How to Paint Metal Patio Furniture So It Looks Like a Million Bucks
Have you been wanting to learn how to paint metal patio furniture like a pro? Then today’s your lucky day! Check out this tutorial for all the details.

Painting Gives New Life To Decor
Isn’t paint wonderful? Not only does it come in a wide variety of colors and textures, but it truly can make a world of difference with even the most unappealing items. In fact, I would dare to say that over half of the items I own end up getting a few different coats of paint every few years. Yikes!
For instance, I’ve only been living in this new house my husband and I purchased back in March, and I’ve already painted my kitchen cabinets. I’m crossing my fingers I won’t get that bug to repaint them anytime soon because it was a HUGE project!
Anyways, with all of that being said, I found myself wanting a new patio set since it blended in wayyyy too much with our house siding. However, after looking at my budget and then the prices I saw for the sets I liked… it was quite apparent that my good ol’ trusty friend paint, would need to rescue the day!

How to Paint Metal Patio Furniture Like a Pro
All you need to do is follow these easy instructions, and you’ll have a new-looking patio!
Tools and Supplies
- Metal Patio Furniture
- Mineral Spirits
- Paper Towel
- Old Cardboard or Tarp
- Rust-Oleum Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze
- Top Coat Varnish (in Satin)
- Kraft or Wrapping Paper
- Painter’s Tape
- Scissors

Instructions
- First things first, you’ll want to clean your metal patio furniture with a paper towel and Mineral Spirits (or another similar cleaner) to ensure that your paint will stick.
- Once it’s dry go ahead and tape up all of the areas of your furniture that you do not want to get painted.
- Don’t laugh. I used Disney princess wrapping paper because I couldn’t find my kraft paper! Believe it or not, it worked out really well.

- Next, it’s time to paint. I used my all-time favorite Rust-Oleum Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze and lightly sprayed one coat on my metal patio furniture.
- Don’t forget to do this step on an old piece of cardboard or tarp!

Looking for more inspiring DIY projects?
- How to Paint and Distress Metal Bar Stools
- Mason Jar Pendant Light
- Repurposed Table Turned Wood Tilt Out Trash Can
- 14 Industrial Home Decor Ideas

- I needed three coats to cover every inch of my chairs evenly, but just make sure you give your paint plenty of time to dry before adding a new layer.
- Last but not least, add two coats of your top coat varnish to protect your paint from wearing off too quickly.
- In fact, if you plan on using your chairs on a daily basis I would probably add another two coats of your top coat on top of those to give it as much protection as possible!

And that’s all! I still have a long way to go with my back porch, but at least I’m one step closer to figuring it all out.
What kind of projects have you guys been creating lately?

I hope you have a great week, and chat with you soon 🙂
If you loved these ideas then you’ll definitely want to browse some of my other DIY projects that are full of step-by-step tutorials as well as freebies galore! Can’t wait to see you again!

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This post was updated in October 2022.
Thank you for your step by step on spray painting outdoor furniture. I purchased an outdoor metal couch that said it was gold but it was more of a dull gray. Do you think Rustoleum in Gold with a clear gloss top coat(s) will do the trick? Does it actually come out a shiny gold? Thank you!
Hi Gianna and I’m so glad this post has been helpful 🙂 A clear gloss topcoat will definitely help you achieve a shiny gold color. Best of luck, and send me a photo when you’re all done. I bet it’ll look amazing!!
YOUR INSTRUCTION IS VERY HELPFUL AND THE IDEA TO GIVE A NEW LIFE TO OUR FURNITURE IS GREAT. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR IDEAS.
Thank you so much, Christina! So happy this tutorial has been helpful 🙂