Painting Outdoor Metal

Q: How can I stop my birdbath from rusting? I love the thing and have spent time sanding and repainting but nothing keeps the corrosion at bay. Any suggestions?

A: It sounds like your birdbath must be made of steel or cast iron, and both require a good, solid coating to prevent rust. The secret to success is surface preparation and product choice. Start by sanding again (I know it's a pain), right down to bare metal. Next, get some Tremclad rust paint in a spray can. There are other brands, but I've never found an alternative that works as well. You could opt for the brush-on formulation, but a spray can yields much better results for small projects like yours. Also, carefully follow any directions pertaining to primers. Apply whatever it says, following everything to the letter. When it comes time to paint, apply at least three coats, then touch up weak spots each spring, before setting the birdbath out again.