Barbara Israel Garden Antiques

We are often asked if it’s okay to repaint cast iron, or, more pointedly, whether the “original surface” matters. Since the mid-19th-century, cast-iron garden ornaments were meant to be painted and repainted. Doing so will not affect the value of your investment and will stave off the erosion that will result from rust left untended. Indeed, multiple layers of paint often endow these objects with “character” commensurate with age. When a post-Civil War statue in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, was restored it was found to have had 21 layers of paint. While 21 layers may be more than most objects have, it does help us to illustrate the tradition and necessity of painting cast-iron ornaments.

If you use white paint, you will discover that the piece will need repainting more often than if you use a darker color, since it tends to show dirt more easily. If painting cast iron yourself, we suggest first wire-brushing any loose surface rust or paint, then applying an outdoor primer and, lastly, the exterior paint in your choice of color. As we are often asked to recommend “historically accurate” paint colors, we generally endorse the use of colors cited in period trade catalogues: brown, white, black, and dark green. Keep an eye on painted cast-iron objects, as repainting (or touching up) is generally required every couple of years.

Another method for protecting the surface is a series of applications of paste wax that will arrest the rusting process on surfaces. It should be applied in the late fall and mid-spring. We advise consulting a professional conservator for other sealant solutions. If an excessive accumulation of paint has obscured details of the object’s design, consult a professional conservator or ironworker to discuss options for paint removal. There are several methods for removing layers of old paint but be wary as some popular approaches may damage the surface of the piece. For instance, power-washing done skillfully can be effective and less harmful than sandblasting. We recommend sandblasting only in the most extreme situations.