Some types of metal furniture look best painted, while others are better left all natural. For lightweight aluminum furniture, such as the webbed folding chair described in <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_118753_repair-chair-straps.html" target="_top">How to Repair Chair Straps and Webbing</a>, here's how to revitalize the metal and bring out its shine. For the sturdier metal furniture often found in patio sets, you can take years off its appearance with a brand-new paint job.

Use a stiff wire brush to remove any loose rust.

Wearing rubber gloves, scrub around the frame with a nonabrasive scouring pad dipped in kerosene or a commercial aluminum brightener. Take care to keep the liquid off straps and webbing, as it could stain them.

Rinse the frame with warm water, and dry well with a cloth rag.

To help prevent corrosion and add shine, you can wipe on a very light coat of car wax with a cloth rag.

Scrub off any loose paint or rust with a stiff wire brush.

Abrade the entire surface of the piece with 180-grit aluminum-oxide sandpaper. This will provide a better surface for the paint to stick to.

Cover the area under the piece with a drop cloth. If you're planning to use a spray paint, make sure that all nearby areas-- particularly walls and plantings--are also covered.

Apply a metal primer, either the brush-on or spray variety; let dry.

Brush or spray on the new enamel paint; let dry. If you are making a drastic change in color, or if it is recommended on the label, apply a second coat.