How to Refurbish Aluminum Patio Furniture

Clean the aluminum to remove layers of dirt and grime, especially in the case of aluminum yard furniture. Fill a large bucket halfway with warm water. Add 1 to 2 capfuls of gentle liquid soap, the kind used for washing dishes. Put on protective gloves, and dip a scrubbing brush into the bucket.

Get the water soapy by mixing it with a stick or by hand, and put soap lather onto the scrubbing brush. Scrub the aluminum furniture thoroughly, applying pressure where needed to remove stubborn dirt. Repeat if necessary, and rinse with a garden hose. Let the furniture dry.

With a soft cloth or lamb's wool mitt, apply automobile wax the aluminum furniture, using enough wax to coat any pits in the aluminum and shine the surface. Let the wax sit on the furniture for several minutes, and then buff the aluminum with a clean, dry cloth.

Use steel wool for refurbishing the aluminum patio furniture. Place dish-washing detergent on steel wool, and scrub the furniture. When the surface begins to shine, remove the soap with a garden hose, and let the aluminum dry.

Use a mildew resistant paint made for aluminum furniture. Prime the surface of aluminum furniture with an oil-based primer. Choose a primer color that most resembles the color of the paint that is being applied to the aluminum furniture. Mix 1 quart of paint thinner to 1 gallon of primer. Apply the primer onto the aluminum furniture using an airless sprayer or paintbrush. Let it dry overnight.

Lightly sand the primer with 150 grit sandpaper, so the paint has better adhesion to the surface of the primer and aluminum. Choose acrylic paint for aluminum, because it will not bubble as it dries at the surface, and is best suited for this type of metal. Choose a low luster or satin paint. Use an airless sprayer to give the surface of aluminum a smooth look, or use a paint roller. If using a paint roller, apply two to three coats, letting each coat dry fully before applying the next.