Bars on the windows, bars on the doors.

[janx]

I live in ABQ, New Mexico. There are bars on the windows and bars all across the entrance to my home. They are an ugly, dull white color, and they're rusty. I'd love to be able to get rid of them, but frankly, they keep me safe, and I can't afford an alarm system right now (apart from the dogs).

Do I sand the rust off somehow and then paint? Is there an inexpensive way to do this?

[Hassin Bin Sober]

1. I used a wire brush and/or an brush attachment for my drill.

Then I got tired of painting and cut them off with a grinder. But I have a dog and alarm system.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

2. You can buy Rustolium paint that seals

the rust on metal. It's good stuff and it works. The paint department at lowe's or home depot or most any hardware store carry's the stuff. Spray can or quart or gallon brush on. I used the brush on , on some railings and those railings look great two years later.Window guards too.

The can will say seals rust. Otherwise wire brush on a drill or grinder and sand paper and handle wire brush.

But like I said, the Rustolium paint that says it seals rust and it won't come back works. I did 2 coats. It works well on exposed beds on pick up trucks too! By the way, the brush on paint when it dries looks just like it was sprayed on. The finish looks professional.

Good Luck!
You can google Rustolium paint products too and read about it!

On your lights, It's hard to say, there are pin push types ,and various other types, would have to see the light to say. Those bulbs can also melt in there because of how hot the bulbs get. If you know the name of the manufacturer of the lights, you may be able to google their web site ,find the lights you have and find out about installation and removal of the bulbs.

Good luck.

[janx]

4. Oh man, thank you for the Rustoleum advice.

I remember the name.

As for the lights, yeah, that's my only option now. I cannot remove them, and I loved their quality and effect in the kitchen.

Thanks much!

[Stinky The Clown]

5. Before just the Rustoleum alone, consider stuff like this

http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-rust-converter.html



Eastwood is a high end auto restorer hobbyist supply company. Good enough stuff, but on the costly side. You can probably find a similar product locally, maybe at an auto paint supplier, for a little less, but even at this high retail, it isn't that costly. Given that your door and window grates are less stressed than car parts, it might be a good way to get an extra few years from them. Try this sory of thing and then spray over it with the Rustoleum made for rusty metal.

[janx]

3. ha!

I have a drill/screwdriver and will look for attachments. I'll have to stick with the dogs for now. Thank you!

[Warpy]

6. The best way is to knock all the loose rust off with a wire brush

You can use an electric drill to make the process go a little faster, but a hand held brush will work.

Nothing will get rid of 100% of the rust and it will reappear over time. My favorite strategies for dealing with rust on cast iron are to remove the surface junk and then prime and paint with Rustoleum. The stuff isn't perfect but it will prolong the period between derusting and repainting.

I tend to favor dark colors on cast iron, matte black the best. That way even when the rust reappears, it takes a lot longer to look nasty.

I still don't have barred windows or doors and I'm in the War Zone. I've been broken into twice since I've lived here, though, so I really need to consider something besides putting what few valuables I have in cockamamie places and owning only cheap, refurbished electronics.