How do I refinish old metal folding chairs?

Question

I was given 6 old metal folding chairs.  They are all rusty and discolored, some have plastic seats.  How do I refinish them the right way?

Gail · Answer

Scrape them down, sand them and then paint them with Rustoleum.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

An easier way to remove the rust is use coke,rub all over the chairs leaving on long enough to aid in the removal.Wash,dry and spray paint with rustoleum 2x for metal.

MN Mom · Answer

You can use wet crumpled aluminum foil and rub that on the rust. Doesn't add the sticky element that soda  will. Once things are dry, tape off the vinyl seat and spray the chairs with a Rustoleum paint for metal if you want to change the color.

Anna M.S. · Answer

Vinegar as an acid is much less expensive than cola.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

As I stated before it was just another thought process to make the job easier. And a little soap and water -NO STICKY>>>

Pauliegirl1 · Answer

Rust away...works GREAT!! Then paint with Rustoleum. You can take off the chair pads, recover with some fabric. Hobby Lobby has some vinyl covered fabrics that are 'cute' or just use regular fabric?? Good Luck and post them.

Valerie · Answer

Hopefully this post will give you the answers you need: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/furniture/up-cycled-brightened-vintage-metal-chairs-2568242

Valerie · Answer

Here is another post about painting metal chairs: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/furniture/how-to-paint-vintage-metal-chairs-1481216

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Use goggles and sand with a sanding machine. or send them to a sandblaster to get done. Then paint with metal primer and then 2 coats of top coat for metal.

Mogie · Answer

I sand mine and then apply many light mistings of paint. It is a lot of work but well worth it in the long run. Make it a color that look intentional and not like an after thought.

Laci · Answer

Kim |Exquisitely Unremarkable · Answer

I would sand them and then spray paint them. There are so many colorful choices and they could be really outstanding.

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How do I refinish old metal folding chairs?

Up-cycled & Brightened Vintage Metal Chairs

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Suggested Project Book