically transform iron oxide into a stable, paintable surface. All products are applied at the manufacturer's recommended spreading rate and film thickness to ensure the full designed protection life is achieved.

Property Considerations

In Belgravia and Mayfair, estate specifications typically dictate the exact shade of black or dark colour for railings — Grosvenor Estate black, for instance, is a specific reference that must be matched precisely, and we carry this colour as standard on our works vehicles. Cadogan Estate in Chelsea and the Crown Estate across Regent's Park have their own distinct specifications, and we are thoroughly familiar with each. Conservation area rules enforced by Westminster City Council, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and Camden Council may impose additional requirements on colour and finish. We handle all necessary approvals and keep records of compliance for the property owner. Railings that front the public highway or pavement may require temporary pedestrian barriers, signage, and potentially a council pavement licence during preparation and painting — we arrange and manage all of this as part of the project. Fire escapes, emergency access ladders, and communal metalwork in mansion blocks must remain functional and accessible throughout the work, and we sequence painting in sections to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. For listed buildings, English Heritage guidelines require that original decorative ironwork is preserved and maintained rather than replaced, and our approach of careful hand preparation and coating rather than abrasive blasting aligns with these conservation principles.

Frequently Asked Questions