How to Repair Outdoor Furniture

Sand aluminum-frame furniture using 100-grit sandpaper, then smooth it further using 220-grit sandpaper. Afterward, you can paint the frame without having to prime it. Simply apply an exterior-grade acrylic enamel paint using a small touch-up brush for nicks and a larger brush for bigger scratches.

Scrub wrought-iron or tubular steel furniture pieces using a wire brush and sandpaper to eliminate rusty spots or chipped paint. Sand until you've reached bare metal. Afterward, you can brush on a metal primer and then apply a coat of exterior enamel paint.

Spray furniture consisting of vinyl straps and slings with a mild all-purpose cleaner such as Fantastik or Formula 409 to remove dirt and mildew. Once you've applied an even layer of the cleaner, swipe it clean with a cloth.

Sand wood furniture with 150- to 220-grit sandpaper, then apply a coat of outdoor varnish or wood preservative. Outdoor furniture made of wood tends to dry and crack. The protective coating will help prevent future weathering problems.

Apply a coat of paint to plastic outdoor furniture that has been scratched or chipped. Krylon Fusion for Plastic is a no-preparation, super-bond paint that works on plastics, dries in 15 minutes or less and is chip-resistant after seven days.