Having the best cast aluminum outdoor furniture is an excellent way to make your outdoor get-togethers more cozy and inviting. But how do you keep it looking beautiful and new? Cleaning and painting cast aluminum patio furniture is the answer!
In this article, we’ll give you instructions about the best way to prepare and paint it to make sure it looks stunning and lasts for years to come. It may seem daunting at first glance, but with the right supplies and directions, it’s a surprisingly straightforward task.
Step 1: Choose the best paint for cast aluminum outdoor furniture
When it comes to painting cast aluminum patio furniture, the best choice of paint is important. You want something that will last and look good, especially if your furniture is going to be exposed to the elements. The best way to guarantee you get the right paint is to take into account the material which is aluminum in this case, weather conditions, and the desired color.
Make sure you get paint specifically for the aluminum material you’re working with. In addition, painting over bare metal requires a primer, otherwise, the paint won’t adhere properly and will quickly fade or crack.
Our recommendations:
- Cast aluminum primer: Rust-Oleum 8781502 Stops Rust Aluminum Flat Primer, 32 Fl Oz
Durable and affordable. - Cast aluminum paint: Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior Satin Paint, 32 Fl Oz
One of the best paints for cast aluminum! - Aluminum Sealer: Rust-Oleum 245197 Universal Enamel Spray Paint, 12 Ounce
Inexpensive and easy to apply. - Paint Brushes: Pro Grade – 5 Ea – Paint Brush Set
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.
Color considerations
Now the fun part – choose your color. It can be tempting to pick one that stands out, but make sure to consider the weather in the area where your furniture will be. A bright, glossy paint may look appealing, but in the sun with lots of heat, it may be too reflective. On the other hand, a darker color can help keep it from getting too hot. Try to pick a shade that won’t be too reflective for the area you plan to put it in.
Water or oil-based paint?
Finally, before starting your project, make sure you get the right kind of paint. Generally, oil-based paint is recommended. Whether you’re using oil- or water-based paint, read the instructions carefully to make sure your project comes out perfect. With a bit of research and the right supplies, you can get beautiful results.
Step 2: Clean the furniture
Preparing the surface is a crucial step in painting cast aluminum outdoor furniture. To start, you’ll want to make sure it is free of dust, debris, and dirt. After giving it a good wipe-down, you should make sure the metal is still smooth. Let it dry completely before moving on.
For more details on this subject, you can consult our special guide about how to clean cast aluminum patio furniture.
Step 3: Sand the surface (optional)
If it feels rough, then you’ll need to give it a thorough sanding with fine-grit sandpaper. You need to create a smooth surface for the primer and paint to adhere to. Once you’ve achieved a smooth surface, you’ll want to carefully clean off any debris or dust from sanding with a damp cloth.
What about rust?
Before sanding with fine-grit sandpaper you’ll want to clean off any oxidation that has occurred on the metal, as painting over oxidation won’t be successful. Use medium-grit sandpaper or fine-grit with WD40 to remove oxidation.
Step 4: Prime it
Finally, you’ll be ready to prime the metal surface. Priming aluminum for painting is critical because it will provide a surface for the paint to adhere to, as well as additional protection from rust and corrosion. Use an oil-based primer that is specifically designed for metal surfaces and apply a coat to the aluminum furniture using a paintbrush or roller.
Make sure to cover the metal surface evenly and allow the primer to dry completely before painting. You may need to wait more than 24 hours. Moreover, you might need to sand it down with very fine sandpaper before painting.
Step 5: How to paint cast aluminum patio furniture
It’s time to move on to the most important part of the project: painting your cast aluminum outdoor furniture. Once you’ve prepped your furniture and are ready to begin the actual painting process, there are a few steps to follow to achieve the best results.
As a reminder, start by selecting the right paint specifically designed for aluminum. Traditional paint won’t adhere well and will eventually chip off, so be sure to use paint that is intended to be used on metal surfaces.
In addition, you need to ensure that the furniture is free of any debris or newly created dirt before painting. Wipe down with a damp cloth, paying extra attention to any crevices where dust and dirt can lurk.
When you’re ready to paint, it’s important to take the time to cover the parts of your furniture that you won’t be painting. This can be done with painter’s tape. This way you can avoid getting paint on spots that you don’t want to paint, and you can also create clean lines and edges for your paint job.
Now it’s time to get to work. Start by using a synthetic-bristled paintbrush. Brush the paint in even, long strokes until the furniture is evenly covered. Make sure to use enough paint and coverage so that you don’t need to repeat the process, but don’t go overboard either. Use a cloth to wipe away any drips or bubbles.
Allow the first coat to dry, and you may want to consider applying a second or third coat for a more vibrant finish. Allow each of the secondary coats to dry thoroughly before using, and then you should be ready to admire your newly painted patio furniture!
Step 6: Add a protective finish
Now that you’ve properly prepped your cast aluminum patio furniture, it’s time to give it a defensive coat of paint. Seal your freshly painted aluminum furniture with a quality protective finish, such as a clear coating. There are many clear coat products on the market. Avoid using polyacrylic. Be sure to use a sealant that is suitable for cast aluminum furniture and can handle the elements of your area.
Some people believe that this step is essential in protecting freshly painted metal furniture from sun, moisture, and other elements that could damage it throughout its lifetime. Well, in our opinion this is optional. It depends on where you live. In many cases, this will help to provide extra protection against the elements and keep your metal furniture looking new for years to come. Once the protective finish is dry, you’re done!
Caring and maintaining the new paint
When it comes to maintenance, the key is to prevent it from rusting in the first place. This can be done by regularly cleaning it and keeping it covered when not in use.
To keep it looking fresh, regularly clean it with a soft cloth and gentle detergent. Try not to brush against the furniture with sharp or coarse objects as this will scratch and chip the paint.
Keep it away from the strong sun and heavy rain to maximize the life of your paint job. If this is not possible, be sure to apply a coat of sealant to refinish cast aluminum outdoor furniture every two years.
Repainting cast aluminum patio furniture
The paint will fade over time, but if you take proper care, you can enjoy it for many years to come. When it starts fading it will be time to restore faded cast aluminum patio furniture to its original condition.
To sum up
So there you have it, painting cast aluminum patio furniture is a relatively simple process if a bit labor intensive. With the time invested in cleaning, sanding, and priming, applying the paint itself is the most exciting part of the job.
With a few simple tools and the right paint and proper instructions, you’ll be able to get a beautiful, professional finish on your metal furniture in no time. Just make sure to follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be fine!
