How to… Revive Metal Furniture

Cast iron furniture left outside can suffer weather damage including rust, flaking paint and surface algae.

09/05/2022

Follow our tips to help restore it to its former glory. Make sure you choose the perfect day – dry, slightly overcast, with no threat of rain.

Check the bolts holding the furniture together and replace any that have rusted. Use a release oil on any that fail to undo.
Wearing gloves, use a fungicidal wash or household bleach to kill off any algae. Apply and leave for 24 hours before washing off.
Use a steel brush to remove flaking paint to make a sound base for the new coat of paint.
Worn-away paint exposes the metal and a powdery coating may be present. Use a sanding block and wet and dry abrasive paper to remove this. Make sure you wear a protective dust mask.
Scrub the furniture to remove any traces of grease and dust and allow it to dry completely.
A specific range of paints can be applied straight on to bare metal.
Brush on a coat of paint, and once completely dry, give it a light sanding with fine glasspaper to provide a key for the next coat. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best time to apply a second coat.