If you're wondering how to restore metal outdoor furniture that's looking rusty and worn out, you're in the right place. The best way to restore metal outdoor furniture is to clean off the rust, sand down the rough spots, apply primer, and finish with a fresh coat of paint. It sounds like a lot of work, but it's actually pretty relaxing once you get into our 9 simple steps.
Flowyline experts will walk you through each step, from start to finish, so that you can tackle this project with confidence. No matter if your furniture is lightly faded or heavily rusted, below is how to restore outdoor metal furniture in detail. Read more!
4 Key Takeaways to Refinish Metal Outdoor Furniture
Here's a quick overview of what you need to know before starting this DIY metal furniture restoration project.
1. What you'll need: Most tools are basic items you might already have, such as a wire brush, sandpaper, and drop cloths. The specialty items like rust-inhibiting primer and outdoor metal paint will cost you about $40 — 80 in total. You can do this project in your garage or a shady spot in your yard.
2. Why restore instead of replace? Restoring metal outdoor furniture saves you hundreds of dollars compared to buying new patio sets. A chair that might cost $200 new can be repaired for under $50 in materials. Plus, you get to choose any color you want and often end up with stronger, better-protected furniture than store-bought pieces.
3. How long does this take? The actual work takes about 4 — 6 hours. One day is prep work (cleaning, sanding, priming, painting, and applying the protective sealer), and day two is waiting for the coat to dry properly.
4. What we'll show you: We'll guide you through all 9 steps with simple instructions anyone can follow. No complicated equipment or professional skills needed. We cover everything from removing stubborn rust to getting that smooth finish that lasts for years.
How to restore outdoor metal furniture
Credit: Donald Tong
How to Restore Metal Outdoor Furniture in 9 Simple Steps
The metal furniture restoration process typically takes a few hours to finish, but a few days to dry completely. Yet, the time will depend on the size and condition of your furniture. Here is how to restore metal furniture like a pro:
Gather Tools, Materials, and Prepare the Workspace
You'll need to prepare the tools and materials below:
| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Tools and Equipment | Wire brush or paint-stripping wire brush |
| Palm sander with 80-100 grit sandpaper | |
| 150-grit and 200-grit sandpaper | |
| Sanding block for hand sanding | |
| Paint scraper (flat tool for removing old paint) | |
| Chip brush | |
| Drop cloths | |
| Cinder blocks (for elevating furniture) | |
| Tack cloth | |
| Clean rags | |
| Materials | Rust-inhibiting metal primer (stop rust from coming back) |
| Best paint for outdoor metal furniture (spray or brush-on) | |
| Clear outdoor sealer with UV protection | |
| Rust converter (optional) | |
| Acetone or degreasing solvent | |
| Murialic acid (for heavy rust, optional) | |
| Safety Gear | Work gloves (chemical-resistant if using acid) |
| Protective goggles | |
| Dust mask | |
| Old clothing |
Step 1: Prepare the Workplace
How to restore metal outdoor furniture in a garage
Credit: Flowyline Design
Shop now: 401 Wishbone 28H Modern Dining Table Legs
After the shopping list, we find a nice shady spot in your yard or use your garage if you have one. You don't want to restore metal outdoor furniture in the bright sunshine or on a windy day. Also, the paint won't dry properly and might not last as long.
- Put down some old sheets or tarps to keep paint off your driveway or garage floor.
- Grab a few concrete blocks or bricks to prop up your chairs and tables so you can get underneath them easily.
Pro tips: Once you start scraping off the rust, you can't take a break until you get the primer on. If you stop halfway through, new rust can show up in just a few hours. We know it sounds like a lot of work, but it's better to plan for a full day rather than have to start over.
Step 2: Scrub Off the Loose Rust and Old Paint
We start restoring metal garden furniture with a wire brush, scrubbing away all that flaky rust and peeling paint. You should tackle the bigger, flat areas first since they're easier to work on.
If your metal outdoor furniture has fancy curves or decorative parts that are hard to reach, you'll need a smaller brush or one of those rotating tools with wire attachments. But honestly, a regular wire brush and some elbow grease will handle most of the work just fine.
Step 3: Sand Down to Bare Metal
Now, you'll need some sandpaper to get the rest of the rust off.
- First, we use 80 or 100-grit sandpaper (that's the rougher kind that removes more material). If you don't have a power sander, you can do it by hand, but it takes a bit longer. Sand the whole piece until it feels smooth when you run your hand over it.
- Secondly, you switch to 150-grit then 200-grit sandpaper to make it even smoother. You continue sanding the curved parts and tight spots by hand, as there's no getting around that part. Keep going until everything feels soft to the touch.
Use 80 to 200-grit sandpaper to get the rest of the rust off
Credit: Benjamin Clapp on Canva
Note: How to restore metal outdoor furniture without sanding completely isn't recommended for heavily rusted pieces, as smooth surface preparation is very important for paint adhesion.
Step 4: Use Rust Remover for Stubborn Spots (If Needed)
Sometimes, you'll run into rust that just won't come off with scrubbing and sanding. Hence, you need a rust-removing product from the hardware store.
Please read the directions on the bottle and follow them exactly. Most of these products need to be washed off with water afterward, so make sure you're not working near your flower beds or grass where the runoff might hurt your plants. If you have a concrete driveway, that's perfect for rinsing everything off.
Note: This step is a must when restoring metal patio furniture that's been severely weathered.
Step 5: Clean and Dry Thoroughly
In the 5th step of how to restore metal outdoor furniture, you clean off all the dust and grime because paint won't stick to dirty metal. You use some acetone (nail polish remover works, too) or a degreasing cleaner on a rag to wipe down every surface.
Step 6: Apply Rust Converter (Optional)
Rust converters come in a spray can, or you can brush them on. This thing turns any tiny bits of rust you might have missed into a protective coating.
It's not absolutely necessary, but it's cheap and can save you from having to redo everything if rust pops up later.
Best rust converters for restoring metal outdoor furniture:
- POR-15 Rust Remover: Does the heavy lifting, so you don't have to scrub as much. It works well with any primer and paint you use after.
- FDC Rust Converter Ultra: Comes in gallon sizes to save money when fixing multiple pieces like patio sets or large tables.
- Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer: Affordable price and gets the job done for single pieces like chairs or small tables.
Step 7: Prime the Furniture
Painting metal patio furniture successfully depends on proper priming. You look for primer that's made specifically for metal and says “rust-inhibiting metal primer” on the can.
- If you're painting your furniture a light color, use white primer.
- If you're going dark, buy gray or dark primer.
We apply thin coats using smooth back-and-forth strokes. Follow the natural lines of your furniture. You'll need 2 or 3 thin coats, and let each one dry completely before adding the next. Don't forget to get under the seats and table tops.
Refinishing metal patio furniture reaches its final stage with paint application
Credit: ©AzmanL on Canva.com
Pro tips: Our advice for the 3 best primers for rusted metal outdoor furniture:
(We don’t advertise here. All products are based on our experiences. You should double-check the market for the best primer fit.)
- Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer: This water-based and non-corrosive product is great for a single application, easy to clean, and covers 250 sq ft/gallon. Yet, it costs more than the other two options, and you might need to do some prep work first, depending on how rusty your metal outdoor furniture is.
- Rust-Oleum 7769502 Enamel Paint Rusty Metal Primer: Oil-based for beginners, handles stubborn rust, and forms a sturdy bond. It’s simple to apply but takes 6 — 48 hours to dry.
- Krylon K06903907 Rust Protector Primer: For just $9.99/12 fl oz, it offers over 30 colors, dries in 10 minutes, and works on metal and plastic. It’s economical but may need multiple layers.
Step 8: Apply Your Paint
Make sure you buy high-quality paint for outdoor furniture metal. For how to paint metal furniture without spray paint, you can use a brush and apply thin, even coats.
However, spray paint usually looks smoother when repainting metal patio furniture, but brushing works fine if you take your time.
Just like with the primer, use several thin coats instead of trying to cover everything in one thick coat. Thick coats drip and look messy. If you do get a drip, just smooth it out with a clean brush right away.
Read more: How to Paint Your Metal Table Legs
Step 9: Protect Metal Outdoor Furniture with Clear Sealer
Buy oil-based urethane sealer for outdoor use that blocks UV rays, which keeps your paint from fading in the sun. You spray it in the same way you did the paint, and please keep the can 10 — 12 inches away from the surface.
Finally, your outdoor furniture needs to sit for a full 24 hours before you can use it. After a day, your old rusty outdoor furniture should look brand new and be ready for many more years of outdoor use.
Note: Even though your paint is supposed to resist rust, adding a clear coat on top is like putting a raincoat on your furniture. This is especially important for painted metal chairs and tables that see heavy use.
4 Restoration Tips for Different Types of Metal Outdoor Furniture
Do you know that each type of metal furniture needs a different approach? Some metals rust easily, while others get dull over time. Here's how to handle the 4 most common cases you'll run into when fixing up your outdoor furniture.
- How to restore aluminum patio furniture: Aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, but it can develop oxidation. You should use fine-grit sandpaper and specialized aluminum primer for the best results.
- How to restore metal table legs: These legs have lots of curves and fancy details that are hard to reach. In such cases, you get a small wire brush and take your time getting into all the nooks and crannies. A small rotary tool helps, too.
- How to refurbish metal chairs: You should check where the chair parts connect. That's where water sits, and rust starts. You'll need to spend extra time cleaning and priming these spots.
- How to restore faded metal outdoor furniture: If the paint isn't peeling or rusty, just faded from the sun, you can skip the heavy rust removal. We advise simply sanding lightly, priming, and painting over what's there.
How to strip and paint metal furniture like a pro comes down to patience and proper technique
Credit: Flowyline
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4 Maintenance Tips for Metal Outdoor Furniture
Once you've finished restoring metal outdoor furniture, you'll want to keep it looking good for years to come. Here's how to do that without a lot of fuss:
- Clean furniture regularly with mild soap and water
- Touch up small chips immediately
- Applying a new coat of that clear sealer every 2 — 3 years
- Bring metal furniture inside when the weather gets really bad
Curing time ensures the best paint for metal chairs has properly bonded and hardened
Credit: @vasare on Canva
You might like: How to Protect Outdoor Metal Furniture From Outside Factors
FAQs
1. How Do You Make Metal Outdoor Furniture Look New?
The best way to make metal outdoor furniture look new is to sand off loose rust with medium-grit sandpaper, then apply a rust converter to the remaining rust spots. Prime with rust-inhibiting primer and finish with outdoor metal paint. For heavy rust, you should use a wire brush or steel wool first, then follow the same process.
2. Can You Put WD-40 on Metal Garden Furniture?
Yes, you can. WD-40 (Water Displacement, 40th formula) works great for cleaning and removing sticky residue, but it's not a long-term solution. It can actually attract more dirt over time, so you'll want to use proper metal paint for lasting protection.
3. How to Remove Oxidation from Patio Furniture?
To successfully remove oxidation from patio furniture, you’ll need to:
- Step 1: Clean the furniture thoroughly with mild soap and water
- Step 2: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, spray onto affected areas, and let sit for a few minutes
- Step 3: Scrub gently with a soft cloth
- Step 4: For stubborn oxidation, use the hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar paste
- Step 5: Rinse completely and dry thoroughly
- Step 6: Apply a protective coating to prevent future oxidation
The process is the same for querying how to remove lichen from metal furniture.
How to Restore Metal Outdoor Furniture: Guide Ends Here
Now you know how to restore outdoor metal furniture. It not only saves your money but also prolongs the furniture's longevity. Besides, if you have any demands to buy outdoor metal table legs, browse the Flowyline website or ask questions via the support team.
Well, how to refurbish metal patio furniture like a pro comes down to patience and proper technique. Don't rush the process because multiple thin coats always look better than fewer thick ones.
In case you're wondering about “refinish metal patio furniture near me” services, remember that a How to Restore Metal Outdoor Furniture DIY guide can save hundreds of dollars and give you complete control over color and finish quality. Thank you for reading!
