- Brass-bristled brush (notice the picture above: do not purchase this particular brush, it fell apart in less than 10 minutes)
- 3M Pro Grade sandpaper in 80 and 220 grit
- FrogTape or other painters’ tape
- Nitrile gloves (not latex – they will disintegrate!)
- Sherwin Williams “Controls Rust” spray paint
- RustOleum spray paint nozzle
- Wiping cloths
- Minwax Gel Stain
- Minwax Water-based Polycrylic Protective Finish
1. Hose off and wash bench with gentle detergent
2. Use brass bristle brush to scrape off as much rust and residue as possible from the metal areas
3. After everything is dry, tape off all wood with FrogTape (or any painter’s tape)
4. Spray paint all metal areas (at least 2 coats – spraying lightly so it doesn’t drip or bubble). I used the RustOleum nozzle, which really makes spraying easier
5. When paint is completely dry, remove painter’s tape
6. Sand wood, first with 80 grit sandpaper. Clean off dust and finish with 220 grit sandpaper
7. Use wiping cloths to apply stain to the wood, in as many coats necessary to get the color you like. I used Minwax gel stain, which is thicker and was easier for me to coat the narrow slats of the bench.
8. Using a synthetic paint brush, apply water-based Polycrylic. This step takes the longest and required patience to allow each coat to dry completely.
Anonymous says
I have some old deck furniture that could use the same treatment. Thanks for the inspiration!
Rebecca says
I have some benches that I need to redo. This will be perfect for getting started on them!