Considering whether to update the exterior of your home with cast iron gutter paint?
Regardless of whether you want to refresh your existing cast iron guttering or instead are planning to replace your rainwater management system, there is a solution for you.
Below, we explore how cast iron guttering can be painted and which type of paint is best for this particular project.
We also take a look at how to prepare cast iron gutters reclaimed from a restoration for painting, and whether you should opt for primed or pre-painted products.
Rainclear Systems supplies both.
Can cast iron guttering be painted?
Yes, cast iron guttering can be painted.
Typically, cast iron guttering is supplied to the customer pre-painted because the task of painting it yourself can be messy, costly, and difficult to get right – even for those with DIY know-how.
If done incorrectly, you risk leaving the cast iron guttering vulnerable to the elements, leading to rusting which compromises its structural integrity and attractive appearance.
As a result, we recommend that our customers opt for pre-painted cast iron guttering because it makes sense.
However, we also offer a selection of primed cast iron guttering.
These products are treated with a primer to help prevent rusting (during transit and storage) and enable your choice of paint to adhere to the surface, creating an eye-catching and effective finish.
Which paint is best for cast iron gutters?
Formulated to withstand the elements and provide protection that fends off penetrative rust, choosing the right type and quality of cast iron gutter paint is essential to maintaining the condition of your rainwater management system.
If you’re unsure which paint is appropriate for your project, we always recommend consulting with dedicated heritage installers.
It makes sense to employ an experienced professional to do the job too if you buy a primed product.
Our previous blog post, Cast iron rainwater features in Farrow & Ball’s distinctive colours, is also a good place to start.
You don’t have to buy paint from Farrow & Ball.
If there is a matching shade from either the BS or RAL colour ranges, we can get your cast iron guttering pre-painted for you (see section titled ‘Pre-painted or primed cast iron guttering: Which is best?’ below).
Can cast iron guttering be bought ready for painting?
Yes, it can be bought from Rainclear primed and ready to be painted.
This enables you to paint the guttering in your choice of colour, whether that is the same shade as your windows and doors, or in a contrast colour to make a statement.
One benefit of opting for primed cast iron guttering is that it allows you to pick not only the exact shade of paint, but also the brand (Farrow & Ball for example) if you have a personal preference.
However, as outlined above, deciding to buy primed cast iron guttering and paint it yourself can be challenging.
This is because a variety of factors (including the paint type, quality, the number of coats, and the application in the UK’s cold and damp climate) can impact the effective coverage, durability and life expectancy of the cast iron guttering.
If applied incorrectly, you could spend more money in the long term on avoidable maintenance tasks.
Pre-painted or primed cast iron guttering: Which is best?
Rainclear strongly recommends buying the pre-painted products, even if you opt for a non-standard colour.
As standard, our pre-painted cast iron guttering systems are available in traditional heritage black or a range of RAL colours.
You can choose from: Oxide Red (RAL 3009), Flower Blue (RAL 5010m), Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016), Traffic Red (RAL 3020), Moss Green (RAL 6005), and White (RAL 9016).
We also provide a shade-matching service if you can provide us with a BS or RAL number that is close to your desired colour. However, an additional surcharge and longer lead time is likely to apply.
Ask a member of our team, and we’ll provide a quote for the specific shade directly from the manufacturer and their preferred paint supplier.
Our primed and pre-painted heritage black cast iron guttering ranges are available for next-day delivery, while cast iron guttering in one of the seven standard RAL colours has a longer lead time of 15 working days.
You will also need to consider any additional costs associated with hiring a professional painter to apply your chosen shade.
Attempting a DIY approach to painting the primed guttering will save you money, but could result in a poor finish that doesn’t provide adequate protection, risking additional maintenance costs later.
While a pre-painted system will typically cost more than the transit-primed version, you can rest assured that the correct type, thickness and layers of paint has been used and applied professionally under consistent factory conditions.
That means your cast iron guttering may not require repainting for a decade, though regular inspections are recommended to check for weather-related damage.
In contrast, a primed product that has been hand-painted is likely to need the colour to be reapplied every few years.
How to prepare cast iron gutters reclaimed from a restoration for painting
If you have been able to salvage some original components from your building, like for most metal surfaces, the appropriate preparation is essential before paint is applied.
Often, this involves sanding old peeling paint off the surface and then applying a layer of primer – and cast iron guttering is no different. The best way to prepare cast iron gutters for painting is to apply a zinc-rich primer to the surface once the old paint has been removed.
Primers containing zinc are well-suited to cast iron applications and corrosive environments. This is because the ‘sacrificial’ zinc in the primer is designed to oxidise itself instead of the cast iron underneath. Typically, this zinc takes years to break down and subsequently lasting protection against rust.
Zinc-rich primers are classified as any primer that is composed of at least 77 per cent zinc dust.
Regardless of the exact rust-inhibiting primer you opt for, it should also allow for maximum adhesion between the metal and the paint, preventing the metal from staining the top coat and effecting the colour or finish.
Before applying the primer, however, it’s just as important to ensure you start with a clean surface.
Any surface dirt, debris, or dust should be removed using a damp cloth. If you’re attempting to maintain pre-painted cast iron gutters, you may need to remove areas of rust using a wire brush.
Alternatively, a sandblaster or a suitable rust-removing chemical product can be used to remove patches of rust, but these methods can be difficult to master and are best left to a professional to avoid damaging the cast iron components (and causing yourself harm).
Whatever rust-removal method you choose, you must invest in relevant protective equipment (typically gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator) before beginning – especially if you suspect the painted surface you’re working on could contain toxic lead.
Once the rust has been removed, the surface will require sanding and then cleaning to ensure it is smooth and clean, ready for the primer to be applied.
Shop pre-painted and primed cast iron guttering at Rainclear
Want to create a striking appearance for your home or business?
If so, then you may be interested in our primed cast iron guttering which allows you to paint the system in the same shade as your window frames and doors.
However, you can also shop a wide range of black pre-painted cast iron guttering if you prefer a more traditional appearance.
Our pre-painted cast iron guttering systems also remove some of the hassle and expense from installing cast iron guttering.
Instead of attempting to paint the guttering yourself (a DIY task that can be tricky to get right), or paying your installer to, buying pre-painted cast iron guttering is better investment of your time and/ money.
Regardless of whether you prefer the selection of profiles in our Apex Stock collection or want to explore our Foundry range of cast iron guttering, you’re sure to find the perfect style to match the character of your home.
We also stock an impressive collection of cast iron downpipes, hoppers, and accessories to provide you with an aesthetically-pleasing and practical rainwater management system off the shelf with delivery the next day.
If you’re struggling to visualise how your home might look with a new cast iron guttering system, we can help.
We’ve created a dedicated case study hub that’s filled with examples of our high-quality products in situ.
Alternatively, you can also check out our testimonial page for glowing reviews from our satisfied customers.
If you need professional support choosing the right guttering for your home or business, then feel free to contact us.
You can get in touch by calling us on 0800 644 44 26 or sending us your enquiry via email to the address [email protected].
We’ve also created a handy online contact form that allows you to submit your enquiry at any time.