How to Refinish Patio Chairs

Sand the surface. Use a medium-grade sandpaper to sand off all previous paint or finish and smooth out any imperfections on all surfaces of the chair, including underneath and between slats. If you have a sander, the process will go much quicker, but you still may need to sand crevices and corners by hand.

Clean off any dust or debris from the chair. Wipe down all surfaces with a damp rag, or use an air compressor to blow the dust off.

Apply a primer or sealer depending on the type of wood. Soft woods, like oak, require a sealing before painting. Other wood varieties, such as teak and cedar, require a primer. Allow it to dry the amount of time indicated on the product can.

Paint the chairs with an acrylic latex-based paint. Paint the chairs in an open, well-ventilated area. Apply the first coat and allow the chair to dry. Apply a second coat if necessary. You can apply a coat of sealant over the last coat of paint if you like. Some paints have a sealant mixed into the paint. Sealant helps protect the paint and gives the furniture a glossy shine.