Want to revamp old patio chairs - any ideas?

rectoryjo

This may be the wrong thread. I have never posted on this site despite being a member for a long time.

Our metal/mesh garden furniture is still sound, just worn, a bit rusty and the mesh looks awful. I've looked on the net for some advice on how to refurbish the chairs but all I can find is how to do it for USA chairs, which look very different to mine!

Any ideas for sites that will tell me how to cover the chairs much appreciated. Can't justify spending hundreds of pounds when the chairs are basically sound. Going to buy some metal paint as a start and will paint them on the days we have off over Easter.

Martyn1981

Been there done that, got the T-shirt!

Bought some nice and expensive mesh garden chairs and table, that failed to live up to expectations after a few winters outside (they get packed away now for the winter).

Other products are available, but I used Smoothrite to re-paint them. Got a tin for the flat bits, and solid legs / arms etc, then used spray cans to do the rest. Spray is expensive and quite wasteful (even if you try to put them in line to catch what goes through the gaps!). Didn't try using paint and a brush on the mesh, as these products can go stringy and lumpy, hence the spray cans.

Quick rub down with wire wool is all the prep needed.

Now when they emerge each year (about now) I check for any rust spots, quick rub again, then a quick spray. Very little now, as the paint is pretty tough.

One tiny tip, read the can carefully and make sure you have enough. First time I ran out on a Sunday, after the shops closed, and in the case of Hammerite products, you have to add extra coats before the curing starts, after that you have to leave for weeks, damn!

Mart.