xterior Metal Staircase & Iron Railing Refinishing – Chicago, IL Windy City Painters completed a comprehensive metal refinishing project featuring an exterior steel staircase, diamond mesh security screening, handrails, and surrounding perimeter railings on a Chicago multi-family property. The existing metalwork suffered from severe rust, flaking paint, and exposure to winter freeze-thaw cycles. Our team executed full mechanical rust removal, wire-brush prep, application of industrial rust-inhibiting Direct-To-Metal (DTM) primer, and finished with high-durability exterior oil-based alkyd enamel. Designed to provide long-lasting corrosion protection, enhance property security, and elevate curb appeal for Chicago homeowners, condo associations, and property managers.

We found a Kohler box sink whose vessel sits below the counter top and inhibits splash, which can be a problem with vessel sinks. We also included the elegant Rohl wall-mounted faucet and a recessed mirrored medicine cabinet, all to gain yet another few inches into the room.

The wrought iron detailing on this rustic yet elegant vanity is reminiscent of a musical treble clef. Having a caramel-colored marble top and a copper sink of rich colors ranging from oranges to chocolaty-browns, this hand-crafted piece exhibits the perfect balance of refinement and ruggedness. The marble and copper are natural; thus the range of shades is completely random and are not controllable – every piece is unique and no two pieces turn out exactly the same. Copper has rarely been used in the construction of furniture in the past, but innovation and vision resulted in the creation of this original copper furniture line from Mexico. Besides being an aesthetically pleasing recycled earth-friendly material, copper is also known to be antibacterial and inhibits the growth of microbes, thus providing a measure of protection against the presence and spread of harmful germs and bacteria.

Steward Oak – The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family.

The homeowner’s goal for this kitchen remodel was to improve functionality and increase the home’s value. The existing kitchen was old and needed an update – cabinets were falling apart, the downdraft on the Jenn-Air range made it difficult to cook items correctly, there was little to no storage, lighting was insufficient. A poor layout dominated by a hook-shaped peninsula inhibited the ability to work efficiently

AVAILABLE IN SEVEN VIVID COLORS The Pelican Crystallite Series PL-100 Granite Composite single bowl sink is expertly crafted with 85% natural quartz, the toughest component of granite, blended with a premium acrylic binder to create a stunning sink boasting unparalleled durability. Engineered in Germany, these sinks epitomize quality and environmental responsibility, constructed from long-lasting, eco-friendly materials. UV Stable and resistant to scratches, stains, impacts, and heat, these sinks offer exceptional performance and longevity. Each sink features a natural anti-bacterial hygiene protection system, harnessing silver ions to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, ensuring a hygienic kitchen environment. The versatile PL-100 sink is designed for both top mount and under mount installations, offering flexibility to suit various kitchen configurations. Additionally, color-matched strainers and bottom grids are available for enhanced functionality and aesthetics. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the Crystallite Granite Composite Sinks provide enduring quality and peace of mind for the lifetime of the original homeowner.

An elastomeric roof restoration is a painted on product. As with any painting project, the key to a successful long lasting finish is the surface preparation. We pressure washed the roof, applied rust-inhibitive primer and liquid tape. We then applied two coats of Acrymax top coat for a durable and beautiful finish. Note: One of the previous coats was red which gives the impression that the rust was more widespread than it actually was.

