Outdoor metal furniture can be a great addition to any patio, deck, or yard. However, without proper care and maintenance, it can quickly start to show signs of rust and corrosion. Thankfully, restoring metal patio sets is often easier than it looks. With some simple cleaning, a bit of elbow grease, and a coat of fresh paint, you can give new life to worn and weathered outdoor metal furniture.
Assessing the Damage
Before you begin any restoration project, take some time to closely inspect each piece of furniture and assess the full extent of the damage. This will help you determine the best approach for restoring it.
Look for these common issues on metal outdoor furniture:
- Rust – This reddish-orange oxidized metal is the most obvious sign of damage. Check both visible spots and hidden nooks and crannies for rust.
- Corrosion – Over time, some metals can slowly erode from exposure to weather elements. Check for pitting, flaking, or bubbling paint as signs of corrosion.
- Faded paint/finish – Even without rusting, metal surfaces can become chalky and faded over time. Make note of any loss of gloss or color.
- Dents and scratches – Moving furniture around can take its toll. Note any dings, scratches, or other surface damage.
- Loose/missing hardware – Examine all nuts, bolts, screws, and other connectors. Replace any that are stripped or missing.
Once you’ve thoroughly inspected all the furniture, you’ll know which pieces need some TLC and which type(s) of restoration work needs to be done.
Cleaning and Prepping the Surface
Before painting or sealing outdoor metal furniture, start by washing and preparing the surface:
Supplies Needed
- Bucket of warm water
- Stiff scrub brush or scouring pad
- Metal cleaner or degreaser
- Putty knife or 5-in-1 tool
- Sandpaper (80 to 120 grit)
- Tarp or drop cloth
- Clean rags
- Safety gear (gloves, eyewear, mask)
Steps for Pre-Paint Prep
- Put on gloves, eyewear, and a mask to protect yourself from chemicals, debris, and old paint particulates.
- Lay down a tarp in your workspace and place the furniture piece on it if working outside. Otherwise, cover any nearby surfaces from drips and spills if working in a garage or workshop.
- Fill the bucket with warm water and mix in a metal cleaning solution as directed on the label.
- Dip the scrub brush in the cleaner and scrub down all surfaces to remove loose paint, rust, grime, and general dirt. Pay extra attention to crevices and indented areas.
- For spots with heavy rust buildup, use the putty knife or 5-in-1 tool to scrape off the rust layer. Take care not to gouge or scratch the metal.
- Once all surfaces are clean, rise off the furniture with fresh water to remove all cleaner residue. Allow the metal to fully dry.
- Use 80-120 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the metal. This helps the new paint adhere properly.
- Wipe away all sanding debris with a dry rag. The metal should now have a uniform dull appearance ready for new paint.
Tip: For extremely smooth or glossy metal, you may need to use a chemical deglosser first to etch the surface before sanding.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Paint
The type of paint you choose for the restoration depends on the specific metal you’re working with. Here are some top options:
For Wrought Iron
- Rust-inhibiting enamel – Provides a glossy, protective finish that resists future rust. Available in many color options.
- Hammered paint – Has a textured look to mimic traditional wrought iron finishes.
- Metallic spray paint – Adds a modern, distressed metal look. Looks great layered over primer.
For Steel
- Rustproof enamel paint – Formulated especially for steel to provide maximum rust protection. Most brands offer a wide range of color choices.
- Industrial paint – Single component paints made for machinery and equipment can also work well. Look for oil-based options.
For Aluminum
- Acrylic enamel – Offers good sun protection and needs less frequent repainting than other options.
- Fluoropolymer paint – Contains resins that stand up well to sun, water, and chemicals while lasting for years.
No matter the specific type, always choose a high-quality exterior grade paint designed for metal surfaces. Check that it offers UV protection, adhesion power, and rust inhibiting properties.
How to Paint Metal Furniture
Follow these basic steps for properly painting outdoor metal furniture:
Supplies You’ll Need
- Painter’s tape
- Tarp or drop cloth
- Painters gloves and mask
- Paint trays
- Roller covers (3/8″ nap recommended)
- Disposable paint brushes (2″ and 1″)
- Paint stir sticks
- Rags
- Mineral spirits (for oil-based paint)
- Paint remover (if using)
Step-by-Step Painting Directions
- Prep the area – Cover any nearby objects and lay down tarps to protect surrounding surfaces. Give yourself plenty of space to work.
- Wipe away dust – Use a dry rag to wipe off any last bits of dirt or debris from the metal before painting.
- Apply painter’s tape – Tape off edges, joints, and any areas you don’t want painted. Remove any hardware pieces first.
- Stir the paint – Stir the paint thoroughly until uniform in color and consistency. Mix in any additives as instructed on the label.
