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3 Easy Steps for a Metal Folding Chair Makeover

Mar 11, 2023 by Brooke Larsen · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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Restore those old folding chairs into works of art in 3 easy steps with a metal folding chair makeover.

As the the warmer season is approaching, it will soon be time to pull out outdoor furniture for that perfect exterior living space. If you are like me, you might be inwardly cringing at the idea of anyone sitting on your old plastic or metal chairs. Let me show you how to take that old chair from ugly to stunning with a metal folding chair makeover in 3 easy steps.

3 Easy Steps for a Metal Folding Chair Makeover

Easy Project - Chair Restoration

I had 20 spider-infested and rusting metal folding chairs sitting in my shed. They really should have been put into a garage sale, but my husband indulged me and has moved these chairs from house to house. We have also lent these out to neighbors in need of additional seating.

It's hard to throw away old chairs when you are always in need of extra seating for special occasions and family gatherings each year. This year however, when we pulled them out of storage to use for a party they were especially disgusting. Embarrassment prompted me to do a quick repair for party-ready chairs.

Metal Folding Chair Makeover in 3 Easy Steps

Spray paint for metal chairs

Supplies for Metal Folding Chair Makeover

  • Cleaning solution
  • Scrubber
  • 150 Grit sandpaper
  • Drop cloth or cardboard
  • Clean cloth for wiping chairs down
  • Rustoleum spray paint

Clean Your Chairs - Step 1

The first thing to do in order to fix these unattractive chairs is giving them a good cleaning. If you have a metal frame or a plastic one then the cleaning should be pretty easy compared to a chair frame with a piece of fabric.

The easiest way to clean your chairs is by taking them all outside and using a hose to spray off with water. If needed, grab a scrubber and cleaning solution like a dish soap to give your chairs an extra good scrubbing.

ugly metal chairs

Wait for your chairs to dry in the sun or you can use a towel to dry them off.

Prep Work - Step 2

When your chairs are dry, use cardboard boxes or drop cloths to set under them. This will help to keep your work area contained to one spot.

Using 150 grit sand paper, rough up the finish and sand any imperfections on the chair frames and seats. Wipe down the chairs with a damp cloth to remove any grime and dust.

Paint Your Metal Folding Chairs - Step 3

Make sure you are in a well ventilated area before you start the painting portion of this simple DIY project. I highly suggest doing this outside. Then set up the chairs and space them a few feet apart on cardboard boxes. I didn't remove any little screws or rubber stoppers from the chair legs, but instead left everything as is.

spray painting metal chairs

When applying your first coat of paint, try to use long and even sprays approximately the same distance away from the chair. Start at the top and then work your way down the rest of the chair.

Painting Tips

Don't spray too close or the paint will get drippy. Likewise, if you spray too far away you will miss the chair. These Rustoleum products are great at sticking to the chair metal.

For this metal folding chair makeover, you will also want to make sure you have enough cans for multiple coats of spray paint. Each chair required 2 coats with the exception of the lime green. Since it was a lighter color I did extra coats of paint on it. One can of spray paint covered 2 folding chairs.  

Allow plenty of time for these chairs to dry before using as extra seats. Read the label on your spray paint for best results. Use these same principles to apply paint with plastic chairs.

3 Easy Steps for a Metal Folding Chair Makeover

Don't be embarrassed any longer by old seat backs covered with rust looking like they belong at a yard sale. This metal folding chair makeover is sure to be a hit at your next party and restore your outdoor furniture to its former glory. All those extra guests will be thoroughly impressed!

3 Easy Steps for a Metal Folding Chair Makeover

For more great ideas on creating outdoor seating, look here. You can also try making your own DIY wooden porch swing bench to change up your furniture.

If you are looking for an update to dining room chairs or chairs that have old fabric, look no further than this wood seat tutorial.

Happy DIYing!

Brooke

« Pros and Cons of a Liner Pool Design
Simple Ideas for DIY Spring Front Porch Decor »
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About Brooke Larsen

Hello Friends! I love anything DIY and home decorator! On my blog I hope you will find home inspo. Whether it is for your next DIY project or home decor. If I can do it, anyone can!

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Comments

  1. Erica Martin says

    November 30, 2013 at 4:53 am

    Love these! This will def be a project for me this spring!

    Reply
  2. Audrey Morrow says

    October 06, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    Hi. I would like to take on this project, but my research is showing that there's a bit of prep work to be done to make sure the paint never comes off. You don't seem to have used any primer or anything, though. In a year's time, have you had paint to scrape off, or had to repaint?

    Reply

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Hi I am Brooke I am an avid DIY-er and home decorator! I share home inspo and all of my DIY projects with step-by-step directions. I sprinkle in a few recipes to help out all of us busy moms too. If I can do it, so can you!

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