Iron Fence Painting Wicker Park Homeowners Can Trust: A Windy City Painters Case Study Wicker Park is full of architectural character — ornate 1890s greystone two-flats, vintage brick facades, and wrought iron fencing that has framed these streets for well over a century. However, what iron fence painting Wicker Park properties require is not a simple weekend job. Winters here are brutal on metal, and consequently Windy City Painters has spent years perfecting the restoration process that keeps these fences standing strong. In particular, this case study walks through a recent project completed for a classic Wicker Park property. Project Overview The property featured a full wrought iron perimeter fence that had suffered years of freeze-thaw cycling and road salt exposure. Paint had failed across most of the pickets, and oxidation had progressed into active rust at several base rails. Consequently, the homeowners needed more than a fresh coat of paint. They needed a genuine metal restoration, and that is precisely what Windy City Painters delivered. Materials Used Windy City Painters selected products specifically rated for Chicago's climate extremes: Rust-Oleum Professional Rust Inhibitor Primer Sherwin-Williams DTM Acrylic Enamel (two finish coats) 3M rust converter gel for active oxidation zones Wire brushes, angle grinders, and detail brushes for precision work The Process: How Windy City Painters Restores Rusted Iron Every iron fence painting Wicker Park project follows a disciplined, multi-stage process: Preparation. Wire brushing and angle grinding remove all loose, flaking, and compromised material. Rust converter gel is applied directly to active oxidation zones, chemically stabilizing the metal underneath. Repairs. Pitted sections and structurally weak joints are addressed before any coating touches the surface. Notably, skipping this step is the most common reason fence paint fails prematurely. Priming. A full rust-inhibiting primer coat seals every bare metal surface, preventing moisture from reaching the iron beneath. Application. Two finish coats of direct-to-metal enamel are applied by hand for even coverage across pickets, finials, and rail joints. Finishing. A final inspection confirms full coverage, sharp lines, and a smooth, uniform sheen from every angle. Furthermore, this same process protects the ornate details so common on Wicker Park fencing — decorative finials, scrollwork, and gate hardware — without losing the historic character that makes these properties special. Advice for Wicker Park Homeowners Before starting a similar project, homeowners in this neighborhood should keep a few things in mind: Never paint over active rust. Untreated oxidation will continue spreading beneath the new coating, and the paint will fail within a season or two. Always prime bare metal before applying a finish coat. Skipping primer is the single fastest path to peeling. Choose coatings rated for temperature extremes, since Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles are harder on metal than most climates. Inspect ground-contact areas each spring, as base rails typically rust fastest due to snow melt and road salt runoff. Budget for prep time. In fact, most of the labor in a quality iron fence painting Wicker Park project happens before a single coat of paint is applied. Similarly, ask whether the contractor uses rust converter on active oxidation, since skipping this step often shortens the life of the finish considerably. Moreover, historic greystone properties often have decorative ironwork that requires extra care during grinding and priming so the original detailing is preserved rather than sanded away. What to Expect: Timeline and Investment Homeowners often ask how long an iron fence painting Wicker Park project takes from start to finish. In general, prep work — wire brushing, grinding, rust conversion, and repairs — takes up the largest share of the schedule, while primer and enamel application move relatively quickly once the surface is properly stabilized. Cure time between coats also affects the overall timeline, since rushing this stage undermines durability. Consequently, Windy City Painters builds a realistic schedule around weather conditions rather than forcing the job into a tight window. In addition, investment varies based on fence length, the amount of active rust present, and whether ornate detailing requires extra hand-finishing. Homeowners considering this project should request a full on-site walkthrough rather than a rough phone estimate, since rust severity is difficult to judge accurately without seeing the fence in person. Why Wicker Park Homeowners Choose Windy City Painters Windy City Painters has become the trusted painting contractor for Chicago's North Side and Near West Side, and iron fence painting Wicker Park residents request most often reflects that reputation directly. In contrast to quick-fix contractors who paint straight over rust, Windy City Painters treats every project as a full restoration. As a result, clients get a finish that holds up through multiple Chicago winters rather than one. In addition, for related projects, Windy City Painters also offers interior painting, cabinet painting, drywall and plaster repair, and full metal refinishing services for fences, gates, and porches throughout the neighborhood. Ultimately, that range of services is what makes us a true one-stop contractor for Wicker Park homeowners. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Wicker Park 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.

Kingsguard Oak – The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family.

Too many mailboxes look like this one did. After a little scraping and sanding, a spot prime with rust inhibiting primer and two coats of Industrial Enamel from SW, this mailbox looks brand new afterwards!

rchitectural Metal Refinishing & Exterior Steel Restoration Refinishing multi-story exterior steel staircases demands precise technical execution and high-performance coating systems. For this Chicago residential project, we restored a multi-tier steel structure featuring non-slip diamond-plate treads, delivering a flawless high-gloss finish that elevates the building's exterior aesthetic. Our process combines thorough mechanical surface preparation with chemical rust conversion. We apply specialized Sherwin-Williams Direct-To-Metal (DTM) rust-inhibiting primers followed by two coats of premium enamel finish. Hand-brushed application ensures total penetration on structural joints, handrails, and tread edges. Windy City Painters executes elevated residential metal refinishing, commercial coating, and custom interior drywall restoration. Our full-time craftspeople manage every site detail directly, guaranteeing precision execution and immaculate white-glove cleanup. Visit our website: https://www.windypainters.com Connect with us online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windycitypainters/ Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/page/windy-painters-chicago-chicago-il/ Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/windy-city-painters-chicago-2 Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/windycitypainters Our Services Include: Interior & Exterior Residential Painting Commercial Painting Services Professional Wallpaper Installation & Removal Drywall & Water Damage Repair Custom Accent Walls Rust Treatment & Metal Porch/Fence Painting Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing

