Metal patio furniture is known to have great durability and weather resistance. That means we’re not constantly dragging it in and out of hiding when summer storms gather, giving us even more time to eat dinner outdoors or enjoy morning coffee on the deck.
The downside to metal outdoor furniture is exposure to harsh sunlight, moisture, and temperature extremes, can cause the existing paint to fade, chip, and peel. Fortunately, it’s easy and affordable to revive it, whether you’re reinvigorating your parents’ old dining set or breathing new life into a thrift store find. It’s as simple as giving it a fresh coat of paint with a few cans of the new Rust-Oleum Stops Rust with Custom Spray 5-in-1.
This project will guide you through the process of properly preparing, priming, and painting your metal patio set with Rust-Oleum Custom Spray 5-in-1, ensuring a smooth, long-lasting finish that resists rust, fading, and wear. Within hours, you can renew your outdoor living space and enjoy your patio furniture for years to come.
For this project, we’ll cover all the necessary steps, from removing loose paint and rust to cleaning, priming, and painting the metal surfaces using a versatile, self-contained spray system that allows for precise control and even coverage all over your furniture, even fine details and hard-to-reach spaces.
Safety guidelines
You should apply spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, like an open garage. Be sure to avoid open heat sources like electric heaters with exposed elements and gas heaters and keep paint cans stored away from heat. Also never paint near open flames or sparks, and never smoke while using spray paint.
Project steps
1. Use a wire paint stripping wheel attached to a drill or angle grinder to remove rust and flaking paint. (You can also use a wire brush for this step.) These wheels won’t damage the actual metal. You may still need to use a wire brush and sandpaper to remove rust in tight spots.
- Pay close attention to areas with rust, as the rust needs to be completely removed for the primer and paint to adhere properly.
- Start with a coarse grit sandpaper to remove the rust and peeling paint. Finish with a fine grit sandpaper to create a smooth finish without grooves patterns left by the coarse grit.
2. Clean the furniture with a mild soap and water.
- Use a clean rag or sponge to wipe down the entire surface, removing any remaining dust, dirt, grease, or residue.
- Rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
3. Prime the surface using Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Universal Bonding Primer.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and drying times.
- This step is crucial for preventing future rust and ensuring the topcoat adheres correctly.
4. Apply the paint using Rust-Oleum Stops Rust with Custom Spray 5-in-1.
- Shake the can vigorously for at least 1 minute after the mixing ball begins to rattle.
5. Use the #4 Vertical and #5 Horizontal Fans to distribute the paint evenly on larger, flat surfaces like table tops and chair backs.
- Hold the can 10-12 inches from the surface and use a sweeping motion to apply an even coat.
- Use a sweeping motion to apply an even coat, overlapping each pass by about 50%.
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When using the #4 Vertical Fan, move the can in a side-to-side motion; when using the #5 Horizontal Fan, move in an up-and-down motion.
- If you are painting tall surfaces, like table legs, use the #5 Horizontal Fan in an up-and-down motion, overlapping each pass by about 50%.
Note: If you are painting a wide surface, like a bench, use the #4 Vertical Fan in a side-to-side motion, overlapping each pass by about 50%.
6. Use the #3 Low-Output for tight corners, edges, and hard-to-reach spots. Use the horizontal fan function on the legs. Move top to bottom in long even strokes for great coverage.
- The #3 Low-Output setting gives you more control for the detail work on your painting projects.
OPTIONAL STEP; NOT NECESSARY 7. For added protection and lasting color, repeat these steps with Stops Rust Crystal Clear Enamel with Custom Spray 5-in-1.
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Crystal Clear Enamel protective topcoat can be applied within an hour of the paint or after 48 hours.
- Follow the same application techniques as with the paint, using the appropriate spray functions for each surface.
