'Specialist firms can take moulds from cleaned originals and recast components.' This works particularly well for items with repeat sections, such as railings or balustrades. Kent advises that the best way to repair cast iron is through cold stitching. A proficient welder could, however, restore a detached section or a concealed structural element,’ says Allum. ‘Cast iron can be difficult and uneconomic to repair, so if a decorative section is completely missing, there is little hope of repairing it. 'Another potential problem is the fracturing of cast iron because of impact or casting flaws,' says Kent. Repairing broken or missing elements, however, may not be possible. Flaking paint or rusty patches on cast iron that's otherwise in good condition, can readily be restored.

You must also assess the extent of the damage. When deciding how to restore old cast iron, you need to consider the item's value, purpose and finish – is it painted or exposed? Unlike wrought iron, cast iron has never entirely been superseded by steel. Components have a deeper profile and more repetitive appearance.'Ĭast iron is ideal for mass-produced items, such as rainwater goods, fireplaces and door knockers. 'Cast iron is brittle and weaker in tension than wrought iron but is quicker and easier to make. 'Castings were frequently joined together by nuts and bolts or by interlocking the parts,' adds Douglas Kent, technical and research director at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Hand-wrought construction is simply completely different to cast-iron objects, which are made in a mould.' 'People become confused due to the many objects of a similar nature being made using either a process or a mixture of the two. It is a term that is also erroneously applied to the working of modern steel, a more refined version of wrought iron,' explains Antiques Roadshow expert Marc Allum. It was traditionally used for architectural elements, such as grates and balconies – even the Eiffel tower is made of wrought iron.

'Wrought iron is a low-carbon malleable alloy that has to be worked by hand or through mechanical processes. If you are restoring a heavy skillet or casserole, then it will almost certainly be cast iron – however, items such as furniture or architectural ironwork are harder to identify.

Remove cast at home