Metal Furniture Finishing

Lay out a plastic sheet or newspapers to protect flooring.

Remove cushions, floor protectors or any other hardware from the furniture.

Examine the metal furniture carefully for signs of corrosion. Test rusted areas for crumbling metal, using a pair of pliers. If metal has been broken through, you may be able to fix small areas with a metal filler. For serious structural problems, consult a local welding shop or metalworker for repairs.

Remove rust spots with a wire brush. Sand smooth.

Apply a chemical paint remover to remove old paint. Allow the remover to set as recommended by the manufacturer.

Use 60-grit sandpaper or an electric sander to remove loosened paint and to remove any rough spots. Sand to a smooth finish with 120-grit sandpaper.

Wash dirt and sand grit from furniture with a solution of dish-washing detergent and water: ½ cup detergent to 1 gallon water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.

Apply rust-resistant spray primer to all surfaces of the metal furniture. Allow it to dry for several hours.

Apply spray paint with a light coat all over the furniture. Then add additional coats to completely cover the metal surfaces. Allow it to dry overnight.

Apply a urethane clear coat to protect the finish. Allow it to dry overnight before using the furniture.