Repainting outdoor metal furniture can breathe new life into old, worn pieces and make them look like new again. With some preparation, high-quality paint, proper painting techniques, and care after painting, you can transform your outdoor metal furniture with a fresh coat of paint. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for successfully repainting metal patio furniture, chairs, tables, and other items to protect them from the elements while giving them an updated look.
Introduction
Outdoor metal furniture is built to withstand the weather, but it does require maintenance to keep it looking its best. Exposure to sun, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures can cause the paint to chip, peel, fade, and leave metal vulnerable to rust. Periodically repainting metal patio sets, benches, chairs, tables, and other items is an affordable way to restore them when the old paint job starts to fail.
Repainting metal furniture requires attention to surface preparation, paint selection, application techniques, and curing time. With some simple steps, it is possible to achieve professional-looking results. The properly repainted metal will have vibrant, uniform color and a smooth feel. It will resist damage from moisture, sun, and physical wear and tear.
This guide will take you through all the necessary steps to successfully repaint metal outdoor furniture. It covers cleaning, sanding, priming, painting, drying, and protecting the repainted metal surfaces. Follow these instructions and you can renew weathered outdoor furniture to look like new. With proper ongoing care, your repainted metal patio set or other items will maintain their refreshed appearance for many seasons.
Benefits of Repainting Metal Outdoor Furniture
Giving metal outdoor furniture a fresh coat of paint offers many benefits:
- Restores original color that has faded and uniform look when paint has chipped
- Covers up rust and corrosion developing on unprotected metal
- Provides protection from moisture, sun exposure, and physical wear
- Masks minor dents and scratches in the metal
- Allows changing color scheme when desired
- Extends life of quality furniture too good to replace
- Saves money compared to buying new replacement furniture
- Quick and easy do-it-yourself home improvement project
Don’t discard metal patio furniture, chairs, benches, or tables at the first sign of wear. Often the metal frames and surfaces remain in great shape underneath chipped or faded paint. Take the opportunity to repaint and restore outdoor metal items to like-new condition.
When to Repaint Metal Outdoor Furniture
It’s important to repaint outdoor metal furniture at the first signs of paint failure. Exposure to the elements will eventually cause any painted metal surface to show wear. Addressing it early on will make restoring the finish much easier.
Signs it is time to repaint outdoor metal furniture:
- Paint color looking faded or dull
- Evidence of rust or corrosion appearing
- Paint chipping or flaking off metal
- Surfaces feeling rough and uneven
- Metal showing through worn paint in spots
- Rust developing in exposed metal areas
Plan to thoroughly clean and repaint outdoor metal furniture about once a year. High temperatures, moisture, and physical wear causes paint to degrade more quickly. Annual upkeep will ensure your patio sets, chairs, and benches maintain a fresh look season after season.
More frequent repainting may be needed in certain climates. Check metal surfaces for signs of paint failure about every 6 months, and repaint as soon as issues appear. Prompt attention will prevent rust and make refinishing much simpler.
Supplies Needed to Repaint Outdoor Metal Furniture
Gather all the necessary supplies before starting your outdoor metal furniture painting project. Having the right tools and materials on hand will ensure the job goes smoothly from start to finish.
Cleaning supplies
- Bucket of warm water
- Stiff-bristle scrub brush or broom
- Scraper for peeling paint
- Chemical paint stripper (if needed)
- Rags
- Masking tape
- Painters tape
- Drop cloths
Sanding supplies
- Sandpaper in medium, fine, and ultra-fine grits
- Sanding block or power sander
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask
- Shop vacuum or blower
Painting supplies
- High-quality primer for metal surfaces
- Oil-based or rust-inhibiting enamel paint
- Foam paint rollers and tray set
- Angled paint brushes
- Paint stirring sticks
- Mineral spirits or paint thinner
- Paint rags
- Painters tape
Other supplies
- Tarp or outdoor canopy
- Fans
- Extension cords
How to Repaint Metal Outdoor Furniture Step-By-Step
Follow these steps to successfully repaint metal outdoor furniture and restore it to like-new condition:
Step 1 – Inspect and Disassemble Furniture
Examine furniture to determine condition of current paint job and decide if total stripping will be needed. Take apart furniture pieces so surfaces can be accessed. Remove hardware if possible. Lay items on drop cloths and work on one piece at a time.
