Restoring faded cast aluminum patio furniture isn’t as complicated as it might seem. All you need is some basic home supplies and a bit of patience; you’ll be able to get your beloved outdoor furniture back in tip-top shape in no time and make it look brand new!
Even the best cast aluminum patio furniture can become discolored over time as a result of outside exposure. This guide will give you some pointers on how to revive your faded, neglected patio furniture and make it look “like new” again.
In this guide:
- The easy way to restore cast aluminum patio furniture
- The best restoration method
- Step 1: Gather the tools of the trade
- Step 2: Clean it well
- Step 3: Sanding cast aluminum(Optional)
- Step 4: Apply aluminum primer
- Step 5: Painting is mandatory when you have to restore faded cast aluminum patio furniture
- Step 6: Apply aluminum sealer or protectant
- What causes aluminum furniture to fade?
- How to prevent fading of cast aluminum patio furniture?
The easy way to restore cast aluminum patio furniture
Use a commercial aluminum restoration cleaning solution. In general, you will find on the market solutions that are oil-based clear coatings. While they are not the best way to restore your furniture from oxidation, chalk, stains, and fading, they are fairly easy to use. They can rejuvenate your cast aluminum patio furniture and remove most of the dullness.
All you have to do is to clean your furniture, wear gloves, and follow the instructions. They are great for quick fixes, they might restore the original color, and they will protect your furniture.
The best restoration method
This way is the recommended one. I’ve used this procedure for my aluminum window frames and two cast aluminum outdoor chairs. The result was splendid! You can follow these steps to completely renew your cast aluminum patio furniture or fix the dullness of the problematic spots.
So here are some simple steps you can take to restore and maintain it.
Step 1: Gather the tools of the trade
To begin, you’ll need to gather the supplies that you will need to make the restoration job a success. You’ll need a soft clean cloth, sandpapers, primers, paint, sealer, protective goggles, some brushes, and a few other household items such as gloves, mask, soap, water, and maybe vinegar.
Our recommendations:
- Cast aluminum primer: Rust-Oleum 8781502 Stops Rust Aluminum Flat Primer, 32 Fl Oz
The Rustoleum aluminum primer is durable and extremely easy to apply on cast aluminum. - Cast aluminum paint: Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior Satin Paint, 32 Fl Oz
This is the best paint for cast aluminum outdoor furniture. Value for money, low odor, and great adhesion! - Aluminum Sealer: Rust-Oleum 245197 Universal Enamel Spray Paint, 12 Ounce
Affordable and easy to use. - Paint Brushes: Pro Grade – 5 Ea – Paint Brush Set
A set of five affordable and easy-to-hold paint brushes.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Step 2: Clean it well
Cleaning cast aluminum patio furniture is very easy. First, make sure to get rid of any dirt or debris. Give it a good scrub with some soap and warm water and then use a soft-bristle brush to get into any hard-to-reach spots. Once you’re done, rinse it off and give everything a good pat dry with a soft cloth and let it dry completely.
Step 3: Sanding cast aluminum (Optional)
Next, you’ll need to remove any weathered spot that may have formed on your furniture – luckily, this is a fairly easy process! Use sandpaper for metal to scrape off any spots and remove the debris. For the best and even results sand down your entire cast aluminum furniture. Wear your mask, grab sandpaper, and begin sanding the problematic spots.
Note: In our experience, you can skip this step if there aren’t any chalk or rust problems, especially if you don’t have to remove oxidation from cast aluminum patio furniture.
How to sand cast aluminum
Sanding cast aluminum patio furniture is a great way to maintain its lustrous finish and ensure that it stands the test of time. The process is not an overly complicated one, but the steps need to be followed carefully to make sure it is done correctly.
To begin the process of sanding, you will need some coarse to medium-grit sandpaper. Begin sanding it using sandpaper.
It is important to be patient and thorough when sanding cast aluminum as it can be easy to damage the surface. Move the sandpaper also in a cross-hatch pattern, sanding with the grain of the metal at first and then perpendicular to the grain, making sure to keep the sandpaper moving consistently and smoothly. Be sure to keep the sandpaper level with the surface so that you don’t create visible scratches or gouges in the metal.
Once you have removed the top layer of oxidization and other residues from the aluminum, it’s time to move on to the finer grit sandpaper. Here you will be able to create a smooth and even finish that will look great and stand the test of time. Again, use the sandpaper in a cross-hatch pattern and keep the sandpaper and tool level with the aluminum throughout the process.
Once you have finished sanding the aluminum patio furniture with the finer grit sandpaper, wipe off any residual dust and particles. Do not worry if it becomes dull. Sometimes this is how it is supposed to be after sanding.
Clean your cast aluminum furniture and let it dry well!
Step 4: Apply aluminum primer
Primer is an undercoat and it is absolutely necessary when you have to restore faded cast aluminum patio furniture!!! To apply it, begin by using a small-angled brush and lightly hand-brush the entire surface. Load the brush with a light coat of primer and brush in one direction in a horizontal, or vertical motion. When applying the primer, make sure to avoid any drips or runs to ensure even coverage.