- Use brush for edges and details – Use disposable brushes for hard-to-reach spots, corners, and indented areas. Let edges dry before doing larger areas.
- Apply primer (optional) – For added protection, apply 1-2 coats of a rust inhibiting primer meant for metal. Allow to fully dry between coats.
- Paint with roller – Use a roller with a 3/8″ nap for smooth, even coverage. Work in sections, using long and light strokes.
- Do multiple thin coats – Add 2-3 thin coats of paint rather than one thick one. Thin passes result in a smoother finish. Allow proper drying time between coats.
- Remove tape and reattach hardware – Carefully remove all masking tape before the paint fully dries. Reattach any detachable hardware pieces.
- Clean tools – Once finished, wash brushes and rollers with the appropriate solvent (water or mineral spirits) to reuse again.
Pro Tips:
- When using spray paint, do very light coats and keep the can moving to avoid drips.
- Paint on dry, calm days with temperatures between 50-90° F.
- Work in the shade whenever possible. Direct sun can dry paint too fast.
Sealing and Protecting Metal Surfaces
For extended protection, use a clear metal sealer after paint has fully cured:
- Polyurethane – Both oil-based and water-based poly sealants can provide a protective topcoat.
- Acrylic sealer – Dries crystal clear and resists UV rays, water, and other outdoor damage.
- Marine varnish – Formulated for use on boats and exposure to moisture, sun, and salt air.
- Lacquer – Provides a super tough and durable glossy finish. Use spray-on for smooth application.
- Paste wax – Coats metal with a slick wax barrier against moisture and oxidation.
Make sure to follow all product instructions closely, including dry time between coats. Reapply sealants and wax each year as maintenance.
Restoring Specific Metal Furniture Pieces
Along with basic cleaning and painting, certain types of patio furniture may need special attention during restoration.
Wrought Iron Chairs and Benches
- Check for broken welds or missing slats and repair before painting.
- Use a wire brush attachment on a power drill to efficiently remove old paint from spindle and wire surfaces.
- Spray paint often works better than brush painting for reaching intricate wrought iron shapes.
- Seal patio conversation sets with weather resistant marine varnish when restoration is complete.
Steel Frame Chaises and Chairs
- Replace any torn or damaged fabric or vinyl cushions first.
- Separate and individually paint frame pieces that detach for easier handling.
- Use a small brush and mini roller to efficiently paint both tubing and broad metal seat frames.
- Select heat and UV resistant exterior paint if chairs will sit in full sun exposure.
Cast Iron and Aluminum Benches
- Use a putty knife to scrape off thick paint layers from embossed designs before scrubbing clean.
- Tape off decorative details, engravings, and text while painting if you don’t want them covered.
- Apply paste wax with extra care on cast bench ends and arms to protect detailed ornamental finishes.
With focus and some elbow grease, you can renew treasured vintage metal patio sets or salvage second-hand finds. Properly prepped and painted, your refurbished metal furniture will once again become a beautiful and functional backyard asset for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to remove rust from outdoor metal furniture?
- Scrubbing the rusted areas with a wire brush or sandpaper are two of the quickest and most effective ways to remove rust from metal patio furniture. For thick rust, a putty knife can help scrape off the worst of it.
What should you look for when buying paint for outdoor metal furniture?
- Look for exterior grade paint formulated especially for metal that offers UV protection, rust resistance, and strong adhesion power. Match the paint to your specific type of metal. Oil-based enamels and industrial coatings often work best.
How do you prepare metal furniture for painting?
- Proper preparation is key for long lasting paint results. Clean dirt, oil, and rust from surfaces using a degreaser, then lightly sand to rough up the surface. Wipe away any dust before painting. Applying a primer coat can also help paint adhere.
What is the best way to paint metal patio furniture?
- For most pieces, using a small brush for detail work combined with a roller for large flat areas is best. Apply thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between each. Use spray paint cautiously for very light coats. Always read and follow the paint manufacturer’s directions.
Should you seal outdoor metal furniture after painting?
- Yes, applying some type of sealer or protective top coat after paint is highly recommended. Options like marine varnish, paste wax, polyurethane, or lacquer adds an extra barrier against rust, sun damage, moisture, and other outdoor elements.
Conclusion
Although it takes some work, YOU can give worn and damaged metal patio furniture new life through restoration. With a bit of elbow grease, the right supplies and tools, and following the steps above, you can prep, paint, and seal outdoor metal furniture pieces to look like new again.
Not only is DIY restoration frugal and eco-friendly, the finished furniture will likely be more durable than low cost replacements. Just be sure to properly maintain and care for your refreshed metal sets each season. With a little TLC, your restored furniture can once again become a beautiful and functional backyard asset for many more years outdoors.