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Columbus, OH
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The oversized gates were customized from old Haveli gates from India and are magnificently studded with iron and brass elements. They served as entrance gates to an old Indian mansion and have aged beautifully and are hand carved in beautiful ornate detail. Conscious use of antique architectural pieces and vintage woods creates beautiful outdoor spaces that are in harmony with nature.

Metal Porch Stairs Painting in Lakeview, Chicago | Windy City Painters
Lakeview is one of Chicago's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods — vintage courtyard buildings, rooftop-deck condos, newly converted three-flats, and classic brick two-flats all line the same block. What they share is this: exposed metal. Back porch stairs, handrails, balconies, and exterior landings define the rear streetscape of nearly every building in the neighborhood. And in Chicago, exposed metal without proper protective coatings doesn't last.
Windy City Painters recently completed a full metal porch stairs painting project in Lakeview that illustrates exactly what professional metal refinishing looks like — and why preparation is everything.
The Problem: Years of Chicago Weather Had Done Their Damage
The client's back porch stairs were structurally sound — the diamond-plate steel treads were solid underfoot and the handrails were stable. However, the original paint system had long since failed. Surface rust had spread across the treads and risers. The old coating was peeling at every seam, edge, and weld point. Meanwhile, the black handrails were chalky and beginning to show rust at the bases.
Notably, this is a pattern Windy City Painters sees constantly in Lakeview. The neighborhood's diverse housing stock — ranging from pre-war courtyard buildings to 1990s condo conversions — often features original metal porch work that has never received a proper professional refinish. Homeowners and property managers patch-paint over rust for years, which ultimately accelerates the problem rather than solving it.
The solution isn't more paint. It's a complete system: mechanical rust removal, chemical treatment, primer, and a durable topcoat engineered for exterior metal.
The Windy City Painters Process for Metal Porch Stairs Painting
Windy City Painters approaches every metal porch stairs painting project with the same disciplined sequence. Consequently, our finishes outlast the competition by years.
Step 1 — Mechanical Preparation Our crew wire-brushes all loose rust, flaking paint, and surface contamination from every tread, riser, stringer, and handrail section. For heavier rust accumulation, we use grinding discs to cut down to clean, bare metal. This step is non-negotiable. Additionally, we pay particular attention to weld seams, bolt plates, and edge returns — the spots where moisture consistently hides and rust reliably starts.
Step 2 — Chemical Rust Treatment After mechanical prep, we apply a rust-converting primer to any remaining rust residue. This chemically neutralizes active rust and converts it into a stable, paintable surface. Moreover, the converter bonds to the metal and creates an additional barrier against future oxidation.
Step 3 — Rust-Inhibiting Primer Windy City Painters then applies a full coat of oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer to all prepared metal surfaces. This primer penetrates bare metal and creates the critical bond layer that everything else depends on. Skipping this step — or substituting a latex primer — is the single biggest reason DIY metal paint jobs fail within one season.
Step 4 — Two Topcoats of Industrial Enamel We apply two full coats of oil-based industrial enamel in the client's chosen color. For this Lakeview project, the stairs received a deep red finish and the handrails received gloss black — a classic combination that reads beautifully against the surrounding brick. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. Furthermore, we back-roll every surface to eliminate lap marks and ensure consistent film build.
Step 5 — Final Inspection and Cleanup Windy City Painters inspects every inch of the completed work before calling a project done. We remove all masking, clean up the work area completely, and walk the client through the finished result. In addition, we advise on a maintenance schedule to maximize the life of the coating system.
Why Metal Porch Stairs Painting Matters for Lakeview Properties
Metal porch stairs are among the most visible exterior features of Chicago residential buildings. Therefore, their condition directly affects curb appeal, property value, and — most importantly — structural safety. Rust that penetrates deeply enough will compromise the structural integrity of stairs and railings. Meanwhile, peeling paint signals to buyers, renters, and neighbors that a property is deferred.
In contrast, freshly refinished metal porch stairs signal exactly the opposite. They say the property is maintained, the owner takes pride in the building, and the structure is safe. For Lakeview landlords and homeowners alike, metal porch stair refinishing delivers an exceptional return on investment.
Professional Advice for Lakeview Homeowners
Before starting a metal porch stairs painting project, Windy City Painters recommends the following:
Don't paint over rust. Any rust left beneath a topcoat will continue to spread and will lift the new paint within months. Mechanical removal is essential.
Choose oil-based products for exterior metal. Latex paints don't adhere to metal as reliably and lack the film hardness needed to withstand foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles.
Time your project right. Ideal conditions for metal painting are 50°F–90°F with low humidity. Chicago's spring and early fall are perfect windows.
Don't skip the primer. A properly applied rust-inhibiting primer is what separates a seven-year finish from a one-year failure.
Budget for full prep. Preparation typically represents 60–70% of the labor on a metal refinishing project. That's where the money is well spent.
Windy City Painters: Lakeview's Trusted Metal Refinishing Contractor
Windy City Painters has refined the process of exterior metal painting and refinishing across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side. We work in Lakeview regularly — on courtyard buildings, two-flats, coach houses, and commercial properties — and we understand the unique demands that Chicago's climate places on exterior metal. As a result, our coating systems are selected and applied for maximum longevity in this specific environment.
See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com.
Ready to transform your Lakeview home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

With a wavy ceiling detail in the foyer, this design flows and leads guests from the entry deeper into the home where amazement awaits them.
Southwest hallway photo in Phoenix with beige walls
Southwest hallway photo in Phoenix with beige walls

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Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
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SET INCLUDES:
2 Door Slabs
Trims
Frames
Tracks
Pulls
Door made of solid wood with honeycomb and eco-veneer coating. Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware.
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16". It is not recommended to paint.
Introducing the Modern Double Pocket Doors, an elegant addition to any modern home. Made of solid wood with honeycomb with a solid core, these doors are sturdy and reliable. The flush design and white color of the door make it an excellent choice for a clean and minimalistic aesthetic. Part of the Planum collection, these doors are designed with precision and sophistication.
The pocket doors are an excellent choice for those looking for space-saving solutions. The double doors are perfect for larger openings, and the pocket design allows them to slide seamlessly into the wall, freeing up more space in the room. The door comes with stainless steel pocket door hardware, which is durable and long-lasting.
These interior doors are available in Brooklyn, NY, and are perfect for those looking to renovate or remodel their homes. They are easy to install and maintain, making them a convenient choice for homeowners. With a focus on both style and function, the Modern Double Pocket Doors are an excellent investment for any home.
solid wood with honeycomb CORE
solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood with honeycomb Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.
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