How would you go about restoring the finish on this old metal flower cart? Paint over metal looks rusty. TIA !

Cindy B
by Cindy B
My vintage flower cart
  14 answers
  • Lifetime Services, LLC Lifetime Services, LLC on Jun 16, 2012
    Make sure you treat any rusted metal with phosphoric acid (like Rust Cure) before you do anything. And give it at least 24 hours to cure.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 16, 2012
    I have used some of the "rusty metal" primer from rustolem as a pre- treatment prior to painting...it worked like a charm
  • Lifetime Services, LLC Lifetime Services, LLC on Jun 16, 2012
    I believe they make a phosphoric acid based product as well as the "rusty metal" spray.... which did work well also!!
  • Cindy B Cindy B on Jun 17, 2012
    thanks to all...your suggestions are greatly appreciated and helpful! cindy
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jun 17, 2012
    We always wire brush anything that is rusting, then treat it with a Rustolem before painting with a paint for metal. Works well every time and they are good to have around to be used on other projects.
  • Cindy B Cindy B on Jun 17, 2012
    thanks Jeanette !
  • Peace Painting Co., Inc. Peace Painting Co., Inc. on Jun 17, 2012
    Cindy, in order to not have to revisit, wherever you see rust needs to be sanded down to clean metal, perhaps the whole thing. After washing, then you are ready for a good metal primer and finish. It's good to remember any spray cans are so thinned to get through the tiny hole, that a brushed material will last 3X. best, Chas.
  • Cindy B Cindy B on Jun 18, 2012
    Yes...bob was reading this and said he thought brushing would be more beneficial...as he doesn't want to have to do it again...this will take him quite a while to do I think but it is a piece mom gave us...the florist has long ago passed but had it in his family owned floral shop back in the 50's . thinking after bob finishes it I should keep in on the porch away from weather elements. thanks!
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 18, 2012
    a wire wheel in a drill ( variable speed drill) can speed the process....safety glassses are a must.
  • Nancy Merrell Nancy Merrell on Jun 13, 2014
    I redid one , used steel wool to remove any rust then painted with a good paint for metal. Mine still had the glass shelves. Soaked them in hot water with limeaway. Looks great!
  • Shari Veater Shari Veater on Jun 13, 2014
    What a beautiful piece, and great story behind it...good luck with it :)
  • Laurie Powell Laurie Powell on Jul 24, 2015
    Have you redone this flower cart yet? How did it turn out? Here is another idea, if you still haven't redone it. Take it to a place that does sand blasting & powder coating! We took our Mustang wheels there & it was only $50 per wheel & it lasts forever! Good luck!
  • Kathy t Kathy t on Feb 22, 2016
    I use my Drummell since I can get different sized heads and sandpaper grades. Easy to get into those tiny tiny tiny spaces. I always like a clean start before I spray paint.
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jul 12, 2016
    Wire wool or a little sander, followed by a coat of Zinsser bullseye 1-2-3 primerm works on metal, wood, formica mostly everything it's absolutely brilliant, follow with Zinsser or Rust Oleum metal paint, can be sprayed or brushed on et voila! This is a beautiful planter it will look as good as new when your finished good luck.