- 1). Clean the aluminum stair railing. Spray the railing with a garden hose to rinse off all grime.
- 2). Dissolve 1/3 cup of trisodium phosphate powder in 1 gallon of very warm water. Mix the powdery solution thoroughly in a clean bucket.
- 3). Scrub the detergent solution onto the stair railing with a scrub brush. Remove all oxidation and grime from the railing.
- 4). Rinse the railing thoroughly with water. Let the railing air-dry.
- 5). Scrub the entire aluminum stair railing with a stiff wire brush to detach any loose, peeling paint.
- 6). Rub a flexible, medium-grit sanding sponge over the entire railing to smooth the surface and ensure proper adhesion of primer and paint.
- 7). Wipe the entire railing with tack rags to remove sanding dust. Replace the tack rags as they become dirty.
- 8). Lay dropcloths under the stair railing to prevent dripping primer or paint onto the stairs.
- 9). Apply oil-based metal primer, holding the spray can about 5 inches from the railing. Keep the spray can moving at all times to ensure smooth, even application. Let the railing air-dry for 24 hours.
- 10
Spray a high-quality acrylic latex exterior paint onto the railing within 48 hours of priming. High-quality paints contain more acrylic paint resin than lower-quality paints, ensuring a long-lasting bond. Apply the paint just like the primer. Let the painted stair railing air-dry for 24 hours.
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