Repaint Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture

Cast aluminum patio furniture is a popular choice for outdoor spaces because it is durable, lightweight, and relatively easy to maintain. However, over time, the finish on cast aluminum furniture can become faded, chipped, or scratched. If you find yourself in this situation, don't despair! With a little time and effort, you can repaint your cast aluminum patio furniture and restore it to its former glory.

Materials You Will Need

TSP cleaner
Soft cloths or sponges
Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
Primer for metal
Exterior-grade paint in your desired color
Paintbrush or roller
Clear coat spray (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean the Furniture

The first step is to clean the furniture thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, dust, or grime that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. To clean the furniture, mix a solution of TSP cleaner and water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the solution to the furniture with a soft cloth or sponge and scrub gently. Rinse the furniture thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely.

2. Sand the Furniture

Once the furniture is clean, you need to sand it to remove any loose paint or rust. Start by sanding the furniture with 120-grit sandpaper. This will remove any large bumps or imperfections. Once you have sanded the furniture with 120-grit sandpaper, switch to 220-grit sandpaper and sand the furniture again. This will smooth out the surface and prepare it for painting.

3. Apply Primer

Before you can paint the furniture, you need to apply a primer. Primer helps the paint to adhere to the furniture and prevents the metal from rusting. To apply primer, use a paintbrush or roller and apply a thin, even coat to the entire surface of the furniture. Allow the primer to dry completely before painting.

4. Paint the Furniture

Now it's time to paint the furniture! Use a paintbrush or roller to apply a thin, even coat of paint to the entire surface of the furniture. Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely before applying a second coat. If you are using a light color, you may need to apply three or more coats of paint to achieve the desired opacity.

5. Apply Clear Coat (Optional)

Once the paint has dried completely, you can apply a clear coat to protect the finish. A clear coat will help to prevent the paint from fading or chipping and will make the furniture more resistant to the elements. To apply a clear coat, use a spray can and apply a thin, even coat to the entire surface of the furniture. Allow the clear coat to dry completely before using the furniture.

Tips

If the furniture is heavily rusted, you may need to use a rust remover before sanding.
Use a high-quality primer and paint designed for metal surfaces.
Apply thin, even coats of paint and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
If you are using a spray can, hold the can about 6 inches away from the surface of the furniture and spray in a sweeping motion.
Allow the clear coat to dry completely before using the furniture.