Cast aluminum patio furniture is one of the most durable outdoor furniture as it can last a lifetime. However, they might start wearing off over the cause of use due to being exposed to weather elements. The paint on your aluminum garden furniture can start peeling, and knowing how to touch it up can improve its durability.
Compared to other furniture in the home, this furniture is usually put out on display and used the most, making it vulnerable to wear and tear. For this reason, cast aluminum garden furniture requires some touch-up paint and maintenance now and then to keep it looking new for a long time to come.
You can touch up scratches, nicks, and scraps as a form of maintenance or repaint your cast aluminum furniture to give it a new color, thus changing the whole design of the outdoor living space. Below is the following step to touch up your aluminum patio furniture, so it lasts for many years.
How to touch up cast aluminum patio furniture
When furniture is scratched or dinged, the damage isn’t always visible to the naked eye—it’s usually hidden under layers of paint or other coatings that have chipped off over time. If you don’t touch it up soon, that hidden damage will oxidate.
The corrosion that sets in slowly will eventually destroy your furniture before you know it. Touch-up paint for cast aluminum garden or patio furniture is easy to apply and makes a world of difference in how your furniture looks. Just follow these steps:
- Clean the surface thoroughly. Make sure you remove any dirt or grime and dry it well before moving on.
- Apply the paint using an appropriate touch-up marker, paint sprayer, or paintbrush to apply the paint to the area you are working on. Use a small paintbrush if needed for detailed work.
- After applying paint, use a small cloth to buff out excess paint and reveal an even surface color.
You can also check out our review of the best outdoor sofa sets for the outdoor living area.
Touch up paint for cast aluminum patio furniture
Now you know how to touch up your cast patio furniture, but which paint will you use for this little maintenance act. There are many paints in the market, and buying five litter paint is wasteful. Below is one of the best touch-up paint you can use to revamp your cast aluminum patio furniture.
Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Spray Paint
The Rust-Oleum is suitable for wood and metal and available in various colors. This paint possesses an oil-based formula to provide excellent protection and a protective and durable coating.
This paint can cover up to 15 sq ft and dries to touch in two to four hours. Excellent abrasion resistance, fading, and chipping make it s one of the best. Also, its satin finish will give your furniture a low-sheen look and makes it appealing.
How to paint or refinish cast aluminum outdoor furniture
Cast aluminum furniture is the perfect addition to an outdoor space. Not only does it look great, but it can also help to add value to a home. It’s durable and doesn’t rust. But over time, it can lose its luster. Luckily, painting cast aluminum is a simple DIY project that will make your furniture look brand-new again.
You will first need a few supplies and tools to paint cast aluminum furniture. You will need sandpaper, a drop cloth, a water-filled spray bottle, rubber gloves (with powder-free latex), and two or three clean rags.
Cast aluminum furniture is usually filthy after sitting outside for years, so you will also want to purchase some special degreaser and steel wool. Finally, you will need paint and primer made for outdoor use. Tired of cringing at your faded cast aluminum outdoor furniture?
You don’t have to live with the embarrassment anymore! Just follow these easy steps to refinishing those pieces of furniture so that they’re like new again:
- Remove loose paint. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to get rid of loose paint.
- Sand down the entire piece of furniture. It doesn’t have to be super smooth; you want to roughen up the surface a bit so that the paint will stick properly.
- Clean it off with soap and water, then spray on the primer. Using an oil-based primer is ideal and ensures you let it dry thoroughly.
- Apply your first coat of paint in a thin layer. You can do this by spraying on the paint or by brushing it on, but the spray is best because it gives you a smooth finish without brushstrokes. Let this coat dry for about 15 minutes before applying another light coat of paint, if needed.
- Add your second coat and let dry thoroughly. At this stage, you’ll get that glossy look you want.
Can you spray paint cast aluminum?
Yes, you can spray paint cast aluminum. However, before you begin the painting process, you need to clean the cast aluminum surface thoroughly. If there is dust or grease on the surface, the spray paint won’t stick.
This may require a little elbow grease, but it will be well worth it once you see how your shiny new finish looks. After cleaning the cast aluminum surface with soap and water, you’ll want to use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand down any rough edges. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and evenly.
Once you have prepped your cast aluminum surface, you can apply a spray primer. This will help your finished product last longer without showing signs of wear and tear.
After the primer has dried, usually an hour or two, apply 2-3 thin coats of spray paint in the color of your choosing, allowing 12 hours of drying time between each coat. Once all coats are dry, apply a clear protective sealant like polyurethane over the painted area to give it an extra layer of protection against scratches and scuffs.
