Because it spends almost all its time outdoors, metal patio furniture is susceptible to the ravages of rust and corrosion. Regular maintenance and painting will solve most issues related to rust, but with severely corroded furniture, it's often best to remove all the paint and refinish the furniture. A sandblaster is the best tool to use when removing large areas of rust. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Select the area where you'll be doing the sandblasting. Choose a spot that is sheltered from wind and is also away from any exposed surfaces that might be damaged by overspray from the sand blaster, like a painted wall. For purposes of ventilation, it's a good idea to work outside if possible. To aid in cleanup, spread a tarp on the ground where you'll be working, and also drape the area around where you'll be spraying with a painter's drop cloth or utility tarp.
2. Choose your sandblasting medium. Fine sand is used in most sand-blasting applications, but some prefer to use a fine-grained ground glass medium. The glass has the advantage of causing less pitting than coarser sand mixtures. If you're not certain which to use, try each on an inconspicuous area to see which results work best for you.
3. Work with short even applications of the sandblaster's stream. Start at the top of your furniture and work your way down, taking breaks to clear dust or residue frequently. This way you'll be able to keep track of where you've worked more easily. In areas of heavier rust, make several passes to take off the layers of rust rather than keeping the sandblaster's stream concentrated on one spot for an extended period of time.
4. Continue sandblasting until you've worked the furniture down to bare metal before priming and painting the furniture. When it's time to paint, follow directions for surface preparation before you begin for the best results.
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