Outdoor metal furniture, especially patio chairs, are prone to rusting due to exposure to rain, snow, and humidity. When rust appears on the legs of your patio chairs, it can be dangerous, may even compromise the stability of the furniture and does not look good overall. However, with a few tools and some elbow grease, you can easily fix rusted patio chair legs and restore them to their original condition. Making them like new again. Here are the few steps that you can follow to restore your furniture legs:
Remove the Rust
The first step in fixing rusted patio chair legs is to remove the rust. If the rust is only surface-level, it can be removed using a wire brush or sandpaper. Use a wire brush to remove loose rust, and then use sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the metal. Make sure to wear gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself from the rust particles. This part, when it goes smoothly, can be more satisfying than what it seems.
If the rust is more severe, you may need to use a chemical rust remover. These can be purchased at hardware stores and home improvement centres and are widely avaialble. Apply the rust remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use a wire brush to remove the rust once it’s loose.
Clean the Surface
Once the rust has been removed, clean the surface of the metal with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush, and then rinse with clean water. Dry the surface with a towel or let it air dry. It’s important that the surface is meticulously clean and dry before the next step.
Apply Rust Converter
Next, apply a rust converter to the metal surface. Rust converters are chemicals that react with rust and convert it into a stable compound: it’s basically your solution to control the rust and make your chair leg paintable again. Apply the rust converter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a brush or spray bottle. Make sure to cover the entire surface area of the metal. Allow the converter to dry completely.
Apply metal patch and fill compound (optional)
If you see that rust has damaged your chair’s legs and grooves may have been left; you can always try and apply a patch-and-fill solution for metal. This will fill up the potential holes that are there and give a smoother overall texture.
Sand and Paint
After the rust converter has dried (and the patch and fill too) sand the surface of the metal to remove any remaining rough spots or bumps. Use a fine-grit sandpaper for best results. Then, apply a coat of primer to the metal surface. Primer helps the paint adhere to the metal and prevents future rusting. Once the primer has dried, apply a coat of rust-resistant paint in the color of your choice. Apply two or three thin coats – as recommended-allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Allow the paint to dry completely before using the patio chair.
Prevent Future Rusting
To prevent future rusting, make sure to keep your patio chairs dry and protected from water (watering system, rain etc…)Cover them with a tarp during rain storms or when not in use. You can also apply a rust-resistant coating or wax to the metal surfaces of the chairs. These can be purchased at hardware stores and applied with a clean cloth.
Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help prevent rust. Wipe down your patio chairs with a dry cloth after rainstorms or dewy mornings. If you notice any new rust spots, address them promptly to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
After all of this work, and learning how to fix rusted patio chair legs, you can certainly have a sit in your beautiful patio furniture and enjoy some well deserved cooled drink. Fixing rusted patio chair legs may take some effort and time, but it’s a cost-effective way to extend the life of your outdoor furniture. By restoring your patio chairs to their original condition and ensuring they remain rust-free for years to come, you know you can make the most out of them easily.
Q&A
What causes patio chair legs to rust?
Patio chair legs rust due to exposure to moisture, humidity, and rain.
Can rusted patio chair legs be fixed?
Yes, rusted patio chair legs can be fixed by removing the rust, cleaning the surface, applying a rust converter, and painting the legs with rust-resistant paint.
What tools do I need to fix rusted outdoor chair legs?
You will need a wire brush or sandpaper, a soft-bristled brush, a rust converter, primer, and rust-resistant paint. If the rust is severe, you may also need a chemical rust remover.
Can I prevent future rusting of my patio chairs?
Yes, you can prevent future rusting by keeping your patio chairs dry and protected from the elements, covering them with a tarp during rainstorms.