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Taking Metal Furniture from Rust to Riches
Metal furniture is durable and easy to maintain, making it the ideal accessory for any yard or patio. However, direct sunlight, unpredictable temperature changes and humidity can cause the paint to chip and the metal to rust. Purchasing an entirely new set can be expensive, but with just a bit of spray paint and time, you can revitalize and transform your furniture into an eye-popping yard decoration once more. Here are a few tips to help get you started.
Prepare the Studio
Prepare the Studio
When using spray paint, safety comes first. Instead of working inside a garage or closed-in space, take advantage of optimal ventilation (and protect your lungs) in the great outdoors. Use a mask and goggles when painting and, to spend less time in the shower, wear long pants, long sleeves, a hat and gloves. Keep an eye on the weather as you prepare your space, as you’ll want a day with low humidity, little or no breeze and temperatures well above freezing. Finally, sweep up any dirt and dust that could drift onto freshly painted surfaces, and protect the work area with a tarp or large sheet.
Prime Your Canvas
Before releasing your inner Picasso, it is important to make sure that the furniture is clean and primed for painting. Use a wire brush to remove old paint and debris and rub out any rough spots on the metal with sandpaper or steel wool. Next, use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down all surfaces, then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
Keep in mind that paint adheres better to primer than metal, which also helps to reduce the risk of the paint dripping or blotches forming due to uneven layers. When using spray primer, hold the can about half a foot away from the surface, using a sweeping, side-to-side motion as you apply light, overlapping coats. Wait 30 seconds to a minute between each application. Give the primer 10 minutes to dry completely before beginning to paint.
Prime Your Canvas
Paint Your Masterpiece
With your studio set and your furniture primed, it’s time to grab your spray can and get ready to paint. Shake the can well before using, coating your furniture with sweeping motions, similar to how you applied the primer, until the vibrancy of the color is what you want. Let everything dry for about an hour before moving the furniture and painting any missed spots.
And, voilà! With your metal lawn fixtures as good as new, sit back, relax and enjoy the day.
