Help...iron window grates flaking rust all over the place

[alkemyst]

I have inherited a garage and the previous owner embedded heavy iron diamond grating inside each window. It's great for security and looks decent.

However, the iron is flaking rust pretty bad (if my door slams some will fall on the bench). I tried to wire brush it but it's making a real mess.

Is there any 'wonder' coating I can roll on to make the rust inert and get back to no flakes?

I though about just removing them, but I'd have to remove the sheeting to get to the fasteners.

here is what I am working with:

 

[Joe Reed]

Even if you coated the inside with some brand of rust encapsulator, POR-15, etc., you'll still have the same problem with the OTHER side - since it looks like you won't be able to get to it easily....

 

[alkemyst]

I can open the windows to get to the other sides...I just don't think a 'spray' will work well as the overspray is going to be hard to block.

I will look at that por-15...I am planning a HD/Lowes/Ace run tonight.

Outside of this problem, I want to do my floors (VCT) and resheet the outside in hardiboard...then my workshop is going to be pretty great. I may see about extending it about 4-6 feet as well since I have enough shingles left and can add a couple more roof trusses pretty easy. Since my repaint and reorganization of the entire inside I am much happier with it. This flaking rust is the last of the major things that only I really notice.

 

[hguerrero]

not likely you will find Por-15 at HD, Lowes or Ace...
It's available as a brush on....works wonders to stop the spread of rust.
However, you will still need to knock off as much of the loose paint/rust as possible before you brush it on...

 

[jake00]

how about brushing on the rust converter stuff?

 

[alkemyst]

I gave up on the POR-15...expensive stuff and only available online...I did pick up some Rustoleum Rust Reformer at Ace and tested it in a small area.

This morning it was flat black and no 'red' or flakes came off on my shop rag. Looks like this is going to work. It's also expensive compared to paint, but looks like it will be a good option for me.

 

[alkemyst]

project completed. Finished all the windows this afternoon. Took about a bottle per window (two coats per side). Went ahead and coated my bench legs, door latch and some other metal things laying around. Finished to a nice black around the workshop.

Cost was about $30, three 8 oz Rust Reformers, a couple brushes, a couple foam rollers, some painter's tape, a couple disposable pan liners and some shop supplies.