SHINE: Give outdoor furniture a winter gloss with water-based anti-rust paint. Images supplied Paint Quality Institute

WHEN the rain is falling and chilly winds are blowing through the backyard, it’s the perfect time to attack those tasks that missed being ticked off the to-do list in the relaxing summer months. Steel garden furniture and gates may be in desperate need of a lick of paint before they rust into oblivion and, with new paint technology, it’s possible to do the job with water-based paint systems.

These fight rust and protect metal surfaces, including bare steel, and are ideal for protecting a wide range of metal surfaces around the home, such as outdoor furniture, wrought iron gates and fences, and metal sheeting.

The great thing is they are much easier to use than solvent-based paints that have traditionally been used to protect metal surfaces. The new systems usually consist of an anti-corrosive metal primer and highly durable gloss topcoat.

They use cross-linking acrylic technology, which forms a tight network within the layers of paint and provides excellent resistance to moisture. Anything that reduces the workload is a bonus for do-it-yourself enthusiasts, and a big advantage of using the water-based paint systems is that brushes and rollers are easily washed in water.

Drying times are faster, but in cold conditions allow for longer drying times than indicated on the paint can’s label. It doesn’t pay to rush into a second coat before the first is completely dry.

Don’t start painting if the air temperature or surface temperature will drop below 10 degrees Celsius during painting or drying periods. If the temperature inside a garage or garden shed is particularly chilly and there’s no heating, then delay painting until a slightly warmer day.

PROTECTED: Steel gates will look good for years with the right paint care.

Water-based paints have a low odour, which means the family won’t complain so much if the garden furniture is painted in the garage during bad weather. There is also excellent gloss retention, even when exposed to harsh sunlight.

Top coats can be colour matched to other colours in the home, creating a continuous flow from indoors to out. The next time painting fanatics want to freshen up outdoor metal furniture or paint a wrought iron gate, they should talk to a paint retailer about the latest water-based anti-rust systems. They’re easier to use, more environmentally friendly and provide great protection against corrosion.

For a virtual encyclopedia of reliable, brand-neutral advice on painting and decorating, visit www.paintquality.co.nz.