Don’t toss those old garden tools. Give rusty metal tools a new look with the help of Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Rust Reformer and spray paint. See how Francois et Moi refinished a rusted trowel and hand rakes using Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Spray Paint in Gloss Hunter Green and Metallic Dark Copper.

Step 1. Remove loose, flaking rust with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe down with a lint-free cloth. Clean the tools with soap and water, rinse and let dry.

Step 2. Apply Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer to the instantly convert the tool’s rusted metal to a paintable surface and prevent rust in the future. Shake the can for one minute after the mixing ball begins to rattle. Hold can upright 10-16" from the surface and spray in a steady, back-and-forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke. The applied surface will turn black. One coat is recommended. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

Step 3. Cover the dry Rust Reformer with Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Spray Paint in the color of your choice. If painting the tools with multiple spray paint colors, use painter’s tape to cover the area you don’t want to paint the first color. Shake the Stops Rust spray paint can for one minute, then hold the can 10-16” from the surface and spray in a steady, back-and-forth motion. Apply multiple coats of spray paint a few minutes apart. Allow the paint to completely dry before removing the painter’s tape.

Step 4. Tape off the painted part of the tool and apply the second color of spray paint to the unpainted area, following the steps above. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before using the tool.