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How to Restore Metal Chairs

Metal furniture fits with various home styles, including mid-century modern and farmhouse homes. What looks old-fashioned gets a brand new look with the application of new paint. The wide range of paints suitable for metal means you can pick a color that makes the chairs look warmer and more inviting or opt for a cooler and more modern feel. Restoring metal chairs gives the furniture a new look that fits with your style.

Things You'll Need

  • Tarps
  • Paint stripper
  • Paintbrush
  • Wire brush
  • Water
  • Soft cloths
  • Soapy water
  • Scouring pad
  • Epoxy repair paste
  • Putty knife
  • Rust proofing primer
  • Metal paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cover your work space with tarps and place the metal chairs on top of the tarps. Dip the paintbrush in the paint stripped and apply an even coating of the liquid to all painted surfaces of the chair. After 30 minutes, coat a wire brush with water and scrape it across the metal, removing the top layer of paint. Add more paint stripper to remove any additional layers of paint.

    • 2

      Dip the soft cloth in soapy water and wipe across the metal chair, removing any paint flakes. Dry with a second cloth. Go over the chair carefully with a scouring pad, flaking off any rust left on the metal chair. Wipe the chair down with fresh water and dry.

    • 3

      Look over the chair carefully, checking for any holes or cracks in the metal. Tear off a small ball of epoxy repair paste, using one designed for metal. Press the paste into the hole or crack until it completely fills the hole. Run a putty knife across the metal, to remove any excess paste.

    • 4

      Apply an even coat of rust proofing primer to the metal chair, using a paintbrush. Wait for the first coat to dry completely and then add a second coat. The primer covers any scratches or rough spots on the metal chair, giving it a smooth and even surface.

    • 5

      Paint the chair with a paint designed for use on metal. Apply the paint with a paintbrush and wait several hours or overnight, until the paint fully dries. Check the color of the chair and add additional coats of paint until you achieve the color you want.