How to paint and protect an old bench

Question

This bench was left by the previous owner. I think it sat in the yard, out in the South FL sun and rain for years. The paint on the metal back is intact, just boring. The wooden seat is peeling. I don't know if it was painted or stained. I'd like to paint both the back and the seat so I can put the bench on my front porch. The house is a yellow-gold, stucco. Can you more experienced DIYers give me some suggestions for what products to use, to get some color onto the bench and to protect it from further damage/peeling? Also, do I have to sand the seat? I hate sanding, but want to do it right. Thanks for any help.

Karen Sheilds · Answer

I have a bench a lot like this one, although not quite as weathered. I was restaining my deck and thought 'why not just use the same stain on the seat and the wood trim on the back'? I then painted the scroll work and legs with spray paint specially designed for the outdoors and to inhibit rust. It turned out great and wasn't too much work. If you have peeling paint on the wood and/or rust on the scrollwork back and legs you will need to sand but it's not that big a job. Best of luck with your project and post your results when you're all done. I'd love to see the finished project!

Lori Jackson · Answer

If you want pop, look across the color wheel to the oranges.

Jeanette S · Answer

Just wire brush the metal part and slightly sand the wood. Rustoleum makes beautiful metal finish spray paint. We painted ours Copper....which would go well with your yellow. You could then paint the bench in a chocolate. This would be very pretty.

Valerie · Answer

I absolutely love the solution described in this post: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/creating-a-blue-patina-with-paint-3025395

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How to paint and protect an old bench

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