If you have metal furniture or other metal household objects that have been scratched, chipped or are showing signs of neglect, instead of wondering when or how you are going to get rid of these items, why not consider giving them a makeover. By learning how to spray a coat of paint onto tired looking metal outdoor chairs or the metal legs on your dining table, you will be surprised how easy it is and you can have them looking like new.

The metal paint available today comes in a variety of different fashionable colors and gloss types that can provide either a matte (non-glossy) or high gloss looking finish that can also add a rich luster to any painted metal object.

Painting equipment for beginners can be purchased at your local home improvement center, or if you prefer you can simply use spray can paint. To ensure you are properly prepared you will need to follow these simple steps:

1. Make sure you wear old work clothing or a pair of overalls. Have available a face mask and protective eye wear as you need to protect your eyes from paint dust and rust particles during the sanding process.

2. Decide where you are going to do the painting. If rain is forecast then spray painting outside is out of the question. Also if it is fine outside but the wind is blowing, that would also not be a good idea bearing in mind how much wastage you will have while spraying in the wind. If the weather is a problem use your garage or basement and put down a drop cloth such as an old sheet or sheets of newspaper.

3. Preparing the object for painting by rubbing it over with sandpaper to remove any chipped paint, surface rust or scratches in the metal. For more difficult badly rusted items a drill with a circular wire brush attachment can be used. To ensure a smooth finish hand sand with a light gauge sandpaper.

4. Before spray painting ensure the parts of the object you don't want painted are covered completely with masking tape.

5. Use a good quality gloss enamel spray paint suitable for metal. Many modern paints have a built in primer and can be obtained from most hardware or specialty paint stores.

6. Before you start painting, mix the paint thoroughly or shake the spray paint can well for at least one or two minutes to ensure the contents have been well mixed. Spray a small amount before you start to ensure the nozzle is working and not defective.

7. Hold the spray gun or spray can about 10 to 12 inches from the object then spray in a continuous quick even pattern until the entire surface of the object has been covered, both inside and out.

8. Leave it until it is completely dry and then apply a second coat if necessary.

When the paint has dried remove the masking tape and attach any parts of the object that were removed for painting.

See related articles:

How to Store Unused Paint

How to Tape a Room for Painting

How to Thin Latex Paint

How to Thin Oil Based Paint