How Rustoleum Transformed Our Sad Rusty Metal Pergola

This metal pergola structure on our back deck was looking pretty sad. The black had faded to a dusty gray, and there were a lot of corners that were getting rusty.

Honestly, the structure has never been my favorite, but it came with the house when we bought it two years ago. We do appreciate the shade that it gives the deck in the summer time.

I knew we could do better.

We bought two quarts of Rustoleum High Performance enamel paint in Almond. First, my husband did some prepping by lightly sanding the structure and the rusty parts, and then wiping it all down. Then, he got busy painting.

He loves when I sneak in these action shots!

Even after one coat, it looked so much better! But we are firm believers in two coats at all times. So we let it dry overnight and then applied the second coat yesterday.

And wow! What a transformation! The structure went from looking like the same old metal pergolas everyone buys at Costco into something that you would mistake for a new painted wooden structure.

I chose the almond color because I wanted it to blend in with the house's siding. I think it looks amazing!

We put the canopy back up this morning, and it feels as if it instantly cools this spot by ten degrees!

Later this month, we will have our deck guy, Lou, come out to power wash the deck and stain it. We've decided on Navajo White (actually a cream) for all the railings and spindles, and taupe for the floor.

It's going to be wonderful to sit out here in the evenings and watch the fireflies twinkle and the bats swoop over the marsh.

Thanks for visiting the cafe today!