One of the easiest and cheapest ways to update a yard or patio for spring is to makeover outdoor furniture. I’m going to share with you how to spray paint metal outdoor furniture to last a long time. It’s an easy one afternoon project that anyone can tackle and following a few simple steps has everything to do with how well your outdoor furniture makeover holds up over time.
It’s feeling like spring already around here. The days are getting longer, we have bright blue skies, and the temperatures have been perfect for outdoor activities. This is about the time of year where I start dreaming of all kinds of outdoor DIY projects to spruce up the yard.
Do you get like that too when the weather starts getting nice?
If so, my how to spray paint metal outdoor furniture tutorial is a great way to welcome spring with cheery colors and best of all, it can be done in an afternoon! Also, be sure to check out my tutorial on how to paint metal light fixtures and how to paint wicker furniture.
Looking for more paint tips and ideas? Check out this list of 22 Fabulous Spray Paint Project Ideas, How to Paint a Front Door With No Brush Marks and 35 Painting Tips and Tricks That Save Time
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Supplies to spray paint metal outdoor furniture.
- wire brush
- TSP, trisodium phosphate, I use the powder and it lasts a long time.
- Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer Spray Paint, this also comes in quarts for brush on applications
- Rustoleum Protective Enamel Spray Paint, I used turquoise
- spray paint handle, this is a huge hand saver if you have a big job!
- drop cloth
- scrub brush
Prepare your outdoor furniture for painting by first washing it with TSP and a scrub brush to remove any dirt buildup or grease from the metal.
When it’s dry, you’ll remove as much rust as you can. Take the wire brush, and briskly run it across any area on your metal outdoor furniture frame that has rust. The idea is to knock off as much rust as possible, especially any loose or caked on rust. Pay extra attention to corners and tight spots.
It was hard to imagine this set being pretty in the state it was in!
Next you’ll start priming. Lay your metal outdoor furniture on your drop cloth and spray with the Rustoleum primer. Apply light coats and let dry thoroughly between each cost before moving on to the next area to spray paint.
Let dry thoroughly.
Follow the same steps with the Rustoleum enamel spray paint. Again, light coats are best to avoid paint drips.
Spray painting your outdoor furniture from several angles will help get an even coat all over.
Let dry thoroughly.
Enjoy 🙂
I feel that people don’t realize how easy it is to do a DIY project like this until someone shares a few simple steps.
So I shared a few simple steps 😉
How to spray paint metal outdoor furniture to last is an afternoon project that can be enjoyed for a long time. Adding bright color to your yard to welcome spring just might have you thinking about other ways to add DIY seasonal color too.
Like maybe a DIY colorful doormat to brighten up your front entry, or begin making mixed front door planters .
Is it feeling like spring in your area yet?
Patti Sills says
Just wondering if there’s a special technique for getting coverage in the tight spaces between some of the Detailed scrolling without creating drips. Did you start on the top, or on the bottom, and then did you have to sand any of those areas a bit because of paint buildup or drips?
Wendi Wachtel says
Hi Patti,
That’s a good question. There isn’t any trick to spray painting tight spots on metal except… thin coats are best. hold the spray can in whatever angle you need and add light coats in layers to avoid drips. It’s that simple! Enjoy your project!
Lisa says
Would this work on a metal swing set that is rusting ? Amazing turnout of your project, love the color!!
Wendi says
Hi Lisa and yes it would. I have a composter with a rusty frame I getting ready to redo…well I won’t paint it turquoise. 🙂 Follow the the steps and use whatever paint color you like and it should work just fine. Good luck!
Evie says
How many cans of turquoise (seaside) paint did you use? I have a similar set. It is new and black, so I figured I will prime it first and then put on the paint.
Wendi says
Hi Evie, That’s a good question. It’s been a while since I did this project. I’m thinking about two. Read the paint can instructions, you may not need primer. Especially if your set is new and has no rust on it like mine did. Also, using a quality paint makes a huge difference in the coverage. I’ve always regretted trying cheap spray paint. Good luck and have fun with your project!
Jennifer Flannagan says
Looks awesome *_*
Love coming here to exchange ideas!
Wendi says
Thank so much Jennifer!
Laura says
Just found this as I debate painting my outdoor chairs before winter hits as they will be spending the fall and winter inside my glass enclosed 3 season room. Its a new (to us) house and I am doing turquoise as our accent color all through out so this is perfect! I just got new cushions on clearance (one advantage to this late project. The one question is I have is should a clear coat go over to help protect the finish even more or is that overkill? Our 3 season room has screens that will probably all be put up next year so in bad rains they might still get a little wet but won’t usually be exposed to the weather like that. Of course every room in this house needs a makeover but sometimes a little project like this gives you a boost since it’s easy to finish.
Wendi says
Hi Laura, You should be fine without a topcoat as long as you use a paint that’s good for indoor/outdoor use like the Rustoleum line. You’re using one of my favorite colors 🙂 Smart getting your cushions on sale, I’m sure your room is going to look beautiful and be comfortable for the fall/winter as well. It does help to have one area pretty and decorated when there’s much more to do. We had that same challenge here in our home since it took almost 3 years to get most of it done. We still have a big to do list! Have fun with your project and thanks for your visit!
Rhonda Gales says
I love this makeover. I found a similar set on Craigslist. It needs a fresh coat of paint, so you tips are perfect. I’ll be pinning your post on my DIY Board. Please stop by and share your inspiration on my Sunday’s Best Linkup. Great way to expose your blog and inspire other bloggers.
Wendi says
Hi Rhonda and thank you! Sounds like you found a deal:) Painting outdoor furniture the right way so it lasts is a time saver:) Have fun with your set and thanks for your visit!