Just use primer paint and then paint the color you want. But you'd better the sand the surface and clean it first before you do and painting work. Here a profession wrought iron company in New England Area, especially closed to Boston. If you want to get some Wrought iron products, the company definitely you need to go is Evan's Home Luxuries. Their wrought iron railing and forged products are really gorgeous. They also make marble mantels, marble statues, marble fountains, marble gazebos, marble tile only for $3/sft. They also sell Copper doors, Brass Doors and Bronze doors. You will not find these products in other company here. Hoping this information is helpful for you guys. Their websites is http://www.evanshomeluxuries.com.

I'd get that primed and painted before any rust formed. Paint it rust color if you like that look.

You know - I have a rental (live in 1 apt and rent out the rest). Your making the place look good makes the neighborhood look good... which increases the desireability of your units. I could go on about other reasons why its to your benefit to put some extra care, love and $$$ into your project. Not go hog wild, but not to be super tightwad either. On to my comments re: the topic. I think the poplar will be just fine if are vigilant about keeping it painted - Ive used it for some of my exterior porch repair for much the same reason. Before you assemble the pieces seal the end grains. Part of your routine as landlord should be to regularly inspect your paint/caulking around the porch (and that bathtub that you m entioned in another thread) Cedar isnt the only rot resistant wood - and its only rot resistant, not rot proof so it still needs to be maintained. Cypress and green treated pine may be more more affordable options. This is more a question than a statement - I bought some cedar 1 inch boards for something and I was shocked at how light weight and splintery it was - and really soft. I was expecting something heavy and dense like the original old growth cedar of my porch posts. Is this typical of modern cedar.... or are there different types, or what? If this is typical, OP indeed might be better off with the poplar - which would be denser & not as soft & porous. Again this is more of a question than a statement.

We have two quotes so far. Two are frameless to ceiling glass options with one continuous rail on one side only, rail in steel. Prices came in at $9,200 and 10,500. We are still waiting in a quote for a framed in glass option with powder coated aluminum. Not that it matters as it’s just a line item for now but $6700 has been budgeted for it. So far builder is bang on with his railing quotes as the exterior railings came in at slightly under budget. So we know the high end but not the lower for sure yet. Should get the concrete numbers early this week.