Outdoor table has rusting sides

Karen Baker
by Karen Baker
My glass top outdoor dining table has rust around all the edges. Any ideas on how to fix this? The table is fine except for this problem. Thanks!
  5 answers
  • Homertalk Homertalk on Jun 03, 2016
    Typical of outdoor furniture from China. They use cheap pot metal, and it rusts. There are rust inhibitors commercially available but its a losing battle. Low quality metal results in economical easy to buy patio furniture that you have to replace every couple of years. So how economical is it. Buy quality furniture, which is framed with cast aluminum. Wipe it down periodically, (routine maintenance) Cover it all in a rain storm, and put it away somewhere High and Dry in the winter months. It'll last a lifetime, or until your wife's girlfriend says something like.... "Oh I remember when this color was all the rage. You just can't find this stuff anymore!" Then you are buying a new set no matter how good the condition the old set was in.
  • Karin From B'ham Karin From B'ham on Jun 03, 2016
    First, wash the entire piece thoroughly, using dishwashing detergent and a scrub brush. Then, a wire brush will help knock off flaking rusty pieces. You can google "how to remove rust from metal patio furniture" if you want to go more in depth--there are instructions on how to use vinegar, etc. I just used a wire brush, myself. Then you've got to cover the raw metal, which means repaint the piece. I just repainted 30 yr. old patio furniture that had rusted using Rustoleum brand primer and outdoor spray paint (Oil Rubbed Bronze finish--I love it.) It refreshed my furniture immensely and was more than a value for the money spent on a couple of cans of spray paint. Good luck!
  • Barb Micklich Barb Micklich on Jun 03, 2016
    Soak rags in vinegar and place them over rust parts and let them soak. then wipe with cloth and lightly sand. Repeat if nesessary
    • Karin From B'ham Karin From B'ham on Jun 04, 2016
      @Barb Micklich True, but then she'll need to paint the metal or it will rust immediately. Highly recommend Rustoleum spray paint with primer for indoor/outdoor use. :)
  • William William on Jun 04, 2016
    Sand the rust off feathering into none rusted areas to smooth it out. Tape of anything you don't want to paint with blue painters tape. Use Kilz or BIN primer. Use an outdoor spray paint, like Rustoleum, whatever color you choose. Several light coats of paint will give you a smooth finish.
    • See 1 previous
    • William William on Jun 04, 2016
      @Karin From B'ham Not all of Rustoleum spray paint has primer in it. Rustoleum Universal has primer in it. Painters touch 2x does not. I still always prefer to prime to get better coverage and a more vibrant final finish. I don't like taking chances of any imperfections showing or bleeding thru the final finish. Better safe than sorry and eliminate any chances of having to start all over.
  • Pauliegirl1 Pauliegirl1 on Jun 04, 2016
    A product called "Rust Away".....you can only get it at an automotive store, removes rust down to the original metal...prime, paint with a "good" primer and paint and it will do the trick!! I have a friend that rebuilds cars, thats what he uses on ALL the parts he cleans.....GREAT STUFF!!! Good Luck!!