Step 2 – Clean Surfaces
Wash items with warm water and scrub brush to remove dirt, grime, cobwebs, bird droppings, etc. Allow to fully dry. Use paint scraper to remove any peeling, cracked or flaking paint. Wipe with solvent to remove grease and oil.
Step 3 – Remove Old Paint (If Needed)
If paint is severely deteriorated, use chemical stripper to remove it. Apply stripper and allow to sit for specified time. Wipe away softened paint with rags. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Rinse stripper residue off completely before sanding.
Step 4 – Lightly Sand Surfaces
Use fine-grit sandpaper to rough up metal and painted areas. This helps paint adhere properly. Sand rust spots until shiny metal shows. Blow or vacuum away all sanding dust.
Step 5 – Spot Prime Bare Metal Areas
Use metal primer on any exposed rust spots or bare metal you sanded down. Allow spot priming to dry as directed on label.
Step 6 – Apply Primer Coat
Use high-quality metal primer suited for outdoor use to coat all item surfaces. Apply using foam roller and angled brush for hard to reach spots. Let dry fully.
Step 7 – Lightly Sand Primer Coat
Gently sand the primer coat using ultra-fine sandpaper to ensure paint will bond well. Blow or wipe away sanding debris.
Step 8 – Paint First Coat
Apply first coat of enamel paint in thin, even strokes using a foam roller or paint sprayer. Work from top downward and maintain a wet edge. Let dry fully before second coat.
Step 9 – Paint Second Coat
Apply the second coat of paint same as first. Work methodically to ensure all surfaces are covered and even-looking. Allow paint to dry fully according to label directions before reassembly.
Step 10 – Reassemble Furniture
Once paint has cured per instructions, reattach all hardware and reassemble furniture pieces. Avoid putting newly painted surfaces under pressure.
Step 11 – Allow Paint to Fully Cure
Let paint cure fully for at least several days to a week before exposing furniture to weather and hard use. Curing develops paint’s protective qualities.
With these steps, you can successfully repaint worn outdoor metal furniture and make it look new again. Be sure to use paint formulated for outdoor use and follow all label instructions. Maintain the finish regularly by wiping down, spot painting, and applying fresh topcoats as needed to keep your painted metal furniture in the best shape.
Getting the Surface Ready for Painting
Proper surface preparation is crucial for achieving great results repainting outdoor metal furniture. Rushing this step can cause paint problems later on. Make sure to take the time to properly clean and sand the surfaces first.
Cleaning – Remove Oil, Grease, Dirt, and Rust
Thorough cleaning before painting means the new paint job will adhere well and last. Use the steps below to clean metal furniture before painting:
- Remove loose paint, rust, or corrosion with a paint scraper, putty knife, or grinding wheel.
- Scrub all surfaces with warm water and a stiff scrub brush to remove dirt, dust, spider webs, etc.
- Let the metal furniture dry completely before moving onto sanding to avoid trapping moisture under the new paint.
- Wipe down metal with solvents like mineral spirits or denatured alcohol using clean rags to remove oils or grease.
- Use a commercial paint remover/stripper if paint is extensively peeling and chipping to get down to the bare metal. Follow product instructions exactly.
- Remove all residues, suds, and grime with clean rags before the next steps.
Thorough cleaning is time well spent to ensure the new paint sticks as it should and delivers maximum longevity.
Sanding – Scruff Up Paint and Bare Metal
Sanding does two important jobs before repainting metal furniture:
- It roughs up glossy painted surfaces so the new paint can grip well.
- It removes any rust on exposed metal parts to prepare for spot priming.
Follow these tips for effective sanding before painting metal furniture:
- Use medium 180-220 grit sandpaper on painted areas to scuff up surface.
