I used a wire bruch angle grinder attachement to get rid of all the old
paint and rust off of mine. Then several coats of oil based primer,
enough so that I could not see through. Then several coats of oil
based paint, enough so that you can't see through to the primer. I
used Rustoleum products for the paint and primer. Did this over 3
years ago and it still looks great (used gloss black paint) and does
not appear to be failing in any way. Railing is original vintage 1950
that came with the house.