How to Paint a Metal Frame
Garage sale shopping, thrift store visits and even buying a home all provide you with potential opportunities for finding metal frames, including frames for beds, various furniture pieces, windows, doorways and gates. Quite often people want to paint these metal frames to update how they look. You can change the appearance of any metal frame by changing the color. Painting a metal frame gives you the ability to customize your décor or refresh a tired and rough look. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Rough-grit sandpaper
- Self-etching primer
- Wire brush
- Damp cloth
- Painter's tape
- Face mask
- Rust-preventing spray paint
- Drop cloth (optional)
- Clear spray paint
Instructions
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1
Scrub the metal frame with a wire brush to remove any loose material.
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2
Sand the metal frame with fine-grit sandpaper, removing as much of the paint finish as possible. Use rough-grit sandpaper for spots of rust, sanding as far down to the metal as possible.
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3
Wipe the metal frame with the damp cloth to remove sanding dust and dirt.
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4
Apply painter's tape to any spots that you do not want to paint. You can also use the painter's tape to split your metal frame if you intend to use multiple colors.
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5
Spray the self-etching primer to the metal frame. Keep the spray nozzle at least six inches from the frame and use sweeping strokes. Allow it to dry completely.
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6
Spray the rust-preventing spray paint in the same manner as the primer. Apply as many coats as needed to achieve your desired results, allowing one coat to dry before adding another. Remove the painter's tape carefully. If you are using multiple colors, tape off the newly painted areas and repeat the priming and painting.
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7
Spray the entire metal frame with clear spray paint and allow it to dry completely.
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Tips & Warnings
For a metal frame that will be outside, it is best to choose a rust -reventative spray paint designed for exterior use, such as one you would use for metal lawn furniture.
Work in a well-ventilated area using the dust mask and out of direct sunlight.
