What kind of paint to use?

[MsWilma]

Hi, I'm new here. I'm also new to painting so I have some questions and I hope someone will help. Now that it's getting warm I want to refinish my iron patio furniture. What kind of paint should I use? Do I have to sand it down first? Any info is appreciated!

Wilma

[DIYadmin]

Hi Wilma, you should definately get all the rust off first. Sandpaper, steel bristle brush, whatever. If there are nooks and crannies that you just can't to, the hardware store sell a product that bonds with the rust. Next prime it and finally paint. You'll get the best finish if you spray it. If you don't have a sprayer, use cans of Rustoleum paint. Good luck and have fun!

Kelly

[Maxhooper]

And if you don't want to DIY, there are painting companies that specialize in powdercoating outdoor stuff.

[MsWilma]

Thanks for the help. I think I'll give it a go myself and look up powdercoating if I need to. It should be OK; my pieces are smooth and minimalist, nothing too ornate.

[MsWilma]

OK, I got everything de-rusted and primed. I am going to spray Rustoleum. Next question: how many coats?

[DIYadmin]

Way to go Wilma! As far as how many coats to use, I'd say a minimum of two. After that, wait until it dries completely and look closely for any primer color bleed-through. Give it another shot if it needs it.

Off topic: If any of you invest, Rustoleum's parent company (stock ticker RPM) always pays high dividends. They make a lot of industrial coatings. When the economy is good, they do a brisk business with new machinery, equipment, etc. When it's bad, they sell a lot to people rebuilding machinery.

[RalphC]

Little conflict of interest there?

:- O

[Joe_Blow]

Gotta prosper where you can in a crappy economy.