Revive and protect your metal outdoor furniture

Metal furniture takes a beating from the elements, but a few coats of Fired Earth QD Red Oxide and QD Enamel can keep it protected and looking great for years to.

If you have a piece of metal furniture that you leave outdoors, using the correct paint and techniques can protect it from the elements. We’ll show you which products to use and what to do with this old, solid, sturdy table that lives out in the open, serving as a small potting station. Although the frame may appear worn in places, a simple cleaning and repaint will rejuvenate this table and ensure its longevity. Let’s get started on the restoration process.

First things first, move the furniture away from the house because you’ll be creating a lot of dust in the cleaning process.

Preparation is key for achieving the best possible outcome on a project like this, even if it can be very time-consuming. To begin, use an angle grinder with first a grinding disc and then a sanding disc to remove paint and rust until the table is back to its bare metal state.

Safety is paramount when working with an angle grinder, so don’t forget to wear gloves, eye and ear protection, as well as a dust mask to shield yourself from the inevitable dust.

Once the old paint and rust have been removed, it’s crucial to wipe down the surfaces with an old rag and thinners to remove any grease, grime or other contaminants that may hinder paint adhesion. Thinners evaporates quickly and once it has dried, you can proceed with applying a specialised metal primer, such as Fired Earth QD Red Oxide Primer.

‘QD’ stands for ‘quick-drying’ and this primer is formulated for mild and galvanised steel. It dries rapidly and exhibits excellent adhesion, offering protection to the metal surface and preventing future rusting. Cleaning brushes after using Fired Earth QD Red Oxide Primer should be done with thinners, before they dry. Leave the Red Oxide to dry overnight.

It’s important to note that Fired Earth QD Red Oxide Primer is not a topcoat and should be covered with Fired Earth Painters Pro Quick Drying Enamel or one of the other paints from the Fired Earth Painters Pro water- or solvent-based range.

When the Fired Earth QD Red Oxide Primer has dried completely, it is time to apply the first topcoat of Fired Earth Painters Pro Quick Drying Enamel – we used Dark Grey. Once again, use a paintbrush for application. Before you begin, ensure that the paint has been thoroughly mixed, all the way down to the bottom of the container. This quick-drying enamel boasts a glossy finish and exceptional adhesion properties and is available in a variety of standard colours. The first coat typically dries within four hours, although drying time can vary depending on the temperature.

If you notice any colour bleed or brush strokes coming through, don’t worry – this will be covered by the second coat, which we’ll apply once the first coat has dried.

Once the second coat has been applied and has dried, the restoration process is complete. Your furniture will look incredible – as our example potting table does – and will be ready to endure countless more years of outdoor living.

The Fired Earth range of paints and painting accessories, as well as all personal protection equipment, is available from Builders.