An elastomeric roof restoration is a painted on product. As with any painting project, the key to a successful long lasting finish is the surface preparation. We pressure washed the roof, applied rust-inhibitive primer and liquid tape. We then applied two coats of Acrymax top coat for a durable and beautiful finish. Note: One of the previous coats was red which gives the impression that the rust was more widespread than it actually was.

AVAILABLE IN SEVEN VIVID COLORS The Pelican Crystallite Series PL-100 Granite Composite single bowl sink is expertly crafted with 85% natural quartz, the toughest component of granite, blended with a premium acrylic binder to create a stunning sink boasting unparalleled durability. Engineered in Germany, these sinks epitomize quality and environmental responsibility, constructed from long-lasting, eco-friendly materials. UV Stable and resistant to scratches, stains, impacts, and heat, these sinks offer exceptional performance and longevity. Each sink features a natural anti-bacterial hygiene protection system, harnessing silver ions to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, ensuring a hygienic kitchen environment. The versatile PL-100 sink is designed for both top mount and under mount installations, offering flexibility to suit various kitchen configurations. Additionally, color-matched strainers and bottom grids are available for enhanced functionality and aesthetics. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the Crystallite Granite Composite Sinks provide enduring quality and peace of mind for the lifetime of the original homeowner.

Rohan Oak – The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family.

Steward Oak – The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family.