- For rust spots, sand using fine 400 grit paper until you expose shiny metal.
- Be sure to sand all sides of metal furniture pieces and legs. Don’t miss hard-to-reach areas.
- Always sand in direction of metal grain to avoid making deeper scratches.
- Rinse furniture with clean water after sanding to remove all dust particles before priming and painting.
- Allow metal furniture to dry fully before painting (especially crevices and joints).
Proper sanding ensures paint bonds tightly to surfaces for maximum durability.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Paint
Selecting paint designed to withstand sun, rain, snow, and temperature extremes is crucial for furniture that lives outdoors. The product labels should clearly state it is formulated for exterior metal application. Consider oil or enamel-based paints containing rust inhibitors and UV blockers for optimal results.
Oil-Based Enamel Paint
Oil-based enamel paint provides superior adhesion and protection for outdoor furniture. The hard, glossy finish better withstands the elements. Key advantages include:
- Excellent binding ability to metal surfaces
- Forms a protective and waterproof coating
- Withstands outdoor temperature extremes
- Provides high durability and longevity
- Resists chipping, fading, and wear
- Contains rust inhibitors to protect metal
Oil-based paints do contain strong solvents. Use proper ventilation and safety precautions. The fumes and cleanup also make latex or acrylic paint better for indoor use.
Rust-Inhibiting Paint
As the name implies, rust-inhibiting paint contains additives designed to prevent oxidation and corrosion of metal. Other features include:
- Formulated not to react with metal surfaces
- Provides maximum coverage in minimal coats
- Resists rust, even if scratched or damaged
- Releases agents that prevent rust from spreading
- Specially made for use on iron, steel, and other metals
Rust-inhibiting paint is ideal for outdoor furniture, fences, railings, and other items subject to moisture. It dries to a protective, even finish.
Heat-Resistant Paint
Outdoor furniture requires paint able to flex and withstand high temperatures from sun exposure. Quality heat-resistant paint has properties including:
- Remains flexible even when exposed to heat
- Won’t become brittle, chip, or peel due to temperature changes
- Contains ceramic additives for reflecting UV rays
- Resists fading and shields surface from drying out
Heat-resistant paint is particularly important for metal furniture with dark colors that can get very hot in the sun. The paint prevents cracking, bubbling, or peeling.
No single outdoor paint formula is necessarily “the best”. Choose high-quality paint suited for metal that provides the durability, rust-resistance, and longevity needed for specific furniture pieces and geographic conditions.
Priming Tips for Outdoor Metal Furniture
A coat of metal primer is highly recommended before painting metal surfaces. The importance of primer includes:
- Helps paint adhere strongly and evenly to metal
- Prevents corrosion and rust formation
- Reduces need for multiple paint topcoats
- Extends life expectancy of the paint job
- Blocks stains from bleeding through paint
- Allows truer color vibrancy from topcoat paint
Tips for effective metal primer application:
- Only use primer designed for metal surfaces
- Apply primer shortly after sanding so metal doesn’t rust
- Use steady, even brush strokes and avoid drips
- Thin primer if spraying using the recommended solvent
- Apply two coats of primer on unfinished metal
- Follow all label instructions for dry times
Primer is a necessary step to ensure the repainting project delivers maximum durability. Don’t skip this important protective undercoat.
Painting Techniques for a Professional Look
Applying paint properly plays a big role in achieving an even, consistent, professional finish. Follow these tips when painting metal outdoor furniture:
1. Work in Controlled Conditions
Paint outdoors on mild, dry days. Avoid wind, rain, excessive heat or humidity. If needed, create controlled painting conditions using tarps screens.
2. Use Angled Brushes for Corners
Use high-quality angled brushes to cleanly apply paint on corners, crevices, and hard-to-reach spots.
3. Apply Paint in Thin Coats
Thinner paint coats provide a smoother finish. Thick coats can drip or bubble. Allow proper drying between coats.
