How to Repair an Aluminum Lawn Chair

Aluminum is a durable and light metal that is convenient for outdoor furniture use as it does not accumulate rust as does other iron-based furniture. However, aluminum chairs still are vulnerable to scratches, nicks and corrosion but can be fixed with sanding and strap replacements. To consistently maintain furniture quality, you must clean your aluminum furniture regularly.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper (220-grit, 100-grit)
• Vinyl straps
• Wool pad
• Scissors
• Boiling water
• exterior-grade care acrylic enamel paint
• Car-grade wax
• Damp rag
• Hole punch
• Cloth measuring tape
• Plastic rivets
• Thongs

Instructions

1. Clean off the area with a wet rag.

2. Sand off. Use a wool pad to sand off surface scratches on the frame. For deeper scratches and nicks, use 100-grit sandpaper and to smooth, 220-grit sandpaper.

3. Scrape off spots. For small areas of corrosion, scrape the spot with a metal brush if sandpaper or a wool pad doesn't work.

4. Clean off again. After smoothing out the surface, clean off with a wet rag to get rid of bits of metal scrapings.

5. Protect the frame. Apply car-grade wax to the aluminum frame to prevent pitting. You also can paint the furniture with exterior-grade care acrylic enamel paint to protect and add color.

How to Replace Straps on Aluminum Chairs

1. Remove old straps. Cut the straps in the middle with scissors and pull out the straps from holes.

2. Measure length for new straps. With a cloth measuring tape, measure the length, being sure to wrap around the frame as the straps would. Multiple that measurement by .85 and add 1 inch. That will be the measurement used to cut new straps.

3. Make holes. Drill holes with a 3/16 drill bit 1/2 inch from the ends. Cut off corners of the straps at each end.

4. Boil water. Place straps in boiling water and leave in for 5 minutes to allow stretching of the straps. Remove with thongs.

5. Attach straps. Place plastic rivets into the holes and attach hammer the rivets into the holes of the frames.

References

• reviving outdoor furniture
• repair outdoor furniture
• how to install vinyl straps