For a DIY project, I wonder if it is doable to remove old chipped/flaking paint and lots of rust from exterior railings and ballusters. I have seen mention of sand-blasting or bead blasting outfits that run with a compressor. Have no clue about the practicality or type of equipment needed. Other options, I suppose, would be to sand down the paint and grind the deeper rust (mainly at bottoms of ballusters and the anchors that go into concrete). If it is doable for a DIYer, is the mess containable? This is in a small condo, and replacement is really not a supportable option. Folks want the building to take care of itself :o)
I've done lots of painting and repairing around the house, but no heavy duty stuff. It would be wiser, probably, to have the things cut off and removed, the concrete patched and new railings installed, but I'm not the decision maker.