De-rust Iron Furniture

Using a little elbow grease, rusty iron furniture can be restored and protected from further damage—just in time for the warm weather!

STEP 1

Using either a wire brush or a rotary tool with a wire-brush or sandpaper attachment, remove rust and loose paint from the piece. For wire brushing, use medium bristles for light rust and coarser bristles for heavier damage. If using a rotary tool, keep it moving to avoid gouging the metal. Wash the iron furniture with a mild detergent like dish soap to remove dirt and grease, then towel-dry thoroughly. If the piece doesn’t have heavy rust, you can stop at this point. Finish painted pieces with a rust-resistant, oil-based metal spray paint. Coat unfinished iron furniture with car wax to help prevent further corrosion.

STEP 2

If painted furniture is heavily rusted, use a gel rust remover that won’t affect the painted finish. Rust removers dissolve rust in anywhere from half an hour to 24 hours, depending on the product. Wear goggles and rubber gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area. Coat the piece using a paintbrush and let dry according to product directions. Rinse the piece using a hose and scrub rusted areas with a wire brush. Dry with rags. Repeat as necessary. Use a rust-resistant primer and paint if repainting is needed. Use two top coats, letting paint dry between.

For unfinished items, use naval jelly and work outdoors, wearing goggles and rubber gloves. Apply the coating liberally with a paintbrush and let it dry for 15 minutes. Caution: Don’t leave naval jelly on the object for more than 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly using a garden hose, and dry with rags. If any rust remains, repeat. Protect unfinished pieces as directed in Step 1; or sand, prime, and paint.