How would you go about restoring the finish on this old metal flower cart? Paint over metal looks rusty. TIA !
by Cindy B
+11
My vintage flower cart
14 answers
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Make sure you treat any rusted metal with phosphoric acid (like Rust Cure) before you do anything. And give it at least 24 hours to cure.
![Lifetime Services, LLC]()
Lifetime Services, LLC
on Jun 16, 2012
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I have used some of the "rusty metal" primer from rustolem as a pre- treatment prior to painting...it worked like a charm
![KMS Woodworks]()
KMS Woodworks
on Jun 16, 2012
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I believe they make a phosphoric acid based product as well as the "rusty metal" spray.... which did work well also!!
![Lifetime Services, LLC]()
Lifetime Services, LLC
on Jun 16, 2012
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thanks to all...your suggestions are greatly appreciated and helpful! cindy
![Cindy B]()
Cindy B
on Jun 17, 2012
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We always wire brush anything that is rusting, then treat it with a Rustolem before painting with a paint for metal. Works well every time and they are good to have around to be used on other projects.
![Jeanette S]()
Jeanette S
on Jun 17, 2012
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thanks Jeanette !
![Cindy B]()
Cindy B
on Jun 17, 2012
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Cindy, in order to not have to revisit, wherever you see rust needs to be sanded down to clean metal, perhaps the whole thing. After washing, then you are ready for a good metal primer and finish. It's good to remember any spray cans are so thinned to get through the tiny hole, that a brushed material will last 3X. best, Chas.
![Peace Painting Co., Inc.]()
Peace Painting Co., Inc.
on Jun 17, 2012
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Yes...bob was reading this and said he thought brushing would be more beneficial...as he doesn't want to have to do it again...this will take him quite a while to do I think but it is a piece mom gave us...the florist has long ago passed but had it in his family owned floral shop back in the 50's . thinking after bob finishes it I should keep in on the porch away from weather elements. thanks!
![Cindy B]()
Cindy B
on Jun 18, 2012
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a wire wheel in a drill ( variable speed drill) can speed the process....safety glassses are a must.
![KMS Woodworks]()
KMS Woodworks
on Jun 18, 2012
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I redid one , used steel wool to remove any rust then painted with a good paint for metal. Mine still had the glass shelves. Soaked them in hot water with limeaway. Looks great!
![Nancy Merrell]()
Nancy Merrell
on Jun 13, 2014
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What a beautiful piece, and great story behind it...good luck with it :)
![Shari Veater]()
Shari Veater
on Jun 13, 2014
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Have you redone this flower cart yet? How did it turn out? Here is another idea, if you still haven't redone it. Take it to a place that does sand blasting & powder coating! We took our Mustang wheels there & it was only $50 per wheel & it lasts forever! Good luck!
![Laurie Powell]()
Laurie Powell
on Jul 24, 2015
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I use my Drummell since I can get different sized heads and sandpaper grades. Easy to get into those tiny tiny tiny spaces. I always like a clean start before I spray paint.
![Kathy t]()
Kathy t
on Feb 22, 2016
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Wire wool or a little sander, followed by a coat of Zinsser bullseye 1-2-3 primerm works on metal, wood, formica mostly everything it's absolutely brilliant, follow with Zinsser or Rust Oleum metal paint, can be sprayed or brushed on et voila! This is a beautiful planter it will look as good as new when your finished good luck.
![Annie Doherty]()
Annie Doherty
on Jul 12, 2016
Lifetime Services, LLC
on Jun 16, 2012
KMS Woodworks
on Jun 16, 2012
Cindy B
on Jun 17, 2012
Jeanette S
on Jun 17, 2012
Peace Painting Co., Inc.
on Jun 17, 2012
Nancy Merrell
on Jun 13, 2014
Shari Veater
on Jun 13, 2014
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