Powerwash it, then prime with Kilz Original, then paint with Tremclad anti-rust. When I did one last year, I also bought a bag of crushed walnut shell to scatter on the treads for better grip.
Permanizer is the best one coat paint that is made by PPG Porter Paints.
Sherman-Williams and Benjamin Moore are the best rated companies for exterior paint. Sherman-Williams has the widest variety of colors and mixtures, and are both reasonable as far as cost.
Well the best way to paint depends on its condition now. You should use 100% acrylic exterior paint over the primer. For best results you should paint it twice.
If you are going to do without a primer, Tremclad anti-rust paint is best on exterior metals.
Use a block filler and normal exterior grade paint. Ask your paint supplier which filler is best for your region.
First of all you have to go to the paint isle, and look for exterior paint. Then you will look for the outdoor paint that has wood treatment in it. The last thing to do is to pick out your color.
Perhaps you could use one of those paint brushes on a pole?
I personally have done done much exterior painting, but my father always told me to go with the brands that have been around for years. I know when helping him paint his house he always used Beher paint. This paint can be costly, but home improvement stores often put this product on sale.
It is basically what ever you prefer. In my opinion, semi-gloss can look cheap and a bit gaudy. I would go with the satin.
Exterior paint is subject to so many harsh conditions, including pollution, weather and the expansion and contraction of the building, that it should be the best the homeowner can afford. Epoxy paint has great holding power, but it's too expensive to paint the entire exterior of a house. A cement based paint will do the job, but it comes in powder form and has to be mixed with water. It can only be used on unpainted masonry, which has to be hosed down before the paint is applied. Latex paints are very good in tolerating the alkali that comes from brick or masonry, and it's less expensive than epoxy. The best way to apply paint to an exterior is with a good, sturdy set of paintbrushes. Rollers and spray guns simply won't do the job as well.
The best way to get paint to adhere to stainless steel is to use an etching epoxy primer specifically made for stainless applications. Latex paint and oil-based paint are most commonly used.
High gloss Exterior Oil-Based Gloss Enamel over Quality Primer will give the best results on a cornice.