The way to Repaint a Vintage Metal Rocking Chair

Repainting a vintage metal rocking chair can give it new life, in the event that you properly prepare your antique and find a suitable spray-paint shade. When you are after a vintage vibe or authentic look, consider high-gloss mint or moss green, bright aqua, sunny yellow or some horizontal muted red or black paint, or locate a colour that looks like the chair’s unique color. Otherwise, choose a shade that suits your decor.

Work outdoors in case you can. If you are working indoors, open windows and use fans for ventilation. Regardless, cover all items and surfaces in the room or general area with old bed sheets, plastic or a painter’s drop cloth to protect them from drifting dust and paint overspray.

Wear a dust mask and safety glasses. Remove flaking paint, rust and dirt in the seat and framework, utilizing a wire-bristle brush. Brush between any spindles and rails.

Sand the chair’s metal parts, using 0000 steel wool or 400- to 600-grit synthetic sanding pads for a smooth foundation. Get into every nook and cranny as you work. The pads — made from plastic and with aluminum or carbide grit — will not shed and leave metal fibers such as the wool, however, they’ll leave behind some abrasive material and dust created by the sanding actions.

Wipe down the seat to remove the particles left from the sanding procedure, employing a tack rag or even a damp cloth.

Place the clean chair upside down to a fresh layer of paper or clean painter’s drop cloth.

Spray the exposed underside with cushion formulated for metal. If the paint finish will probably be dark, then use a dark primer; when it will be mild, use a white primer to get better color results. Hold the can about 6 to 8 inches in the seat as you work. Spray in short, sweeping bursts to prevent runs or drips. Primer provides a smoother base, guarantees better paint adhesion and can help protect metal from corrosion. Permit the primer to dry for the duration of time suggested on the label.

Turn the seat upright. Spray the top side of the seat with primer in the exact same fashion as the underside. Permit the seat to dry.

Shake the spray-paint can vigorously for about one minute. Give the seat and framework a light coat of paint, utilizing the exact same spray-application process as the primer. Apply three, four or even more light coats of paint to completely cover the seat. Allow about ten minutes of drying time between coats, but consent to the label for more exact times. Stop to shake the can every few minutes as you perform. Sand the dry chair lightly before applying subsequent coats if bubbles appear or dust settles on the wet or sticky paint.

Turn the seat over and completely paint the underside in the exact same style as the very best.

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