The staircase is about 30 years old and looks awful. I can see at least 3 layers of paint on top of a red primer. The paint is peeling off and there are large areas of exposed rusted metal. The rust is so bad it has stained the concrete below. The staircase has a steel frame and concrete steps. There is a decorative steel rail on one side, the other side attaches directly to the building. This is a 2 story unit.

I agreed to do this project for extra $ but I have no idea how to price it. I will be doing all of the work by myself. Any advice is appreciated.

What trade are you in, can't charge pro prices if you aren't a pro. Any chance you can just say time and materials? Sand blasting may be your only option with 3 layers and lots of rust.

What trade are you in, can't charge pro prices if you aren't a pro. Any chance you can just say time and materials?? Sand blasting may be your only option with 3 layers and lots of rust.

Graphic design/illustration for over 25 years. Definitely not a pro. Have worked side jobs as a painter for over 15 years - mostly interiors, murals, etc. - this is my first outside staircase and it's a mess. If I scrape am guessing it will take 20 hours to complete. Does that sound about right?

I think you will find scraping to be a tremedous pain in the neck with moderate results. A 4" side grinder might give you better, quicker results if sand blasting is not in the picture. May want to read about this stuff too. http://www.smartstrippaint.com/

Graphic design/illustration for over 25 years. Definitely not a pro. Have worked side jobs as a painter for over 15 years - mostly interiors, murals, etc. - this is my first outside staircase and it's a mess. If I scrape am guessing it will take 20 hours to complete. Does that sound about right?

You can use a soft abrasive stripping wheel in an electric cord drill for those 20hrs and using assorted wire brushes and sanding tools.. most the work will be prep.. you must than clean it down with a solvent base before priming with oil based primer and you exterior finish. Still, after all that work you should not guarantee it not rusting again because in a few seasons the rust will bleed and will resurface. Hope this helps