Vintage Metal Glider - Refinishing That Old-Fashioned Gliding Wonder

If you have never refinished a vintage metal glider, I can tell you that it requires some work and a little patience and you will end up with a beautiful glider.

Before we begin, let me tell you that you must work in a safe manner, use proper ventilation, and always use safety equipment including protective clothing and a suitable mask. You are responsible for your own safety.

Removing The Paint

To do a really good job, all paint must be removed from the metal. An old outdoor glider will usually have been repainted several times, so you will have several coats of paint to remove. There are several methods you can use:

1) Paint Stripper is one method. Different brands have different formulas so it is important to follow the instructions on the can. Basically, paint stripper will soften the paint so you can scrape it off. You must be prepared with a receptacle for the soften paint. This can be messy but if you are organized and work in a pattern you should not have much trouble. Make further applications as necessary to sure you remove all the paint. Use further steps as instructed in the product directions on the can. Dispose of the removed paint according to local waste disposal guidelines.

2) Sanding is another method. Using a grinding sander and coarse sand paper, use light pressure and sand away the paint. Using light pressure is important because you can sand through the metal, especially the bottom apron area. Rust might have taken hold so take it very easy. Sand the entire glider as much as possible.

You will not be able to get into the corners and crevasses with a standard sander pad. So, when you are finished with the standard pad, switch to a sanding wheel which will allow you to get into crevasses. When you are complete, dust off the glider very well using some mineral spirits.

Priming

It should take about 10 cans of spray gray primer. Using a constantly moving motion, spray the entire glider with the primer. Make sure all areas are well covered.

Make sure it dries completely before you proceed. This will usually take an hour, longer if you have very high humidity.

Painting

A vintage metal glider will look best with a two-tone paint job. You will need:

2 rolls of masking tape,
About 10 cans of the primary color spray paint (the outer areas),
About 5 cans of secondary color spray paint (the inner areas), and
About 4 cans of clear spray coating.

Mask off the inner areas of the outdoor glider, and then spray paint the outer areas with the primary color. Remove the masking tape immediately to prevent chipping.

Allow the paint to completely dry.

Mask off the outer areas allowing a little lap over, and then spray paint the inner areas with the secondary color. Remove the masking tape immediately to prevent chipping.

Allow the paint to completely dry.

Then spray the clear coating on the entire glider. Use three coats of clear coating to give a rich look.

Allow the paint to completely dry.

You are now finished. You now have a beautiful newly painted metal porch glider.