Wrought iron question

[Quint]

I have just gotten ahold of a nice old wrought iron window grate which I would like to use as a security grate inside one of the windows in my house. It has a little oxidation, but is otherwise in quite nice shape. There is some old paint on it which gives it a nice appearance, but the paint is flaking off in some places. As lead is likely present in the paint, I would like advice on how to "seal" this iron to keep its beautiful current appearance while making sure the paint that is on it is sealed and can pose no danger of dropping toxic flakes in my house. Any advice on how to maintain its current appearance while making it safe to have as a decorative/ functional piece?

[TriPolar]

I don't understand why you don't strip it and repaint it. You can apply agers to the new paint to get a particular look.

[Quint]

Originally Posted by TriPolar

I don't understand why you don't strip it and repaint it. You can apply agers to the new paint to get a particular look.

Wouldn't that be more work than just spraying it with some kind of clear coating that would keep it looking like it is, which is a pretty nice look, I must say.

[TriPolar]

Originally Posted by Quint

Wouldn't that be more work than just spraying it with some kind of clear coating that would keep it looking like it is, which is a pretty nice look, I must say.

Yeah, but if it's inside and the lead worries you then it might not do much. You'd have to clean it well to make sure the clear coat sticks, that could ruin the look you want to preserve, and maybe it wouldn't adhere well to that type of paint. And clear stuff can peel off also, perhaps taking the lead paint with it.

There may be something out there that's perfect for what you want to, so don't let me keep you from looking. If you don't find it, it won't be a huge job to repaint. You can take it outside and apply the nastiest of paint strippers, then spray it with primer and new paint, or brush on the paint to get effects.

[Quint]

Originally Posted by TriPolar

Yeah, but if it's inside and the lead worries you then it might not do much. You'd have to clean it well to make sure the clear coat sticks, that could ruin the look you want to preserve, and maybe it wouldn't adhere well to that type of paint. And clear stuff can peel off also, perhaps taking the lead paint with it.

There may be something out there that's perfect for what you want to, so don't let me keep you from looking. If you don't find it, it won't be a huge job to repaint. You can take it outside and apply the nastiest of paint strippers, then spray it with primer and new paint, or brush on the paint to get effects.

Ok, thanks for the input. There is not a lot of paint left on it, and I am sick to death of stripping paint!! But if nobody can suggest a good method to preserve it as is I may use your advice and return to my stripping ways.

[skrome]

Unless you have kids who might eat the flakes it's not dangerous. If you sand it then you might breath in some lead but using a stripper or scraper should be fine. If you want to keep the look, you can brush on a glue that dries clear.