Metal Nesting Table Makeover

I found a set of metal outdoor tables on consignment, but the finish was dull, and in need of a new protective coating. Read on on to see how easy it was to give these metal nesting tables a makeover in a snap.

For metal pieces with existing rust or old coatings, using an epoxy primer — applied in approximately three coats and allowed to dry between each — creates a durable foundation. Finishing with an epoxy topcoat mixed with a hardener helps the cure and ensures the finish holds up to normal outdoor use far longer than a single coat of spray paint.

Steps:

Step 1: Assess the surface condition

Begin by assessing the existing finish on the item. Check for light rust spots, chipping paint, and dirt.

Look closely at both flat and curved surfaces. On flat sections, a paint scraper works well to test how firmly the existing finish is adhering. On curved sections and hard-to-reach areas, run a stiff-bristled wire brush over the metal to reveal any hidden flaking or powdery rust lurking beneath the surface layer.

Step 2: Remove or mask the glass

If there are parts of the item that won’t be painted, like our glass tabletops, remove or mask them with painter’s tape.

When It’s Time to Remove: To get a clean edge, slowly pull the tape toward the painted side at a 45-degree angle. If the tape is in a corner between surfaces that are perpendicular to each other, pull it away from the painted surface at a 45-degree angle instead. Remove the tape while the final coat is still slightly tacky for the crispest lines.

Step 3: Prep the surface

Chip away any loose paint and feather the edges smooth with a sanding sponge.

Step 4: Clean the surface

Using a lint-free cloth, wipe the entire surface clean with warm water. Allow the surface to dry completely.

Step 5: Prime any rust spots

To prep the rusty spots for paint, apply a light coat of Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Rusty Metal Primer Spray.

Step 6: Choose spray paint colors

Because these set has three nesting tables, we’re using three complementary colors from Rust-Oleum’s Stops Rust® line—Sage, Satin Navy, and Champagne Bronze.

Step 7: Apply a light coat first

Before using each color, shake the can until you hear the mixing ball start to rattle, and then for about another minute. Holding the can 10-16 inches from the surface, spray in light sweeping motions, starting and stopping each pass beyond the edges of the table.

Step 8: Finish the application

Wait a few minutes, and then apply a second coat in varying directions to cover any edges missed on the first pass. Repeat this process to coat the remaining tables, working in light coats and sweeping motions. Once complete, let the tables dry for 5-9 hours before replacing the glass and resuming normal use.

Materials:

• Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Rusty Metal Primer Spray
• Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Satin Enamel Spray in Sage and Classic Navy
• Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Metallic Spray in Champagne Bronze
• Mask
• Gloves
• Drop Cloth

Tools:

• Sanding Sponge

Pro Tip: Mauro, House One’s painting expert, stresses the importance of choosing the right primer for metal projects: “When you paint metal, make sure you get the right materials. Because if you’ve got the wrong paint and the wrong primer, it might cause lots of headaches down the line.” He recommends an oil-based primer over water-based for metal, noting that water-based primer “is not good for metal in general,” while oil-based primer blocks odor and stains effectively.