Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more
Learning how to repaint powder-coated aluminum patio furniture can be a daunting and cumbersome experience. We have compiled this guide to take you through the best color and number of coats to apply to your patio furniture.
Can You Repaint Powder Coated Aluminum Patio Furniture?
Powder-coated aluminum patio furniture is less vulnerable to corrosion despite the favorable conditions. But the powder coat does not last forever due to frequent usage and scratching by pets.
So, can you repaint powder-coated aluminum patio furniture? Yes. Replenishing your powder-coated aluminum patio furniture from time to time will make it last longer. It will also protect the metal from harsh weather conditions and external elements.
Repainting is a dry powder application to bare aluminum surfaces using the electrostatic method. An air-powdered spray gun is an instrument ideal for coating aluminum patio furniture since it offers a smooth flat finish.
The powder coating technique offers a protective layer on metal surfaces against oxidation. It will take your outdoor patio furniture several years before showing needs for replenishing. It is also safe for the environment since the paint does not contain volatile organic compounds.
Thicker powder coat also makes your outdoor aluminum patio furniture last longer. I recommend inspecting your outdoor patio furniture from time to time for crack signs. Be sure to repaint the furniture immediately to avoid corrosion.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a way of covering items like patio furniture with a strong, protective finish. To do it, people use special powder that sticks to surfaces after it’s heated up in an oven.
This kind of finish is tougher than regular paint because it can take more hits and scratches without getting damaged. It also fights off rust, chemicals, and doesn’t break down when you clean it with strong soaps.
When someone says “powder coated,” they mean that the item has this tough layer on it. Powder coated aluminum patio furniture is popular because it lasts long and looks good for years.
Its surface doesn’t chip or fade easily from being outside in the sun or getting wet in the rain. That’s why lots of people choose powder-coated tables and chairs for their outdoor spaces — they stay nice with less work.
Benefits of powder coated aluminum furniture
After learning what powder coating is, it’s clear to see how this finish helps patio furniture last longer. Powder-coated aluminum stands up well outside and can take a lot of use, which makes it great for your outdoor space.
This type of furniture doesn’t need much care to keep looking good. It fights off rusting and chipping paint so you won’t have to fix it often. Plus, the strong coat keeps your chairs and tables safe from rain and sun damage.
With all these pluses, powder-coated aluminum pieces are smart picks if you want tough and stylish patio furniture.
How to Repaint Powder Coated Aluminum Patio Furniture?
Powder coating on metal surfaces lasts longer than the typical paint coat due to the thick protective layer. But repainting from time to time is an added advantage since the durability does not mean the powder coat is invincible.
Repainting powder-coated aluminum patio furniture can be a challenging process. Many people struggle to get the fresh coat to stick on the aluminum surface. If it proves challenging, this article will help you accomplish the task.
There are two main methods to repaint your powder-coated aluminum patio furniture. You can either strip the old paint away or apply a new paint layer over the existing one. Below are quick steps for repainting your powder-coated aluminum patio furniture:
Step 1: Investigate the Current Paint on the Furniture
Investigate the current powder coating on your aluminum patio furniture to determine whether to strip away or apply a new paint layer over the existing coat.
If you notice scratches and peeling spots, strip the old powder coat away from the metal surfaces to reduce the hassle of repainting and finding matching colors.
But if the old powder paint is fading though intact, consider applying a new coat over it. You should pick a matching paint color to make your aluminum patio furniture attractive again.
Step 2: Preparation of the Aluminum Furniture
If the powder-coated aluminum patio furniture does not have rust spots with an intact finish, sand the aluminum surface to eliminate the dust and debris.
But if the finish has some rust spots, strip the old powder coating from the aluminum surface. Use a power washer to clean the aluminum surfaces by removing the loose powder and all the dirt.
Apply chemical stripper using a disposable brush to speed up the process. Scrap the residue away and repeat if necessary.
Step 3: Remove Dust and Debris from the Patio Furniture
Chemical stripping and sandblasting may leave dust or grime on your outdoor aluminum patio furniture. Cleaning will help remove all the deposited dust or grime.
Pour warm water into a bucket and add a few drops of mild liquid detergent. Harsh chemical detergents will damage your aluminum metal.
Wipe the furniture surface using a lint-free rag to remove all the dust and debris. Be sure to wipe every corner of the patio furniture.
Rinse the aluminum metal surface with tap water and let it dry. Do not use a hairdryer to speed up the process since it will make the powder coating melt.
Step 4: Sand and Apply Primer
Take the time to sand down the aluminum patio furniture to bare metal. Use a brush or sprayer to apply the primer to the aluminum surface.
The primer allows the powder coat to stick better and last longer. Be sure to apply the primer in a smooth manner to avoid buildups and runs.
For those using a sprayer, move it in slow-motion to prevent buildups and runs. Allow the primer to dry well before moving ahead.
Step 5: Sand and Apply the Coat
Primer runs and buildups are inevitable when preparing your powder-coated aluminum patio furniture for replenishing.
Sand the buildups or runs to form a smooth surface for repainting powder-coated aluminum patio furniture. Use a roller or brush to apply the new paint to the metal surface.
Allow each coat to dry before adding another one. Ensure the aluminum patio furniture gets one coat followed by sanding. Be sure to avoid runs or buildups during the paint application process.
Step 6: Apply Last Coat and Polish Finish
Paint the last coat to the aluminum surface and allow it to dry naturally. Be sure to also repaint with a shiny finish to the outdoor patio furniture.
Use a lint-free rag for polishing with a blend meant for powder coating surfaces. The replenishing process will make your aluminum patio furniture attractive again.
Final Thoughts
Repainting powder-coated aluminum patio furniture can be a daunting experience and cumbersome for beginners. But the process helps rejuvenate the metal patio furniture.
Replenishing powder-coated metal surfaces is more of trial and error. Exercise caution to try and make your outdoor aluminum patio furniture maintain the previous colors.
But powder coating is an ideal method for restoring the beauty of aluminum metals. The protective layer makes the outdoor patio furniture last longer than the painted counterpart.
Take the time to implement the above steps when looking to repaint your powder-coated aluminum patio furniture. These steps will help restore the beauty of your patio furniture.
Feel free to share this information with your friends and family. Remember to share your experience in the comment section below.
See Also:How to Remove Chalk Paint?
Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, Randy has become an expert in the field and is passionate about helping others learn more about painting. He has written numerous articles on the subject and is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.