A surprising amount of metal is used in and around our homes - for central heating radiators, gates and railings, drainpipes and guttering and window frames. It seems odd, however, that metal, which is strong and hard-wearing, should be used in areas where it comes into contact with the one thing that causes it to corrode: water. Paint on its own won't protect metal from rust, although it will slow down the rusting process. Inhibitors and primers are required to completely protect it from being affected by rust.
Where metal has been used in and around your home, check it routinely for rust. Look for telltale signs: blistering or flaking paint means water has penetrated. If you find any, set to work immediately. Scrape off the paint to expose every spot of rust. Light deposits can be removed using wire wool or wet-and-dry paper dipped in white spirit. Where the rust is heavy - i.e. where the surface of the metal has become 'pitted' - use a wire brush or wire wheel or cup brush attachment to a power tool. Next, paint a proprietary rust inhibitor onto the cleaned metal surface: always follow the manufacturer's instructions as some inhibitors remain on the surface to protect the metal while others must be washed off after a few minutes. Wash grease off with white spirit and wire wool.
As soon as the metal is clean and dry, apply a primer. For general interior metalwork, use a red oxide primer. For exterior metalwork, use a red lead, zinc phosphate or calcium plumbate primer. Take extra care to work the primer into all the 'nooks and crannies' and pay particular attention to sharp edges and corners, which often get chipped and where corrosion can start.
