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?
Lisa B. says
This table & chair set looks fabulous!! I love the color and it is perfect for sitting outside and soaking in the sun! Thanks for sharing your tips and linking up with us over at the Welcome Home Wednesdays Link Party!
Wendi says
Hi Lisa and thank you! This color is so dreamy I can’t believe it came out of a spray can! I enjoy your party, thanks for all your hard work in hosting!
Michelle james says
Great tips! Love the color! Thanks for sharing with us at #HomeMattersParty
Wendi says
Hi Michelle and thank you. I love the color too, it’s perfect for a pretty summer outdoor set. Thanks so much for your visit:)
Vanessa D. says
Amazing transformation! I love the bright blue color, it looks so cheery.
Wendi says
Hi Vanessa and thanks so much! I fell in love with this color as soon as I saw it and knew it would be perfect for this project. Thanks so much for your visit:)
Kayla says
Just what I needed to know. Thanks for sharing!
Wendi says
Hi Kayla and thank you:)
Randi says
I am so glad that you posted this! I have a patio set that has peeling paint and I was wondering how to re-do it. I will definitely be pinning this and doing it soon!
Also, I LOVE the aqua!
Wendi says
Hi Randi! This is such an easy project to do and so worth it since it will last. Have fun with your project and thanks so much for your visit.
sherry says
Thank you for the tips! I get so tired of having to respray my furniture every year.
Wendi says
Sherry, I know what you mean and it’s frustrating to say the least! So glad you liked the tips, your outdoor furniture will look better much longer with them. Thanks for your visit.
Becky says
I love that color! Is it this one? Turquiose?
Wendi says
Hi Becky – So sorry I was slow to respond! I’m still catching up from attending a bloggers conference last week. Yes that is the color. Isn’t it the perfect blue? Thanks so much for your visit & good luck on your makeover!
Emily says
I wish our temps here in Ohio were warming up! Your beautiful patio set makes me want to spend an afternoon outside with a good book and a glass of lemonade! Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday – I already pinned your post and will share on FB!
Wendi says
Thanks so much Emily! I forget a lot of the country is still in winter mode! Hopefully my table set will help jump start the spring feeling for you:)
Mary H says
I love the color you chose! I have a green set that is starting to chip…I may have to give it an update this spring!
Wendi says
Thank you Mary! I’m loving this color too, it adds a good pop of happy into the back yard. Please share a picture on my H2OBungalow facebook page when you do makeover your set! I’d love to share it 🙂
Bonnie says
Wendi, it’s gorgeous! I love that blue. Thanks for sharing your tips for painting metal furniture.
Wendi says
Thank you Bonnie! This shade of blue is really spectacular! So glad my tips are helpful, it makes such a difference to get a good paint job on outdoor furniture!
Cara says
This is so pretty! Thanks for all the great tips!
Terry says
So fresh in that gorgeous color and you styled it beautifully! Enjoy! Have a great week!
Smiles!
Terry
Wendi says
Hi Terry & thanks! I’m in love with this shade of blue, especially for outdoors! I hope it makes spring come quicker. Thanks so much for your visit & nice comment:)
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Wendi I also have metal outdoor furniture and I use a product that combines anti rust primer and paint all in one. I’ll have to be on the lookout to see how it will hold up. Do you think it’s really necessary to use the primer? Btw, I love the color you chose.
Wendi says
Hi Mary, That’s a good point and I think it’s OK if the piece isn’t too rusty. The one I had was very rusty, so I wanted something to stop the rust chemical reaction. I’m always conservative since we #1 live in the salty air which even corodes interior light fixtures:( and #2 I hate to redo projects. So I don’t mind the extra few dollars and step to be sure I’ll have lasting results. That was a really good question & I’m sure someone else will have it too. Thanks for asking it! & Yes.. I LOVE the turquiose!
gail says
Beautiful transformation Wendi! gotta love paint!
pinned your lovely outdoor furniture!
gail
Wendi says
Hi Gail & Thank you! I love the new look, and yes…paint is magic!
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
Far from Spring here as there is still snow on the ground but in my head I’m already basking in the sun on my deck. Lol. Love the color you wanted your metal patio furniture Wendi! Such a happy color
Wendi says
Hi Marie! I feel for you girlfriend. You need to come down here where it’s warm & sunny…and there’s lots of turquoise everything! LOL
Patty says
Your little table and chairs look so pretty, sure makes me wish I was living back in Florida again. I’m afraid it will be awhile before we see spring around here.
Wendi says
Patty, add a pop of spring color somewhere inside or start planning a makeover for your outdoor furniture to get yourself in the spring mood:) It will be here before you know it! 🙂
Christina in FL says
Oh Wendi, I know that “Spring is coming” feeling! Thank you for the details on doing this. Good point about letting things dry between coats. You KNOW I want to blast through. lol
Wendi says
Hi Christina, Patience pays off especially when painting furniture! You wouldn’t enjoy a drippy hot mess of a table. If you’re like me, that would be the first thing your eyes would travel to every time you sat at the table;) ..& yes, loving the spring feeling!
Sue@betwixthomandschool says
Wow, ! love the turquoise. I know what you mean about getting antsy to start outdoor projects, good to see somebody else is starting to get ready for spring. We’re still in snow here so your pictures have me getting anxious. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous project!
Wendi says
Hi Sue, I was wondering if it was too early to share a spring project, I forget a lot of the US still has snow. Spring is one of the best seasons here and I get excited when the days get longer and warm:) So glad you liked my turquoise makeover & thanks for your visit!
Susan says
I have a lot of experience in painting metal furniture. I agree it looks great when finished! However, your article addresses the lasting longer aspect. That statement is contrary to my findings. Just for fun, take pictures next year after being stored. Every piece I’ve done even after doing the exact steps you describe had to be redone. I’m looking for real lasting results.
Wendi says
Hi Susan, It’s tough to figure out why some items last longer than others. Especially when there are so many variables like weather, salt air, the type of metal or even how well prepped and sealed a furniture piece it=s before painting. Maybe adding a few coats of a clear sealer will help. Thanks so much for your visit & note!
Sharon Davidson says
I have a white set on my mother’s back porch that I am waiting on the weather to warm up a bit so I can give it a makeover too. Good idea on using â—¾TSP, trisodium phosphate, to wash it down, I didn’t even think about outside of using a water hose and scrubbing rag, LOL
Wendi says
Hi Sharon, I swear by TSP for prepping all my makeovers. It’s a lot less messy if you make it in a spray bottle. Spray it on and wipe it down with a rag. I clean a lot of my furniture makeovers like this too. Way less messy! Thanks for your visit and please share a pic of your makeover on my H2OBungalow facebook page when you finish it!
TwoPlusCute says
I pinned. It looks lovely!
Where did you find that cute set? (I’d love me one!)
Wendi says
Hi…Oh my gosh this style is all over the place. Of course, now that I’ve said that it will be hard to find;) I think Home Depot & Lowes, maybe even Walmart would have it. Thanks for pinning my project & I hope you find a cafe set too:)