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Refurbishing Pipe Railing of Grandstand

March 7, 2009

I am starting the refurbishing of our county fair's grandstand built in the early 1900's.

I began trying different methods of preparing the pipe railing.

Using a drill and coarse wire brush pad seems mediocre opposed to the 2 inch paint stripping pad. Downfall of using this pad is a cost of $4.00 per pad. I completed two sections (using one pad) and have 36 more to go @ 500 linear.

In our agreement, they don't expect a complete stripping.

However, some of the railings all the paint is coming off completely and easily with one pass.

I am interested in possibly electrostatic painting.

I am seeking some advice on the proper preparation of the pipe railing, for roll/brush or electrostatic applications.

Thank you !

Jerry Flick
Painting Contractor - Clearfield, Pennsylvania

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March 9, 2009

Hi, Jerry. Unfortunately you must test for lead in this paint and, if it exists, you must capture and properly dispose of the flakes. Media blasting may be the most reliable way to strip the old paint. But if there is no lead in it, a power washer would probably be cheapest and easiest. One way or another, all loose paint must be removed because it will either come off now or after you've applied the new paint on top of it :-)

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey