Re painting metal bistro garden set

Agree with Pinkrinse, try a jet washer.
We used a Karcher jet wash on our flaking iron downpipe then coated it with Hammerite.

Very effective though very messy! But mess can be cleared up.

My daughter in law spray painted a small garden table and chairs so I thought I'd do ours - only our table is considerably larger and has 6 chairs. I spray painted with gusto, then decided to also paint a small garden table and 2 matching chairs. My forefinger was stiff that evening and rather sore. This was pre Covid. My finger is still grossly swollen so I can no longer bend it properly......Spray paint with caution 😬

Rust remover (I like Rustins) and then hammerite

If you have a karcher that will remove the flaky paint.

If you fancy sandblasting ask around you never know who has one then all it will cost is the sand
And a bottle of something
We did that then got our own when found how easy it was On stone not tried metal but a chair we found in our undergrowth is waiting for my attention

All good ideas here, I suppose. But if it is intricate metalwork the time, effort and expense… is it really worth it? You’ll be making a mess in the meantime till it’s done.

Unless you do a proper job of removing all old layers first you may not be happy with the patched up job.

We all know nothing in today’s market is built to last like the goods from old days (built like a brick sh!+house, as the saying goes) so if the metalwork is iron and really solid (you can always replace cushions) maybe hanging on to it is the solution. A professional would do it justice and you may have it for years to come.

(Store it or cover it every winter!)

I have to tackle a wrought iron fence that separates two parts of our garden when the weather gets better. I’ll go over it with a wire brush and then apply matt hammerite. I don’t like the fence but don’t want to go to the expense of getting a new one fitted. Last time DH did it, it took him days, but he was happy doing that sort of thing.

There is something very satisfying about bringing life back to old, treasured things. So I hope you won't dispose of your bistro set. Perhaps you would put a photo on Gransnet if you decide to restore it.

I too assume it is best to clear all rust and flaky paint off carefully with a wire brush either an old-fashioned one, or an attachtment for an electric screwdriver.

Then paint outside on a dry, windless day, either with car paint or Hammerlite.

If forced to work indoors by rain or cold weather remember to wear a mask that fumes cannot penetrate, and while sanding either indoors or out protective glasses.

I have a set over in France I use a wire brush to get any bits off wipe it all down and then use Hammerite metal paint. It takes time but worth it and look like new.

To be fair I’d take it to a car shop and get it sandblaster back to the metal, possibly not the cheapest way, but it will give you the best finish

Aluminium sets don’t last indefinitely either though Dempie, and once the paint flakes off you can’t sand them down and repaint them, like you can with iron ones. I know, because mine has now become what you’d call shabby chic if you were being kind.

Bin it and spend your money on an all weather aluminium set from Lazy Susan!

I agree with DH I think. Leave it for the scrap collector. Take a photo of it before you part with it and frame that. Then buy a new one. Things are just that - things! You'll always have your cherished memories in your head and heart even if you replace it. When my mother died I had so many "sentimental" things of hers and her ancestors that were so difficult to part with. But I photographed them all. My love for the things she cherished is intrinsic in them.

Light sand and spray with hammerite or similar , it’ll look a treat

I wire brush mine then use spray to paint them I’ve even used BBQ spray whatever on offer I do it every year for a different colour change i cover mine over winter

I've never used spray paint. I am clumsy! Any further tips about preparation, please? Clothing? Goggles? Stray paint?

I used a wire brush to loosen the rusty bits on my chimnea then I used rustoleum stove and bbq spray paint (specially made for high temps) It worked so well I tried it on the legs of my metal garden chairs and it worked great. You do have to keep shaking the can and the nozzle gets quite tiring on your thumb but it was a fine matt black finish and looks far better than I imagined.

Car spray paint.

Sand blasting would clear all the rust and paint, not sure what it costs these days though. Then you have a lovely clean surface to paint it with whatever you find best.

I bought Hammerite paint that said to use straight on top of rust no need to do anything else first and I've used it again this year, chairs look great.

Hammeritewill work miracles- but make sure your surface is well prepared beforehand.

I’d use cans of spray paint much easier.

Wire brush and Hammerite for me!

My husband uses brake fluid to remove the old paint. just brush it on and leave for a few minutes then use a wire brush to remove paint. Comes off really easily.