How to Refinish Metal Lawn Chairs

Don’t fret, there’s hope for those paint-chipped, rust creating lawn chairs which have become an eyesore in your backyard. Unlike their vinyl counterparts, the durability of steel lawn chairs permits for refinishing, which means a longer lifespan. With minimum investment, you can reinvent your sturdy metal furniture and revamp your outdoor living room at exactly the same moment.

Wipe the seat using a rag dipped in a mixture of water and dish soap. Remove all dust, dirt and other debris to ensure the most accurate evaluation of the seat’s condition. Rinse away any soapy residue that remains on the seat.

Inspect the steel surface to get bubbles, peeling paint, and corrosion or rust. Use a wire brush or steel wool pad to gently but firmly rub away any rust or bubbles until the steel is smooth and blemish free. To eliminate all traces of rust, The Family Handyman suggests donning protective gloves, goggles and a dust mask and then brushing on a rust remover and also letting it sit overnight. The next day, rinse the seat with water, then rub it dry.

In a well-ventilated place, set the seat on a drop cloth. Apply a mildew-resistant spray primer made particularly for use on metal for the smoothest finish. Using long, even strokes, spray two coats of primer on the surface of the seat, waiting for the first coat to dry to the touch before reapplying. Permit the primer to dry for 24 hours.

Apply several light coats — in just one hour of each other — of rust-inhibiting spray paint designed for use on metal outdoor furniture. Wait 24 hours before using the refinished chair.

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