Spotted a set of 1950s metal lawn chairs that could shine on your patio with some TLC? You're likely right, according to restoration expert Teri Masaschi, author of Foolproof Wood Finishing: For Those Who Love to Build and Hate to Finish. With metal pieces, the key question is: Do you want them looking brand new? And if so, how much time and effort will it take to restore their glory?
Holly Lessey
Holly Lessey
Holly Lessey
When evaluating metal furniture, first decide if you need to strip rust and wear, advises Teri. "The industrial look is hugely popular today," she notes. "Take an old factory metal workbench with its beaten surface, rusty patina, and minimal paint—people are displaying these in kitchens now. Don't touch it; that patina adds value. At most, clean with soap and water."
This applies to aged metal lighting, brass-and-iron chandeliers, and beds. View them through a modern design lens before committing. If they don't fit your style, consider selling. Check Etsy.com's vintage shops for trends—search "vintage," "rustic," "rust chic," or "industrial."
Andrea Clem
Andrea Clem
Andrea Clem
Old, rusty metal items sell hot on Etsy.com, like this coat hanger (Image 1), milk bottle crate (Image 2), and serving bell (Image 3) from Vintage Lancaster.
Some metal furniture demands a refresh. If your decor shuns the shabby or rust poses safety issues—like on skin-contact lawn chairs—a full upgrade is practical. But expect hard work. For painting, eliminate all rust first. "Reach clean, bare metal," Teri emphasizes.
A chandelier might be quick, but four neglected lawn chairs could span weekends. Start with a wire brush, then sand with 60-80 grit paper. "It's intense labor," Teri says, "but rewarding for DIY enthusiasts."
Design blogger Andrea Clem of Oasis Accents revived her grandmother's rusty lawn chair. Image 1 shows it post-sanding. "My arms nearly gave out," she shares. She used a wire brush and cordless drill attachments (Image 2), followed by rust-preventative primer and light green paint coats for a fresh look (Images 3 and 4).
Daunted by the effort? Opt for professional sandblasting—find sandblasters in the phone book or via auto body shops. Four lawn chairs might cost a few hundred dollars, depending on condition.
Once rust-free, painting is straightforward. Spray paint works great, but use primer for rusty or previously painted metal (interior/exterior for lawn chairs). Follow can instructions precisely, especially coat timing. Apply two primer coats with light sanding between, then two color coats. It's an investment, but worthwhile for cherished pieces.
"Ironically, those retro lawn chairs are now reproduced in China for about $100 each," Teri points out. "But they lack the heavy-gauge metal and durability of originals." Refurbished options appear on eBay and Craigslist for less.
If preserving heirlooms, adding personal flair, or diverting landfill waste motivates you, restoring metal furniture pays off. But weigh sandblasting, painting costs, and time—if just aesthetics matter, stylish reproductions or refurbishments might suit better.