Ever notice how your iron fence looks more rust than paint after another brutal Chicago winter? That is usually the moment homeowners start searching for a painting contractor who actually understands metal - not just someone who will brush a coat of black paint over active corrosion and call it done. At Windy City Painters, iron fence restoration is one of our most requested services on the North Side and Near West Side, and for good reason. These fences are old, they are beautiful, and they deserve a proper finish system. PROJECT OVERVIEW This project involved a full ornamental iron fence on a North Side greystone property. The fence was original to the building - likely installed in the 1910s or 1920s - and had gone through multiple paint cycles without any rust conversion work. By the time Windy City Painters arrived, the horizontal rails showed active pitting, the vertical spindles had surface rust under lifting paint, and two corner posts had minor joint separation. The homeowner wanted the fence restored to a sharp satin black finish that would hold through multiple Chicago winters. MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS Ospho Rust Converter - phosphoric acid formula that chemically neutralizes iron oxide and converts it to iron phosphate, a stable paintable surface. Used on all pitted and actively corroded areas before primer application. Rust-Oleum DTM Rust-Inhibitive Primer - direct-to-metal primer that bonds to both converted rust zones and bare metal, blocking moisture intrusion at the substrate level. Sherwin-Williams DTM Acrylic Topcoat - flexible, moisture-resistant finish formulated to expand and contract with metal through temperature cycling. Applied in two finish coats in satin black. For cases with deeper rust penetration, Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter and Metal Primer is an alternative that combines conversion and priming in a single product, useful on complex ornamental profiles where two-product systems are harder to apply. THE PROCESS Step 1 - Mechanical Preparation. Windy City Painters wire-wheels all loose rust, flaking paint, and scale using angle grinders fitted with wire wheel attachments. On heavily pitted sections, needle gun descaling is used to reach rust in tight ornamental grooves. This step is non-negotiable. No coating bonds reliably to iron oxide, and skipping this step is the single most common reason iron fence paint fails within a year. Step 2 - Rust Conversion. Ospho is brushed into all pitted and bare metal areas and allowed to fully react. The surface shifts from orange to a grayish-black iron phosphate layer. This stable base accepts primer without the risk of rust migrating upward through the paint film over time. Step 3 - Primer Coat. Rust-Oleum DTM rust-inhibitive primer is applied full coverage over the entire fence surface, including areas that appeared clean but showed minor surface oxidation. DTM primer acts as a moisture barrier and mechanical adhesion layer for the finish coats. Step 4 - Finish Coats. Two coats of Sherwin-Williams DTM acrylic topcoat are applied in satin black, with adequate dry time between coats. The DTM formula remains flexible after cure, allowing the iron to expand and contract through Chicago temperature swings without the topcoat cracking or peeling at joints. CHICAGO-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES Ornamental iron on Chicago greystones, two-flats, and Victorian brownstones was almost never hot-dip galvanized. It was painted from installation and has relied on continuous paint maintenance ever since. Chicago winters add specific stress: freeze-thaw cycles force water into any paint film crack, expanding it; road salt spray elevates corrosive chloride exposure; and humidity during spring thaw keeps metal surfaces wet for extended periods. This combination accelerates rust spread beneath paint films that appear intact on the surface. WHAT TO EXPECT LONG-TERM A properly prepped and primed iron fence finished with a DTM topcoat system should hold 5-8 years in Chicago conditions before any touch-up is warranted. Annual inspection of joints, welds, and areas near grade level will catch early moisture entry before it becomes a larger rust issue. Windy City Painters recommends scheduling touch-up earlier rather than waiting for full paint failure to protect the prep investment. PRO TIPS Tip 1 - Address joint separation before painting. If fence rails have separated at welds or mechanical joints, water will enter and rust will restart from inside the connection point regardless of the exterior coating. Flag any separated joints for welding before any paint system is applied. Tip 2 - Never use latex house paint on iron fences. Standard exterior latex lacks the adhesion and flexibility for bare metal. Always use a product labeled DTM or specify a rust-inhibitive primer underneath any finish coat applied to iron. Tip 3 - Paint in late spring or early fall. Iron fences exposed to full sun in peak summer heat can reach surface temperatures that cause solvent-based coatings to blister during application. Ideal application conditions are 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity and no direct intense sun on the metal surface. Learn more about iron fence painting cost in Chicago and schedule your free estimate at windypainters.com FAQ Q: What does iron fence painting cost in Chicago? A: Windy City Painters typically prices residential iron fence painting at $8-$18 per linear foot. Variables include rust severity, spindle density, ornamental profile complexity, and whether rust conversion products like Ospho or Corroseal are required before priming. Q: Can you paint over rust without grinding it off first? A: No. Windy City Painters always performs mechanical prep before any coating. Wire wheel grinding removes loose scale and flaking paint. Rust converters handle residual oxidation chemically. Skipping this step means the new paint film will delaminate within one season. Q: How do I know if my iron fence needs a welder before painting? A: Windy City Painters inspects all joints and rail connections during the estimate. Rail separation, cracked welds, or sections that flex when pressed indicate structural issues that should be welded before any paint system is applied to avoid reopening at stress points. Q: What is the difference between Ospho and Corroseal? A: Both are rust converters. Ospho is a phosphoric acid solution applied as a separate step before priming, giving maximum control over conversion and primer selection. Corroseal combines conversion and primer in one product, which works well on complex ornamental profiles where a two-step system is harder to apply evenly. Q: How long does the paint last on an iron fence in Chicago? A: With full mechanical prep, rust conversion, DTM primer, and two DTM topcoats, Windy City Painters clients typically see 5-8 years of performance before touch-up is needed, even through Chicago freeze-thaw cycling and road salt exposure. Q: Do you paint iron fences that are still structurally sound but heavily rusted on the surface? A: Yes. Surface rust, even heavy pitting, does not necessarily indicate structural failure. Windy City Painters evaluates each fence individually. As long as the metal is sound under the rust, proper mechanical prep and a rust converter restore the surface to a paintable condition.

The homeowner’s goal for this kitchen remodel was to improve functionality and increase the home’s value. The existing kitchen was old and needed an update – cabinets were falling apart, the downdraft on the Jenn-Air range made it difficult to cook items correctly, there was little to no storage, lighting was insufficient. A poor layout dominated by a hook-shaped peninsula inhibited the ability to work efficiently

Steward Oak – The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family.

The Sixth Sense Dinnerware collection seduces foodies and connoisseurs alike. Artisanal sculptured porcelain is crafted to inhibit condensation.
Example of a minimalist patio design in Other