Does cast-aluminum rust
Aluminum does not rust, but it does corrode. Cast aluminum is aluminum that has been heated and poured into a mold. It is used in many products, including everyday items like pots, pans, and automotive parts.
Cast aluminum is an alloy made by combining aluminum with silicon and copper. Aluminum itself does not oxidize or rust, so this combination leads to a robust and durable product that will last for years.
Rusting is a chemical process that requires iron and water to produce iron oxide, also called rust. Aluminum does not contain iron, so it cannot produce rust. However, it does oxidize when exposed to oxygen for an extended period.
When exposed to air, the top layer of aluminum undergoes oxidation, which forms a very thin, inert layer of aluminum oxide on the surface of the metal. This layer protects the underlying aluminum from corrosion.
Because this corrosion layer is so thin and stable, cast aluminum parts are generally not coated or painted unless they are very decorative in nature (for example, pots and pans or outdoor furniture).
While cast aluminum may have a higher initial purchase cost than other materials, it is generally more affordable in the long run because of its durability, strength, and low maintenance needs.
How do you clean cast aluminum patio furniture
Cast aluminum patio furniture is made with the same methods and ingredients as cast iron cookware, and it needs to be cleaned similarly. To clean cast aluminum patio furniture, spray it down with a hose: this will dislodge any dirt that has settled in the grooves. Soak a rag with water and vinegar and wipe down the surfaces.
Store your furniture in a dry place in between uses, so rain or other moisture doesn’t get into the crevices.
This is a good way to clean your patio furniture if you don’t have the time or resources to take it apart and thoroughly clean each piece individually.
How to care for cast aluminum patio furniture
Cast aluminum patio furniture is a popular choice for outdoor spaces in the summer. It’s durable, stylish, and can be both a place to sit and a work of art.
The best way to care for cast aluminum patio furniture is to keep it in a well-ventilated area. Aluminum oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen, so if you leave your furniture outside all year round, it will become more brittle and corroded.
Isolate your cast aluminum patio furniture from the elements by keeping it under an overhang, inside a shed, or on a covered porch. Cast aluminum patio furniture is solid and durable. You can leave your pieces outside for extended periods without damaging them, making them ideal for year-round use.
However, the patina of your cast aluminum patio furniture will fade if you leave it out in direct sunlight too long. To prevent this from happening, cover your chairs with a waterproof tarp when they are not in use.
Avoid using abrasive chemicals or household cleaners when cleaning your cast aluminum patio furniture. These will scratch the surface of your pieces and will not remove rust or other debris as effectively as mild detergents do.
How to clean oxidized cast aluminum patio furniture
Aluminum patio furniture is a great investment for several reasons: it’s durable, lightweight, and doesn’t rust. Of course, nothing is perfect. Aluminum oxidizes over time, and this oxidation can make your furniture look dirty, dingy, or discolored. Luckily, cleaning cast aluminum patio furniture isn’t complicated; you need the right tools and a little elbow grease.
Here are the steps to clean oxidized cast aluminum patio furniture:
- Gather your supplies: The first step to any job is gathering the necessary supplies:
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Sponge or scrub brush
- Soft cloths (at least three)
- Lemon juice or vinegar (optional)
- Apply dish soap to your furniture: Mix dish soap with warm water in a bucket or sink. Dip your sponge into the soapy water and use it to apply the mixture to your furniture. Rub the sponge gently over all areas of the chair or table you wish to clean. Rinse off excess soap with fresh water after applying it to all of your furniture pieces.
- Scrub away stains and oxidation marks with baking soda paste
- Dry the surface of your furniture thoroughly with paper towels or a clean towel before applying beeswax to prevent future oxidation.
- If there are still stubborn stains that won’t go away, try repeating the process, paying special attention to the spots that are resisting the efforts of your gentler scrubbing techniques.
How to clean powder-coated aluminum patio furniture
Powder-coated aluminum patio furniture is a great choice for outdoor seating, but it requires routine maintenance to keep it looking beautiful. Luckily, all the care you need should take less than an hour, and you only have to do it once or twice a year.
- Start by mixing 1 gallon of water in a bucket with four tablespoons of liquid dish soap. Gently mix the water and soap until they are combined.
- Use a soft-bristle brush and soapy water to scrub all furniture surfaces. Use gentle circular motions, and make sure to get into any cracks, crevices, or creases on your furniture’s surface. Rinse your brush clean in the bucket between scrubbing each piece of furniture.
- Rinse the entire piece of furniture using your hose’s sprayer attachment until all soapy residue is gone.
- Let your furniture air dry completely before use.
