I have two old metal lawn chairs, very rusted. How to restore?
by
Sandy
+8
Metal lawn chairs from the 50's, rusted with layers of paint. Best way to restore them. Chairs are in good shape. 
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Sand any rust off. Spray paint.
Krylon and Rustelouem make paint for metal outdoor furniture but clean with soap and water, use a brush to get the rust off and then let dry and paint
Use a paint remover for oil paints. Be patient and leave the remover on the time specified in the instructions. Then wearing dust mask and rubber gloves, use plastic putty knife and scrape off. Clean well and wipe down with vinegar. Repaint with oil paint / spray paint. Good luck.
Start with sanding them, then wiping them down to remove any dust. You can hose them, and let dry completely. You can paint or spray paint. Make a 3 sided area where you can put the chairs to spray them. I'd use Rust-Oleum, this should hold up to the weather.
Find a place that does sand blasting. You will be surprised how fast it’s done and will bring them back to their originail metal. Then spray paint away.
Electric sander you can rent at Home Depot for a small fee. 1/2 day, or 24 hours.