How to paint rusted metal chair legs?

[coleiro]

I have 4 white acrylic chairs with heavy rust on the metal legs. I want the legs to be a white gloss, (water based paint if possible) Can I sand first, apply a primer then paint with a metal suited paint? Will the rust come through? They will be indoor furniture. If anyone can help, please do suggest

[EricL]

Hello @coleiro 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about painting your chair legs.

Before you begin, please be aware that you'll be generating a lot of sanding dust. I recommend covering the furniture in the area with drop sheets and securing them with masking tape to prevent them from getting dusty.

The general steps to prepare the legs are to sand them down with 240grit sandpaper. Your goal is to remove the rust and get a uniform finish on the surface of the steel. Once the surface is free of rust you'll need to wipe the legs with a clean rag and remove all the dust from the legs. I suggest using White Knight Rust Guard 400g Grey SLS Etch Primer Spray Paint to prime the chair legs. Once the primer has cured, I recommend using White Knight 310g White Gloss Rust Guard Epoxy Enamel Spray Paint as topcoat.

My best advice is to spray in left to right motion and not getting too close to the legs to prevent over spraying.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a paint mask when working on your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric