How to Repair Cast-Aluminum Lawn Furniture

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.

Dish-washing liquid
Water
Clean cloths
Metal file
Sandpaper
Self-etching primer
Paintbrushes
Paint to match finish
MIG welder
Replacement bolts, nuts and washers

Instructions

- 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.
- 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.
- 3
  Replace missing bolts, nuts and washers. These can be found at your local hardware store or home improvement center.
- 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. .
- 5
  Sand spots where paint is worn off, fading or missing. Dust off sanding grit with a clean cloth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 8
  Allow the new paint to dry for 24 hours before using your lawn furniture.

How to Preserve Cypress Furniture

How to Make a Wood Patio Swing

Patio Furniture