Rust-Oleum High Performance Enamel: Excellent for Wrought Iron and more
Written: Nov 05 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Extremely durable finish, rust inhibitive, great coverage, easy to use available everywhere
Cons: Harmful if inhaled, highly flammable while wet
The Bottom Line: Annual use will keep your outdoor wrought iron both beautiful and structurally sound for years to come. I recommend it.
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| rudixeno's Full Review: Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel Sp... |
For all the years that I lived in New England and Buck's County, PA, this was the time of year that I would undertake the project of maintaining all of our wrought iron. After a summer of blistering heat and humidity and anticipating a cold and icy winter, this time of year always seemed to make the most sense to me.
Since our homes were either antique farmhouses or colonials there was a considerable amount of wrought iron to maintain. My preference from the outset has always been Rust-Oleum High Performance Enamel.
When we made our move to South Florida over a decade ago, I had thought that my use of this product would be reduced drastically. We have far less outdoor wrought iron to maintain in our Mediterranean home, but more I hadn't considered the effects of our ever present sub-tropical heat and humidity.
Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel
Available in both cans and sprays, Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel is one of Rust-Oleum's top of the line paints suitable for industrial use. Although I keep both on-hand, for regular maintenance and general usage I've come to prefer the 15 oz. spray can.
Preparation
The chief advantage of Rust-Oleum paints has always been convenience. Surfaces to be painted need little preparation. Loose paint should be removed and the surface should be clean. This is easily accomplished with a stiff wire brush and mineral spirits applied to a shop rag. On unpainted surfaces Rust-Oleum recommends the use of a primer for best results. But in my yearly maintenance routine I have found it unnecessary.
Particularly when using the spray I recommend spending some time masking those areas that would be affected by overspray. Generally, newspaper and masking tape do the trick. For items that can be moved I recommend they be painted outdoors on top of drop cloths.
Using the Product
Like most modern spray cans, Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel needs to be shaken vigorously until you can hear the mixing ball-bearing moving freely in the can. Holding the can upright and spraying from a distance of between 10 -16 inches I find it useful and considerably neater to spray in short bursts. Generally, 2- 3 light coats results in the best protection with the least amount of drips.
Drying Time
Although Rust-Oleum claims that their Professional High Performance Enamel is dry to the touch in 15 minutes and can be handled in 1 -2 hours, in actual use for touch-up over previously painted surfaces I find the drying time to be longer. However, final drying time of 24 hours seems accurate.
If recoating is necessary it can be done either within an hour of the original application or after a full 48 hours of curing. My recommendation here is that for maintenance of painted surfaces it be done during the one hour period. But for items that are unpainted I usually give it the full 48 hour curing period.
Clean Up
Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel is an oil-based paint. I generally recommend wearing disposable gloves while using. This will minimize the need to use mineral spirits or paint thinner on your skin.
If there is any paint remaining in the can the nozzle should be cleared before the can is put away. This is easily accomplished by turning the can upside down and spraying for about 5 seconds. Areas affected by overspray or drips can be cleaned with mineral spirits if attended to promptly.
User Cautions
Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel like most spray paints is highly flammable while being sprayed and while it is still wet. Further, the product contains both Acetone and Xylene and are hazardous to inhale. I highly recommend the use of a disposable painter's mask while using. If possible objects that can be moved should be painted outdoors. If indoor use is unavoidable increase ventilation by opening windows and doors.
Other Uses
Although Rust-Oleum has long been associated with metals, it can be used on a great number of other surfaces including both wood and wicker. The lovely Mrs. Xeno uses it regularly to spray wicker baskets.
Bottom Line
For those of us who have the need to maintain wrought iron on an annual basis, Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel makes the chore easier. Annual use will keep your outdoor wrought iron both beautiful and structurally sound for years to come. I recommend it.
Rudi
Recommended:
Yes
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Member: Rudi Xeno
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