Painting outdoor metal furniture can breathe new life into old, weathered patio sets. With some preparation and the right paint, you can give your outdoor metal furniture a fresh, updated look for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Here is a step-by-step guide to painting metal patio furniture to look like new.
Steps to Paint Metal Outdoor Furniture
Clean the Surface
The first step in painting metal patio furniture is proper cleaning and surface preparation. Start by removing any loose paint or rust with a wire brush. Use a putty knife to scrape off any large paint chips or peeling areas.
Wash the furniture with a power washer if possible to remove all dirt, grime, mildew and chalky residue from the metal. If power washing isn’t an option, use a hose and a stiff scrub brush to manually scrub the metal clean.
Make sure to get into crevices, corners and etched design areas. Let the metal dry thoroughly before moving onto the next steps.
Sand the Metal
Once the metal is clean and dry, lightly sand the entire surface to rough it up and allow the new paint to adhere properly. Use 120-150 grit sandpaper for best results.
Sand just enough to scuff up the surface, but not down to bare metal. Pay close attention to formerly painted areas and sand enough to feather the edges smooth.
Thoroughly wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth. The metal needs to be perfectly clean before painting.
Apply Primer
Priming the metal is one of the most important steps for getting the paint to stick. For best adhesion, use a specifically formulated metal primer like Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer.
Alternatively, Rust-Oleum Self Etching Primer or Krylon Short Cuts Metal Primer will also work very well. Avoid using primers meant for wood, masonry or plastic.
Apply the primer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using long, even strokes and thin coats. Usually 2-3 thin coats are needed for proper coverage. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another.
Paint the Metal
Once the primer has fully cured, you’re ready for the topcoat paint. There are a few good options, depending on your needs:
- Enamel paint – Provide a porcelain-like glossy finish that is extremely durable. Use Rust-Oleum High Performance Enamel.
- Acrylic latex – More budget-friendly option that holds up well outdoors. Use Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch.
- Spray paint – For very small touch ups or hard to reach areas. Use Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic Spray Paint.
As with the primer, apply using thin, even coats according to the directions, allowing proper dry time between coats. Two to three coats are usually needed for full coverage.
Add Top Coat for Protection
For extra resilience against weathering and UV rays, apply a clear top coat once the paint has fully cured. This adds an extra layer of protection.
Use a product like Rust-Oleum Clear Gloss Enamel or Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Coating for best results. Reapply the top coat every year or two for maintained protection.
And that’s it! Properly cleaned, primed, painted and sealed outdoor metal furniture can hold up for many years outdoors. Be sure to allow the full cure time before placing furniture back on the patio. Follow these steps for durable, long-lasting paint on your metal patio sets.
Tips for Painting Metal Patio Furniture
- Choose dry, mild weather – avoid painting in high humidity, rain or cold temps.
- Use high quality primer and paint specially formulated for metal.
- Allow proper dry time between coats according to directions.
- Use thin, even coats and apply multiple layers for best coverage.
- Prep the surface very thoroughly before painting for best adhesion.
- Avoid using electric sanders which can damage softer metals – hand sand instead.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when sanding, power washing or spraying paint.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using solvent paints or spray primers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Metal Furniture
What kind of paint should I use on outdoor metal furniture?
Enamel paint, specifically formulated for metal, provides the most durable and weather-resistant finish. Rust-Oleum and Krylon both make high quality enamel paints for metal in a variety of sheens and colors.
Can I use regular acrylic latex paint?
You can use acrylic latex paints marketed for outdoor use on metal furniture, but the finish won’t be quite as hard and durable as enamel. Make sure the label specifies it’s an exterior paint.
What about spray paint?
Spray paint can be great for small touch ups or hard to reach spots. But for large surfaces, brushed on paint is preferable for better coverage and adhesion. Use spray paint meant for metal surfaces.
Do I need to sand the metal before painting?
Lightly sanding provides the necessary “tooth” for the paint to stick properly, especially on surfaces that were previously painted. Always sand before applying primer and paint.
How long does it take for the paint to fully cure?
Most quality metal paints take 24-48 hours to dry between coats, and up to 7 days to fully cure. Avoid heavy use of painted furniture during the curing period.
Conclusion
Revitalizing old, faded metal patio sets with a fresh coat of paint is an easy and inexpensive way to update the look of your outdoor space. Following the proper steps of thorough cleaning, sanding, priming and painting with metal-specific paints will result in furniture that looks and functions like new.
With proper prep and the use of quality paint and primers made for metal, you can achieve durable, long-lasting results that withstand the elements and heavy use. Just be sure to allow adequate dry and cure times between steps. Renew your outdoor hangouts each season with a painted metal furniture makeover.