Rusted metal

Debbie
by Debbie
I have several items I would love to repaint/refinish that are metal. What is the best way to get the rust, etc off? What is the best paint to use? One of the items is an old kitchen stool with the step ladder legs that fit under the chair.
  9 answers
  • The Redesign Habit The Redesign Habit on Jul 07, 2015
    I have a couple of tips that I have used in the past with some good results. You can use sandpaper, either by hand or with a sander, to remove rust or you can also use a wire-brush to remove rust. They also sell a lot of chemicals you can use to remove rust from metal but be sure and follow the directions and use protection for your eyes and skin if you go this route. I have also heard that plain old white vinegar will remove rust from metal, although I haven't tried that one myself. If you are going to paint, you may want to use a primer first, which will help your paint adhere better and then follow it up with your paint and a protective top-coat.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jul 07, 2015
    Good tips above. There is a special primer made for metal, and lots of spray paints for metal. We had one of these stools in our kitchen that sat at the end of a countertop where the wall phone was. They are great.
  • Nancy Bowen Nancy Bowen on Jul 07, 2015
    Primer w. Rustoluem rust a erector
  • Catherine Bailey Catherine Bailey on Jul 08, 2015
    I read it somewhere yesterday to rub the rusted item with a banana dipped in salt.
  • Margarite Margarite on Jul 08, 2015
    I used vinager and aluminium foil to get rust off of a metal plant stand.
  • Cobby Cobby on Jul 08, 2015
    Rustolium makes a great paint that bonds right to the rust itself. You just have to sand the worst of it off.
  • SimplySalvage SimplySalvage on Jul 08, 2015
    I have had great success over the years with Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer. Lightly sand the rusty surface - no need to sand completely down to "good" metal. Wipe down with slightly damp cloth to remove the dust from sanding. Spray on the primer and let dry. Then just cover with your desired top coat.
  • Vicki Vicki on Jul 08, 2015
    i read white vinegar cheap enof so give it a try
  • Mina McWhorter Mina McWhorter on Jul 08, 2015
    I soaked my rusted projects in Coke and then hit it with a little fine steel wool.