4. Maintain a Wet Edge
Apply paint systematically maintaining a wet edge as you go. This prevents lap marks, streaks, and uneven coverage.
5. Use Smooth, Steady Brush Strokes
Paint smoothly without starting and stopping mid-stroke. Quick motions or jabbing leaves visible brush marks.
6. Work Top to Bottom on Vertical Surfaces
Paint top-to-bottom on fences, railings, chair legs, and other vertical surfaces to avoid drips. Allow paint to dry fully before moving to next section.
7. Roll Broad Surfaces Evenly
Use foam rollers to quickly and evenly cover flat tabletops, horizontal surfaces, chair seats, and broad areas.
8. Inspect for Missed Spots
Closely inspect for any spots you may have missed after each coat. Touch up before applying the next coat.
Proper painting techniques prevent drips, uneven coverage, and amateur results. Take time with each coat for smoothness and consistency.
Drying and Curing Paint on Metal Furniture
Both drying and curing phases are important steps after painting metal furniture. During drying, the paint dries to the touch. Curing happens over the next several days and completes the bonding process.
Drying Newly Painted Metal Furniture
- Allow paint to air dry fully according to manufacturer directions before recoating or replacing furniture cushions.
- Speed drying by painting on warm, low-humidity days.
- Position small furniture in the sun or use fans to accelerate drying.
- Avoid touching newly painted surfaces until completely dry.
- Don’t stack painted furniture or put cushions back on until completely dry.
Curing Newly Painted Metal Surfaces
- Curing allows paint to fully harden and become scratch and chip resistant.
- It can take 5-7 days for paint to fully cure depending on weather conditions.
- Avoid knocking or scraping painted metal furniture during the curing phase.
- Do not expose freshly painted furniture to rain or sprinklers while curing.
- Let cure a full week before placing furniture on patios or decks.
Allowing proper dry and cure times is imperative for paint durability. Have patience rather than rushing furniture back outdoors before paint is ready.
Protecting Painted Metal Furniture
Certain steps will help your freshly repainted outdoor metal furniture maintain its refreshed look for many seasons:
- Keep furniture out of rain and sprinklers for first several weeks so paint cures fully.
- Apply paste wax or UV-resistant sealant annually to protect paint from sun damage.
- Store cushions or cover furniture when not in use to limit exposure.
- Routinely inspect for chips and touched them up right away.
- Wipe away bird droppings or tree sap quickly to prevent staining.
- Prepare properly and repaint at first sign of failing paint rather than allowing extensive damage.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or power washing when cleaning repainted surfaces.
- Buff out small scratches in the paint using ultra fine rubbing compound.
A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in keeping your repainted outdoor furniture looking like new for many years.
Common Questions About Repainting Outdoor Metal Furniture
What kind of paint should I use on outdoor metal furniture?
Use high-quality primer, enamel, or oil-based paint designed specifically for metal and exterior applications. Look for rust-inhibiting, weather-resistant paint containing UV blockers.
Do I need to sand metal furniture before painting?
Lightly sanding helps paint adhere properly. Also sand rust spots to prepare for spot priming bare metal.
How long does outdoor furniture paint need to dry and cure?
Let paint dry thoroughly between coats according to label, usually 24 hours. Allow 5-7+ days curing before heavy use or wet conditions.
How do I get a smooth finish when painting metal furniture?
Use steady brush strokes, thin coats, and smooth rollers. Sand lightly between coats. Work top-down on vertical surfaces.
What causes paint to peel off metal furniture?
Inadequate preparation and lower quality paint prone to cracking. Ensure proper cleaning, sanding, priming, paint selection, and application.
How often should you repaint outdoor metal furniture?
Ideally examine furniture every 6 months and repaint as soon as you notice any rust, chips, peeling, or fading. An annual repaint helps maintain good condition.
Achieve Professional Looking Results Repainting Outdoor Furniture
With the right supplies, some elbow grease, and following these detailed steps, you can successfully repaint tired outdoor metal furniture. Prep properly, apply quality primer and paint designed