Transformation cost: $23
These two chairs with footstools were curbside in a friend’s neighborhood when she texted me a photo. The conversation (which she started at 9:00 a.m.) went like this:
I justified my weak willpower by thinking I might keep these chairs for my own patio. However when I looked into buying cushions for them it looked cost prohibitive. Fortunately my dear friend Lori did a better job of finding affordable upholstery and claimed them for herself.
I began by having my husband assess the state of the furniture. A few swift kicks confirmed that, despite the rust spots, it was all still structurally sound. Using a chisel and various wire brushes I removed all the loose coating & rust.
After cleaning everything with a weak solution of soap and water I applied a coat of Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer to the spots where there had been rust.
Already the rust spots were starting to look a lot better. (Top right: original, bottom right: after being scraped and brushed, left: after painting with Rust Reformer).
The finishing touch was to add several coats of Rust-Oleum flat black enamel.
Transforming Trash 