How to Paint Metal Chairs

Metal furniture is a lovely way to enhance your outdoor living space, not only can the pieces be beautiful but they can be reliable and last many years. So what happens when you are in the process of refurbishing your deck or patio space when you notice that your metal chairs have some rust spots on their surfaces? Of course, you want to keep them because they still function fine and do not need to be replaced. With a few steps, you can make your metal chairs look like new.

Things You'll Need

• Wet rags
• Wire brush
• Primer
• Spray paint

Instructions

1. Place your chair in a well-ventilated area, like your yard. Lay a drop-cloth down if you are working on a surface you need to protect. Otherwise, painting on your lawn is fine as there will be no permanent damage done to your grass. Rub down the entire metal chair with a wet rag, cleaning every corner and the underside of the chair.

2. Scrub away the rust spots with the wire brush. You might have to spend extra time on the underside of the chair, as moisture tends get trapped there and create deeper rust spots. Wipe the furniture down again to get rid of the loose rust.

3. Apply the spray paint primer, making sure to thoroughly cover the entire surface area. The primer prevents rusting by bonding itself to the surface of the metal. Read the directions on the primer to check how long to wait between priming and painting. You can usually start painting the first coat of paint a few minutes after applying the primer, but make sure.

4. Shake the spray paint can before you begin painting the first layer. Hold the can 10 to 14 inches away from the furniture surface. Spray the paint all over the surface of the chair, using your whole arm and making constant side-to-side movements. Do not let your hand stop over one spot or the paint will be uneven and drippy.

5. Allow the paint to dry after you have sprayed one thin layer onto your metal chair. According to Askthebuilder.com, it is better to apply two thin layers than one thick layer. Let the first layer sit for around 15 minutes before painting the second layer.

Tips & Warnings

• Do this project when it is between 50 to 90 degrees F outside. If it is much colder, the paint will not come out of the spray can very well. If it much hotter, the paint will tend to run more and not dry quickly.

• Clean out the paint can nozzle before spraying you second coat: hold the spray can upside down and press the top for a few seconds.

• If there is paint left in the can after you've finished your second layer, keep the can and use if for touch-up jobs in the future.

• Avoid spray painting when it is dusty outside. The dust can attach itself to the wet paint, creating an unattractive, speckled finish on your metal chair.

References

• How to Remove Rust
• Ask the Builder