How to Paint Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture

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Things You'll Need

  • Water-based degreaser

  • Coarse plastic brush

  • Water hose

  • Professional painter's tape

  • Masking paper

  • Heavy-duty fabric drop cloth

  • Respirator

  • Galvanized metal self-etching spray primer

  • Acrylic spray enamel

You can improve the appearance of cast aluminum patio furniture by refinishing it with the appropriate coating. However, you need to take into consideration that cast aluminum is nonporous, which means that paint will not adhere to the surface. The cast aluminum needs to treated beforehand with a specific type of acid-based primer. This will etch the cast aluminum, effectively creating a surface more conducive for paint adhesion.

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Step 1

Wash the cast aluminum patio furniture with a water-based degreaser, using a coarse brush. Rinse the furniture with a water hose. Allow the furniture to dry in the sun for one to two hours.

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Step 2

Protect portions of the patio furniture you do not want painted by covering them with painter's tape and masking paper. Place the furniture on a drop cloth.

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Step 3

Wear a respirator and coat the furniture with galvanized metal self-etching spray primer. Spray at a distance of eight inches from the furniture. Wait four hours for the primer to dry.

Step 4

Spray the primed furniture with acrylic enamel at a distance of eight inches. Wait four hours for the finished cast aluminum patio furniture to dry.

Tip

Add a second coat of enamel to the cast aluminum patio furniture if the self-etching primer shows through.

Warning

If you paint unprimed cast aluminum patio furniture, the finish will peel.

Don't use an ordinary latex primer; the finish will ultimately shed.

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