How to Refinish Patio Furniture

Whether your patio furniture is wood or metal, refinishing old, worn patio furniture is typically cheaper than replacing it. Refinishing patio furniture is a particularly good option for someone who loves their current furniture, but does not like the way it has been looking lately. Sometimes simply changing the cushions to update the look is not quite enough. Read on to learn what to do next.

Sandpaper
Wire brush
Rags
Drop cloths
Rust remover (if your furniture is metal)
Chemical paint stripper (optional, use only if your wood furniture is painted and you wish to convert it to a stained piece)
Paint brushes (if you do not plan to use metal spray paint)
Dish soap
Water
Scrub brush
Metal or wood primer (dependent on what type of furniture you have)
Stain or paint appropriate for your furniture (ask your paint store for a recommendation)

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all cushions, rubber leg tips and anything else that is not part of the bare-bones furniture.
- 2
  Thoroughly clean your patio furniture with soap, water and a scrub brush. Use the garden hose to rinse everything thoroughly. Let all the pieces dry.
- 3
  Use sandpaper and the wire brush to remove all loose, peeling paint or finish.
- 4
  Use the rust remover to remove any rust spots on metal furniture that does not come off with Step 3.
- 5
  Use the paint stripper only if your furniture has paint and you'd like to remove the paint in order to stain the item. Follow all directions on the stripper carefully. This is a nasty chemical.
- 6
  Use a paint brush (or spray primer) to prime all metal or wood furniture that will be painted.
- 7
  Use the paint brush to paint or stain your furniture at this time. Apply 2 coats, with 24 hours drying time between them. Allow the final coat to dry for 24 hours before moving on to step eight.
- 8
  Apply any recommended top coat, such as polyurethane, at this time. Metal paint may not require this step, but wood paint may, and wood stain definitely will. Have your paint store help you make an appropriate choice regarding this top coat.
- 9
  Allow all furniture to dry for at least two days before using.

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