How do I help this rusty vintage birdcage?

Question

My aunt gave me this old metal birdcage, and I'm hoping to turn it into a plant stand for my patio. What's the best method to gently remove some of this rust? And if I want to paint it, should I use a primer first?

Kate · Answer

chalk paint in pastel, pink, maybe or blue, stuff with moss and succulents.

Donnaleedesigns52 · Answer

spray paint with rust resistant outdoor paint any colour you like

Carol Paulus-Kalis · Answer

I love Kate's idea. Clean it up paint it and I think it would be perfect with succulents planted in it. 
Carol P-K

Debbie Dickman - The Magpie's Cottage · Answer

Libby, What an adorable bird cage - it would make a great plant stand! You should use a wire brush to gently scrub off the rust -definitely use a spray primer to seal afterwards and prevent the rust from 'growing' back. By all means spray paint not brush on, in whatever glorious color you love!

Gale O'Neal · Answer

Sand, paint it at set it up with different level glass jars or plain glassware and place candles in it. would make a lovely outdoor light fixture.

Marge · Answer

Thanks for the ideas. I have a small bird cage that I will try these on.

Beth Clements · Answer

To remove the rust ... 1st lightly sand any rough raised areas. Then spray with Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer. It instantly coverts rust to a protected, paintable surface, Then spray paint your color of choice. Awesome birdcage, by the way!! :D

Tina · Answer

I recently repainted this rusty cage that was in my mothers back yard. She also had a small chandelier I hung inside. I did very little sanding I just used Rustoleum paint and primer. I have it in my sunroom I love it!

Debbie Dickman - The Magpie's Cottage · Answer

Gladys Those wonderful old metal chairs are a bit more tricky! HomeTalk had a post by DaisyMaeBell some months ago that was very detailed and really covered everything. You can find it on Pinterest by searching 'painting vintage metal chairs'.

Linda Santo · Answer

Naval jelly. Use as directed. Then prime and paint.

Rosemary Hesse · Answer

I think you have gotten all the ideas I was thinking. I strongly advise Rust-Oleum Paint. It has never failed me. Most important part is to remove as much rust as possible.

Libby Walker · Answer

Thanks, everyone, for all the solid info! Can't wait to get going on this project.

Beth Clements · Answer

Look forward to your finished project!! :D

Eileen B. · Answer

I would clean and paint it then add solar flower lights,

Shawn Van Horn · Answer

How about cleaning it up and putting birds in it? What a unique idea! LOL! But seriously, what you have there is a Hendryx bird cage made around the 1920's… probably through the thirties. It is so sad to see people tare these apart for crafts. Because new bird cages are no where near the quality of these, made from cheap plastic and wire that looks like it was once a hanger. Those odd holes on the sides, those were for glass feeders and water containers… you can still find today if your do some searching, because once again, stuff made then was made to last… not fall apart like this new stuff. I guess it is sad, because once these are all torn apart for crafts projects, there will never be anything like these made again.

How do I help this rusty vintage birdcage?

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How do I help this rusty vintage birdcage?

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