Repainting Patio Furniture

Spring is right around the corner and that means you'll be spending more time outside enjoying the longer days and warm evenings. Now is the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor living space by giving your patio furniture a fresh coat of paint.

Patio or garden furniture usually consists of a table with four to six chairs, an umbrella and a chaise lounge. These pieces can represent a significant investment in the outdoor look of your home. As patio furniture sits outside exposed to the elements, the painted finish may begin to peel, crack, fade or chip away. When you repaint your patio furniture, you will ensure these furniture items enhance your garden for years to come.

Before you begin your repainting project, cover the area where you will be working with a drop cloth or newspapers to prevent damage from spills. Wear a painter’s mask and safety goggles to prevent exposure to your lungs or eyes during the following steps.

 

• Mix 1 tbsp. of dish detergent in a bucket of warm water. Use a rag to wipe the surfaces of your patio furniture, allowing the surface to dry before moving on to the next step.
• Use a small magnet to test the metal for rust. If the magnet will not stick to the metal, there is likely quite a bit of rust damage. You may still repaint this area, but you must be careful not to dent or crush it while cleaning and repainting the rest of the furniture.If you find areas that can easily be repaired and still carry a magnetic charge, scrub the area lightly with a rust remover chemical or sandpaper before moving on to the next step.
• Use steel wool to scrub the remaining paint off the metal of the furniture. Give special attention to creases and joints in the metal.
• Apply the primer. Pick a primer with rust inhibitor to help prevent additional rust damage. Follow the directions on the spray can to apply the primer correctly. Allow the primer coat to dry for several hours before moving on to the next step.
• Apply the final exterior paint coat to your furniture. Check your furniture for runs by using the sponge brush to brush away drips before they dry into permanent blemishes. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours.
• If you choose, you may paint the furniture with a clear gloss coat. This step is optional.

Additional Tips

• Make sure you check your spray paint cans for a recycling symbol, and recycle where possible.
• Follow proper city or rural ordinances for disposing of other used painting supplies.
• Wear a painter's mask while applying chemicals or paint to avoid breathing in toxic fumes. Use safety goggles while applying chemicals, sanding or applying paint. Always follow directions on the can of spray paint. Read and understand them before attempting to paint your furniture.

Article originally posted on ehow.com