To paint or not

[Fastass350]

I like the natural used look myself like the top pic. If you are worried about it lasting you can always clear coat it or have it powder coated clear?

[lokidog]

The first picture looks like trash. The second looks like someone cares.

I'm sort of in agreement with this, though I would not quite go as far as calling it trash. 

[JJB11B]

So i have an old John Deere hay rake that i am going to use in a landscape feature and was thinking of painting it but not sure if i should or not.
Wonder what some of the members think?

I have various other vintage farm implements around my place that are not painted and i am not sure i will paint those. (John Deere grain seed drill, John Deere cultivator, hay tedder that i am not sure of manufacture and some small spring tooth cultivators of unknown manufacture)

Top pic is what it looks like now and bottom pic would be painted

if you pulled it out of the weeds and placed it where it can be seen it would look nicer, I love the antiqued look. Unless you're into restoring farm equipment and old tractors and such I would say pull it out and place it neatly where it is to be displayed then make up your mind. My vote is to leave it antiqued

[runamuk]

Depends on your landscaping and where you put it. If it will be close to the house and you have that perfectly manicured yard then, insay it demands a paint job. If its out in the yard and will have wild flowers growing all under it or something like that, I'd leave it.

My opinion aligns with this.   

The overall design and the aesthetic you are trying to create will dictate.

Personally I love old rusty implements and trucks with flowering vines and wildflowers.

[Firedogg]

Depends on your landscaping and where you put it. If it will be close to the house and you have that perfectly manicured yard then, insay it demands a paint job. If its out in the yard and will have wild flowers growing all under it or something like that, I'd leave it.

My opinion aligns with this.   

 

My thoughts too.

The overall design and the aesthetic you are trying to create will dictate.

Personally I love old rusty implements and trucks with flowering vines and wildflowers.

[boneaddict]

Original looks best IMO.  Also devalues it if you care

[Alchase]

I would either leave as is or spray a clear coating rust protector on it as is.
love stuff like this!

[jay.sharkbait]

I would leave it.

The chair isn't period correct though.