How To Paint Outdoor Aluminum Furniture
If you notice your aluminum patio furniture has faded, or you tire of the color, you don't have to discard it. Aluminum furniture tends to last longer than iron, plastic or wood, since it doesn't rust or crack. However, after much exposure to the elements, it can fade. Create a focal point and revive the furniture by giving it a new coat of pain by following these tips.
Prepare to Work
To paint the aluminum furniture, gather:
- work gloves
- rags or old T-shirts
- degreaser
- essential lemon oil and baking soda (optional)
- thick plastic brush
- garden hose or bucket
- drop cloths or plastic
- painter's tape
- 120-grit sandpaper
- paint brushes
- galvanized self-etching spray primer or epoxy primer
- polyurethane paint or acrylic spray enamel
Detach cushions or accessories from the piece. Move the furniture on drop cloths or plastic on a flat surface, such as a work table or plastic folding table. If you work inside a garage, ensure it is well-ventilated.
Clean and Sand
Sand the surface with 120-grit sandpaper to remove the sheen and old paint, so paint will adhere better. You may also sand with a rotary tool.
Coat the area with degreaser, and use the brush to scrub the surface. Rinse the furniture using a bucket of water or hose, and let it dry.
Trisodium phosphate, mineral spirits, and ammonia are powerful degreasers, but don't let them touch your skin. Make your own natural degreaser from twenty drops of essential lemon oil, a tablespoon and a tablespoon of baking soda in two cups of warm water.
Prime and Paint
If the furniture is in good condition, priming may not be needed. Otherwise, skipping the primer could cause paint peeling or the paint not sticking well to the surface. If you spray paint and prime, it is better to work outdoors, and take breaks anytime you feel dizzy.
Lay painter's tape around areas of the piece you don't want to paint. Brush a coat of primer on the surface, let it dry, then add another layer if needed. Applying thick layers will result in drips.
Spray paint is more suitable for small pieces, since it gets into the cracks better. If you use spray primer, shake the can for one to two minutes, and spray in a back and forth motion keeping the nozzle six to eight inches from the surface.
Apply the paint in the same manner. It is ideal to test the paint color in a small, hidden section of the furniture. Let the first coat dry for the suggested time, and brush or spray on another layer for even results.
Remember, you can always turn to painting services companies if you feel overwhelmed by the scope of the job.