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Tools and materials
- an electric drill fitted with a metal brush
- a spatula to scrape loose paint
- a brush with a long handle and metal bristles
- sandpaper for metal
- unleaded anti-corrosion primer
- anti-rust primer
- gloves
- enamel or lacquer

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Optional: linseed oil or metal varnish

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Rust
This is what you should know about rust that forms on iron.
- It appears for a variety of reasons but moisture, pollution and dirt are always a factor.
- With time, even metal that is well taken care develops problems.
- Although paint provides good protection, prior treatment is necessary such as anti-rust and anti-corrosion primers.
- Use unleaded products. Leaded ones are hard to find these days anyway.
- When cleaning or painting pay special attention to angles, creases, corners, rivets and any other hard to reach place. This is where rust accumulates most.

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Cleaning metal
- Before restoring or applying anti-rust treatment to metal, clean it of dust, paint, dirt or soil.
- Scrape away debris or loose paint with a spatula or other fine-edged tool. A brush with metal bristles will also do the job.
- Repeat the step if necessary.
- A drill with a brush is good for cleaning and stripping.
- Don't use the hammer function, and work at low drill speed if possible.
- In this first stage avoid polishing the metal. You just want to clean and strip it.
- Brushes for drills can come as disks, cylinders, cups or paintbrush-style depending on the surface to be treated. They all fit onto the drill like a normal bit.
- You can clean with a hose and lots of water, or a high-pressure system for large surfaces. Allow to dry before applying primer or paint.

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Painting, or painting a second time
- There is no difference between the two chores, except that a new surface needs less preparation than an older one
- Remove dust first, wipe with a damp cloth and allow to dry.
- If necessary wipe gently with metal sandpaper to leave the surface clean and smooth.
- Mix the anti-rust primer well and apply to the surface.
-� This will protect the metal.
- You can stop here but it best to paint over this coat with enamel of the color you choose. You will have no trouble finding one that suits your taste and d�cor.
- Once the first coat dries, apply a second and let it dry. Don't let anyone touch it until it is in fact dry.

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Tips
- Wear goggles, especially if you use a drill to strip or clean, to protect yourself from flying bits of metal.
- If you are careful there should be no danger. Still, wear gloves when applying primer or enamel.

- Alternatives for maintaining hinges, locks and bolts are linseed oil and metal varnish. As always, clean the surface first.

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