A couple years ago I snagged this vintage metal motel chair at an estate sale for $10.
Still one of my favorite finds.
But it was looking a bit ratty and I can't have ratty looking stuff on my porch.
Hah! Had you going there for a second.
Actually, I normally love ratty and rusty and junky.
But this metal lawn chair was getting rusty and dirty looking to the point that you couldn't sit in it with white shorts on. So out of respect for my clothing, I decided to spruce it up a bit.
Now, it took me a good four weeks to decide on a color. My husband REALLY wanted me to just repaint it the same black and white. To me, that was just not shouting "Hey, I'm a cool mid-century motel chair" to me.
I thought about going turquoise or pink or maybe even orange. But I have been loving the look of vintage camping type gear this year. For example my Pleasure Chest, my thermoses, my picnic jug and my numerous picnic baskets.
So I decided on a dark green and ivory combination.
It's Hunter Green to be exact.
Before you all freak out on me and say that's so 1980's. I know! But I tried to disregard the name and the flashbacks and just go with the look.
Painting A Vintage Metal Lawn Chair
Supplies needed:
- Vintage metal motel chair in bad need of a facelift
- Cling wrap (Saran, Glad or whatever brand you prefer)
- Newspapers
- Painters tape
- Spray paint - a rusty metal primer
- Spray paint - in colors
Colors I used:
- Hunter Green - Rustoleum Gloss Protective Enamel #7738
- Canvas White - Rustoleum Gloss Protective Enamel #7789
- Primer- Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer #7769
- I used less than one can of primer, one full can of white and a little over one can of green
I started off by spraying the rusty metal primer on any obviously rusty areas.
This stuff is supposed to stop the existing rust from getting worse, provide two times the rust prevention as just using spray paint alone, and give a good surface for the spray paint to adhere to (I'm no expert on this stuff, I got all that info from their website).
After that dried, I painted two coats of the white-ish color on the legs, arms and insets. I didn't tape anything, just went all willy-nilly on it and sprayed away.
Even sprayed my shoes, but I'd advise skipping that part.
And allowed this to thoroughly dry. Since you will be using tape in the next step, you really want to make sure the paint is dried and set, so I let it set for a full 24 hours.
Then I taped off everything that I wanted to stay white.
I used newspaper and tape for the insets.
Make sure you make a super crisp edge with the tape because this will be a very visible part of the chair. Except when your butt is in it, of course.
For the arms and legs I wrapped the cling wrap around most of them and then just taped around the edges.
You could use tape for the entire legs and arms, but get ready to buy stock in a painters tape company, because that's a lot of tape.
As long as you have taped, wrapped and papered off EVERYTHING that you want to stay white, you can now just willy-nilly paint everything else with two coats of green.
Things to note. I didn't show you the back, but the back and bottom are just solid green. I was not going to tape off the back and bottom also, and I don't believe it was ever painted that way originally. I was also lazy at that point.
Now, is it just easier to paint the whole darn thing one color and forget about the two-tone look? Sure. But where is the fun in that?
And I think the two tone look is so much more authentic.
BTW, you have no idea how long it took me to take the final photos. I had a visitor who kept photobombing me.
Every time I'd get ready to take the shot, she'd walk through the shot or start sniffing the picnic basket. Or decide to take a nap.
So get out there and paint those chairs! Your dog will love you for it!
Badminton anyone?
Brenda Stone
I have 2 of these chairs and they were originally green and white so your color choices were spot on!
Jan
LOVE what you did! You have given me the courage and confidence to tackle a vintage glider.. i will keep all my fingers and toes crossed that my project will turn out as beautiful as yours did! ?
Melinda
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I picked up the same chair on the side of the road almost done. What year do you think this chair was made???? I took mine completely apart new nuts and bolts Love what you did great job
Pam
I think they're from the 50's. 60's at the latest. I'm in search of one of the matching gliders for my front porch right now 🙂
Karen
Hi, it looks great. I have one that I'm considering doing , but I'm wondering why I don't have to do any sanding. Other sites give that as one of the steps. Much easier not to. Any thoughts on yeah or nay? Thanks.
Pam
I painted that chair almost two years ago and the rust has not poked back through, so I count it as a success 🙂 The Rusty Metal Primer seems to have done its job. I would say it was moderately rusty in spots on the front, but the back of the chair where water might sit was the worst. If you have a chair that is totally rusted, I would say to at least knock off most of the rust with a wire brush or sandpaper before putting the primer on it though. But, yes that primer stuff seems to do what they say it does!
Vickie @ Ranger 911
You did a fabulous job painting your retro chair, Pam! I know all about spray painted shoes....and ankles...and the neighbor's house. 🙂 I love the color you chose since it looks so nice with your other vintage accessories. And it goes well with your dog, too!
Sherry@Back2Vintage
Great choice of colors and great patience! I think your "visitor" must have been exhausted just watching the process!
Shauna@Satori Design for Living
How great are those finds! Love the new look of that chair!
Sarah
Hunter green was exactly the right color, 80's be damned! Nice job.
Paula@SweetPea
Love your vintage things! The change in color for this chair is just perfect. I hope you enjoy many evenings sitting outside in it this summer.
Sarah Krouse
Looks great! And you didn't sand??? If this works for you, I'd love to hear about it. As for now, I've had my fill of labor intensive/toxic (because I never wear a mask) outdoor diy paint projects. I gladly handed my last one over to a powder coating company + was amazed at the price comparison. Since that experience, I have vowed to never spray paint another outdoor metal object. I've gotten lazy...
milwjoyce
I was just quoted $180 to blast and powder coat 1 chair!!
Cynthia Weber
I love the colour choices… they are perfect for that vintage feeling! As always, your styling is beautiful!!! ( even though your patience was tested with the interruptions!)
Heather - New House New Home
I saw your post about the vintage picnic cooler (Target?) - yours is gorgeous!!
Designed Decor
Love the chair! You did a great ob on repainting it!
TARYTERRE
Love the vintage chair. The hunter green really makes it stand out.