Restoring a Metal Lawn Chair

Restoring a Metal Chair

 

I found a rusty old metal chair and wanted to restore it. This is my story.

 

First I cleaned it with some bleach water. I used a wire brush and dry cloth to wipe it down. I replaced a few bolts and nuts that needed to be replaced but was careful to retain what was left of the integrity of the chair.

Next I used Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer that I found at Walmart for $4.97. I coated the entire chair with two coats. It's a flat black color.

 

I let that dry a few days and then spray painted it with two more coats of Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Spray, American Red.

 

Once the paint had cured or really after several weeks, I applied Turtle Wax Paste Wax. I found a small can with applicator at Walmart. Now we will just have to give the old chair the test of time. 

 

Here is the before picture.

 

 

What do you think?

 

 

Restoring Metal Frame Outdoor Dining Chairs

Restoring Metal Frame Outdoor Dining Chairs

I was so motivated after restoring the wood strip bench and glass table that I found the old worn fabric chairs and restored them also. The frames were good strong metal just like new. This is how I restored them.

I bought the WeatherShield 1 x 2 x 8 Pressure-Treated Pine Strips with the rounded edges for $1.97 each at Home Depot to replace the fabric on the 4 metal-framed chairs. I bought 12 of the 8 foot strips and they were cut into 18 inch sections. 

I weatherproofed them with two coats of BEHR PREMIUM WOOD COATINGS TRANSPARENT WEATHER PROOFING ALL IN ONE WOOD FINISH left over from weatherproofing our new deck. I spray painted the metal frames with gloss black paint.

 

I bought over 100 steel bolts and nuts and used an electric drill to drill through the wood strip and into the chair frame at the same time. Then I just inserted the bolts and tightened the nuts. It was easier for me to take it one strip at a time.

 

I am so pleased with the results. The chairs are so sturdy and unlike the cloth chairs, they don’t sag or sink down. After years of plastic chairs and cloth chairs, I am impressed with strength and stability of the new wood chairs. Now I have  all new furniture to compliment my deck.

This is the before picture you are not going to believe!