How To Repair Cast-Aluminum Lawn Furniture

By  J. Lang Wood

Things Needed

  • Dish-washing liquid

  • Water

  • Clean cloths

  • Metal file

  • Sandpaper

  • Self-etching primer

  • Paintbrushes

  • Paint to match finish

  • MIG welder

  • Replacement bolts, nuts and washers

Tip

In coastal areas, salt buildup can damage the finish of cast-aluminum furniture. Wash furniture surfaces regularly with a mild soap solution as listed above to remove the white film, according to Tropitone. This will help to keep the original baked-on finish looking its best.

According to PatioIdeasGuide, you should apply an automobile-type wax in liquid spray form to your cast-aluminum furniture yearly to help protect the finish.

You can repair textured paint surfaces with textured paint from your local home improvement center. Use any color of textured paint to provide the base, then color with an untextured topcoat paint to match the surface.

Warning

When dealing with serious structural breaks of seating or tables, you may wish to consult with a local welding or metalworking shop to provide professional welding services for the strongest repair.

Wear proper clothing, gloves and helmet when using welding equipment. Only weld in well-ventilated areas.

...

Cast-aluminum lawn furniture is available in many different styles, colors and functional pieces. You can find manufacturers that offer not only chairs, tables and chaise lounges, but end tables, coffee tables, hutches, bars and other pieces to make your patio entertaining experiences both comfortable and complete. Cast-aluminum furniture is both lightweight and durable, making it a popular choice for homeowners. This furniture will not rust even when left outdoors throughout the year. Unlike plastic lawn furniture, which is difficult to repair, cast-aluminum outdoor furniture can be welded and repainted to give many more years of service.

Step 1

Wash the surface of the cast-aluminum furniture with a solution of ¼ cup of dish-washing liquid to 1 gallon of water. Carefully remove all dirt and film from the furniture, cleaning joints and cracks. Rinse thoroughly. Wipe the furniture dry with a clean cloth.

Step 2

Examine the furniture carefully, paying attention to areas where legs, arms and backs connect to surfaces. Note any missing parts, cracks in welds or missing paint.

Step 3

Replace missing bolts, nuts and washers. These can be found at your local hardware store or home improvement center.

Step 4

Reweld broken welds with a metal inert gas (MIG) welder. Work any breaks with a metal file, clear any residue and reweld. Smooth the new weld with the file and sandpaper to prepare the surface. .

Step 5

Sand spots where paint is worn off, fading or missing. Dust off sanding grit with a clean cloth.

Step 6

Spray on a self-etching primer. Self-etching primer provides a better surface for paint to adhere to aluminum surfaces. Self-etching primer is available at some hardware stores and many auto supply stores. Shield the areas you do not want painted with a piece of cardboard.

Step 7

Repaint any primed area with a matching enamel paint. Lawn furniture manufacturers generally offer repair paints for their customers. If you are unable to determine the manufacturer, you can mix your own enamel paints, matching the color as closely as possible.

Step 8

Allow the new paint to dry for 24 hours before using your lawn furniture.

References

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