Once the entire surface is lightly coated, switch to a larger paintbrush to fill in the grooves and edges. This will create an even coat of primer and make sure that all of the small details on the aluminum are covered.
Let it dry well. You might need to wait 8 to 24 hours for it to dry before moving on to the actual paint job. Finally, once the primer is dry, you might need to lightly sand the surface with fine-grade sandpaper to make sure the entire surface is even. Make sure to wipe away any dust with a damp cloth and prepare for the next stage of restoration.
Step 5: Painting is mandatory when you have to restore faded cast aluminum patio furniture
Painting faded cast aluminum patio furniture is a great way to give your outdoor area a makeover without spending a fortune. From adding a pop of color to complement your patio furniture to restoring the original metallic luster of your outdoor furniture, this DIY project is the perfect way to breathe new life into your outdoor living space.
Some paints smell really bad and can cause headaches. Make sure to choose an outdoor-safe paint that’s designed for aluminum furniture specifically.
Painting cast aluminum patio furniture isn’t hard! Mix the paint according to the instructions and apply a thin even layer with a paintbrush. For larger surfaces pour a small amount into a clean paint tray and use a foam roller to lightly apply it in even layers.
After the first layer, wait several hours for it to dry, and then repeat the process until you’re satisfied with the coverage. As you apply the paint, be sure to use smooth strokes while avoiding drips and runs. Let it dry well.
If you’re using standard spray paint or specialty paint, you may need to follow the instructions given regarding the amount and method of application.
Step 6: Apply aluminum sealer or protectant
Next, you might need to apply a sealant. Before you begin, check the sealant for compatibility with the metal finish of your furniture. Make sure to use one that’s made for outdoor use, as it will better withstand the tougher environmental conditions.
First of all, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Other than that: Once you’ve applied a thin layer of sealant and let it dry, gently wipe away any excess.
What causes aluminum furniture to fade?
When your cast aluminum patio furniture was first purchased, it may have elicited feelings of wonder, admiration, and contentment. The glossy, reflective surface seemed to light up and add sophisticated refinement to your outdoor area. Unfortunately, over time and after being exposed to the elements, your furniture may begin to exhibit problems. One of the most common is that it could start to fade.
There are several factors that can cause fading, including oxidation, poor-quality powder coatings, UV rays, and the wrong kind of cleaning products.
Oxidation
The main reason why cast aluminum patio furniture fades is that, when exposed to nature, the exposed metal surface is subject to oxidation. This can happen because, when moisture interacts with the aluminum and oxygen in the air, it leads to a chemical reaction in that film deposits and breaks down the protective coating of the metal, which results in a dull and faded surface.
Crappy coatings
Another thing that could be causing it to become faded is the fact that the pigment in the powder coating finish may be slowly deteriorating. This is because some powder coatings are not always as durable as others.
Ultraviolet rays
In addition to oxidation and poor quality of the powder coating, your cast aluminum outdoor furniture may also be fading due to UV rays from the sun. Ultraviolet rays are silently destroying the finish of your furniture, causing it to go from glossy to dull.
Wrong cleaning products
Lastly, it is possible that the cleaning products you are using to maintain your furniture could make it look faded. Harsh chemicals can strip away the protective sealant of the furniture and make it look dull and worn. Recently we published a guide about how to clean cast aluminum outdoor furniture in the proper way.
How to prevent fading of cast aluminum patio furniture?
If you want your outdoor furniture to last and keep its beautiful color and gloss, it is important to be aware of what can contribute to its fading, as well as take preventive measures to protect it.
Regular maintenance, proper storage, and the right products can all play a role in keeping the color of your cast aluminum furniture looking vibrant.
Cover it when you are not using it
One way to help prevent your cast aluminum patio furniture from fading over time is to store it in a covered space when not in use. This can help protect your furniture from UV rays, rain, and other elements which can damage it over time.
If you don’t have a storage space, another option is to buy a protective patio cover for your furniture. That way, your furniture is protected even when you’re not around.
You may want to consider adding some stylish umbrellas or outdoor canopies to your outdoor area or just make sure that your furniture is in a shaded area during the hottest part of the day.
Clean and wax it
It’s also important to keep your cast aluminum patio furniture clean. Depending on where you live and what type of climate you are in, you’ll want to clean and wax your furniture on a regular basis. This will help protect it from the elements and keep it looking like new.
There are also a variety of products that can help to protect your cast aluminum patio furniture from getting damaged by the elements. Paint sealers and clear coatings, for example, can help to seal the finish of your furniture and protect it from the sun, rain, and other elements. It is important to read the labels and look for products specifically designed for cast aluminum furniture.
In sum
With just a few simple steps, you can restore your cast aluminum patio furniture to its former glory. Just like that, it is ready to make a statement! With the right prep, primer, paint, sealant, and a bit of time, you’ll be able to enjoy your furniture for many summers to come!
