Rust Prevention and extending the life of iron starts with the proper treatments and must be followed with proper maintenance.
History of rust prevention
In the old days going back a few hundred years, there were very few treatments for iron. In most cases an oil treatment had to be constantly re-applied to keep the surface free of wate and moisture. After paint quality improved, it started replacing oils. Though paint wears out as it still does now, so re-painting the iron over and over was the only method, probably about every 6 months. Europe has great displays of beautiful wrought iron entry ways and gates that have lasted centuries, a great example is the entrance to The palace of versailles. If you manage to see the iron up close you will notice a heavy texture which is a result of all the recoats. Nevertheless, this a great proof that with proper maintenance the wrought iron door can last for centuries.
Maintaining your wrought iron door
From years of experience and trials, we have found that the best method to enhance the lifetime of iron is to zinc metalize the product, followed by steps of prime and paints. All of our products go through this process. We have completed project on beach front homes in california over 20 years ago and are still standing a good shape.
Nothing in building material is maintenance free forever again; the elements of the moisture, water and ultra violet sun rays wear down everything around us. The finish of the paint on wood, stucco and iron will eventually need to be retreated. Depending on the level of exposure to moisture and other elements effect the maintenance period. For example a wrought iron door in land(not near the coast) may last 40 years without the need of retreatment. However, a wrought iron door for a home on the sand near the ocean will need to be rinsed and wiped about every2-4 weeks to get the salt that may start accumalting on the surface, often visually noticable as a chaulky white poweder. The door would also have to be repainted about every 3-10 years.
You can clean the door wih a damp rag, or even rinse it down every now and then, pick relatively warm day so the moisture on the door dries up fairly quickly. If soap is needed for some spots that may have had something fall unto it, do not use dish washing saop. Use car shampoo/soap, which is design not to damage the clear coats and finish on the metal and your car.
If you have any questions about this article, our door treatments or other treatments please call us or emails us.
Regards,
Elyas Balta
CEO Baltic Iron Doors
