I have a wrought iron handrail in my home that has black gunk on it about 1/32" thick in the groves. It comes off easily if I scratch it with my fingernail. The junk is not really noticeable, since it is black and who looks at a handrail anyway.
How might I go about cleaning the handrail without taking off the black finish? Soap and water? Gentle brush? Metal brush? Scouring powder? Chemical cleaners?
Best Answer
Assuming the railing is painted, you should use a brush that isn't too abrasive. I'd start with soap and hot water along with a scrub brush like you'd use on pots and pans (with natural or synthetic fibers). You can add chemical household cleansers if needed.
To fully refinish the railing, you'll want a wire brush. Use this to clear off any flaking paint or flaking rusty areas, as well as scour the entire surface to prepare it for a new layer of paint. Clean with a mild solution of water and soap, let dry, and cover with a primer/paint designed for metal. I'd recommend a spray, because you can find primer+paint products designed to seal over light rust, which is often a concern on iron railings. But you can also use a brushed primer/paint as long as the directions indicate it's OK for metal.