Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Paint Metal Furniture

Repainting metal furniture is a good way to restore it without having to replace it, which can be expensive. Repainting metal furniture sounds simple enough but it actually takes more time than one would think. It's not as easy as spray painting a piece and letting it dry. There are a few different things to take into consideration when painting or repainting furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions


1. If you already have paint on the furniture, then you will want to remove it before you paint over it. This can be accomplished with a paint stripper. There are a couple of different varieties to choose from. One comes in a spray paint can, while the other comes in a regular paint can, which requires the use of a paint brush. If you choose the spray can variety, simply spray the furniture with the stripper and use the wiping cloth to wipe the stripper and paint off. If you are using the other type, dip the brush in the stripper, shake off the excess and brush the stripper onto the metal furniture in long, even strokes. Then you can use the wiping cloth to wipe off the paint and stripper.


2. Once the paint is stripped off of the furniture, you must make sure to remove any rust that may be on it. Use the sand paper or the electric sander to remove any visible rust. This step is paramount because if there is any remaining rust on the furniture before you paint it, then it will show through the new paint job in time and you'll have to repeat the process.


3. Once you have removed the rust from the furniture, you will need to apply the primer or rust sealer to it before you begin painting. This usually comes in a spray paint type of can, so make sure you are painting in an area that is open and also make sure that you are not going to damage the floor while painting. Spray the primer or sealer evenly over the entire surface of the furniture using even strokes. Allow the primer to dry.


4. After the primer has dried, you are ready to paint the furniture. If you are using a spray paint can, spray the furniture evenly with the paint. Don't apply too much at one time because the paint will drip, and paint drips are hard to repair. If you are using a paint can, dip the brush in the paint, shake the excess off and apply paint to small areas at a time in short, even strokes. After you have finished painting, allow the paint to dry.


5. When the paint is completely dry, you can apply a clear coat to the furniture, if you wish. This will lock in the paint and primer or sealer and will give the furniture a glossy finish. If you prefer a flat finish, skip the clear coat. If you have used rust-resistant paint and removed all of the rust prior to painting, your metal furniture should retain its paint job.

Tags: metal furniture, even strokes, make sure, spray paint, before paint