How to Repair Scratched Aluminum Restaurant Patio Chairs

Aluminum patio furniture is a long-lasting choice for outdoor use. Today, there are also available in a selection of styles and colors, making them a top choice for outdoor restaurants and resorts. If you are thinking of using them for your own bar or restaurant, below are some stylish choices for commercial use.

• Semplice Bistro Chair With Factory, Supplied Cushion – Set of 2 by Alfresco Home. Sold in a set of two, this chair has a frame made from top quality wrought iron with a durable powder coat finish. It has a cushion fabric that is both water and UV resistant.

• Aluminum Barstool by Vifah Modern Patio. Made from fully welded aluminum frame with plastic floor glides, this barstool features Dark Brown color rattan on its seat. This chair comes in an affordable and unique popular style is stackable to up to 6 chairs.

• Leather Swivel Dining Rocker (2) by Outdoor Greatroom Company. This swivel dining rocker is available in a set of two, and features a high back to provide the utmost in comfort. Made with leather color resin and wicker, this chair has a powder-coated aluminum frame.

Occasionally, as with all other kinds of furniture, you will notice a scratch on your patio furniture. It will need proper upkeep and occasional repairs. Repairing scratches on your aluminum restaurant patio chairs only take a little time, the right tools supplies, and a few tricks of the trade.

1. Lay out your chair on a drop cloth outside or in a well-ventilated area. Wipe the chair using a clean and dry rag to remove any debris, moisture and oils.

2. Sand the scratch and the surrounding area until the scratch and a couple of inches around it are smooth are bare. Wipe away any debris with a clean and dry rag.

3. Add a light base coat of enamel spray paint. Hold the spray can 6 to 8 inches from the surface of the chair and spray in short bursts using a side to side sweeping motion. Only cover the area with a light base coat while avoiding runs. Let it dry for one to two hours.

4. Apply a second coat of your enamel spray paint. Hold the can 6 to 8 inches from the surface of the chair and use a side to side sweeping motion to completely cover the area with a smooth finish coat. Let it dry for one to two hours.

5. Lightly rub the new paint with your steel wool to blend the new color with the old. Be careful that you do not dig deeply into the new paint. This procedure is intended to level the height of the two paints and give a more even look to the chair.

Dispose of any rags, drop cloths, used gloves and empty paint cans in a legal and environmentally-responsible manner. Spray paint poses hazards to people, pets and the environment. Make sure that you read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations before and during use.

How to Care for Your Stackable Aluminum Patio Chairs

Stackable aluminum patio chairs are appealing because the special care and maintenance necessary  is minimal. Aluminum is lightweight weather-resistant, and has good reflective qualities, making it stylish and convenient at the same time. Below a few great examples of stackable aluminum chairs.

• Teak & Aluminum Stacking Side Chair – Set of 2 by Vifah Modern Patio. Made of teak and extruded aluminum, these are handcrafted teak furniture that will bring out the beauty of nature right in your own outdoor space.

• Green Aluminum Outdoor Chair by Vifah Modern Patio. These chairs are made with fully welded aluminum frames with green and natural color rattan on the seat and back. They also come with plastic floor glides.

• Sun Set Counter Stool (Set of 4) by Lebello. A counter height stool finished in a stainless steel, these chairs are available with powder coat. It is made with all weather wicker and stacks up to 4 chairs high.

All-aluminum furniture is covered with some type of finish that can be preserved with proper care. Whether your chair is constructed with hollow tube aluminum or cast aluminum, a few general care tips should keep it in great shape for many years.

1. Clean your aluminum chairs about once a month. If you leave environmental oils and dirt on your chair too long, they can ultimately damage the finish. When used indoors, they can be cleaned less often, although it is recommended that you develop a regular cleaning schedule.

2. Remove cushions and clean them separately according to the type of material they are made of. If your aluminum chair has a back or seat made of some other type of material like wood or wicker, clean these areas separately as well.

3. Wash aluminum chairs with a grease-stripping liquid dish soap. Mix a tablespoon of detergent in a gallon of warm water and use a long-handled soft-bristled brush for scrubbing. For indoor chairs, use a soft cotton cloth. Rinse your aluminum chair with clean water to remove the detergent residue and allow it to air dry.

4. Fix scratches, pits and tough stains with a steel wool pad with soap, going over the affected area lightly. Ensure that you remove all the soap and steel wool bits with clean water once you are done. For deep nicks and scratches, use 100-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface a little, and then smooth it with a 220-grit paper. After smoothing, use a wet cotton cloth to clean the area.

5. Polish aluminum chairs with a liquid wax. Polish them with car wax once a year to seal and protect them. You should also find aluminum polishes made especially for aluminum that will protect them  and keep them looking shiny and new.

6. Cover your outdoor aluminum chair with a vinyl furniture cover in the winter or store it indoors. Take a few extra minutes to dry them before covering or storing.

If your chair requires painting, contact the manufacturer so you can get the exact match for the color. Better yet, send over your chair to them and have them do the repainting.

Should You Buy Iron, Wooden or Aluminum Sling Patio Chairs?

To ensure the comfort of your guests and maximize your  success as a great entertaining host, you need the right outdoor furniture. By choosing patio furniture carefully, you can provide a relaxing atmosphere for  your guests and, and at the same time, improve your garden surroundings. You should find many choices in the market today for any décor and budget, from iron to wooden to aluminum sling patio chairs.

Iron Patio Furniture

Some of the loveliest outdoor furniture is made of metal, particularly antique-y wrought iron, which is very popular in bistro sets. Iron can be painted in various colors and is available in a wide price range. It is also great for fixed items like garden benches.

Because iron is heavy, it will last. This, however, makes it difficult to move around. On the other hand, you do not need to as it is a tough material and will resist bad weather so you can leave it outside year-round. Also, it will not blow over in heavy winds.

Perhaps one disadvantage of iron that it is not as comfortable as other types of seating, and the metal can heat up to burning temperatures in the hot sun. You can take care of this problem, though, with cushions. Also consider positioning your wrought iron furniture under a shade to keep it cool. Well made wrought iron can last for many years with regular maintenance. It needs to be repainted from time to time to prevent rust.

Aluminum

You will also see outdoor furniture made of aluminum, either as inexpensive as stacking chairs like the Teak & Aluminum Stacking Side Chair – Set of 2 by Vifah Modern Patio or more permanent, better grade items. There are really beautiful aluminum furniture pieces that are now being manufactured, although you will have to pay more for better quality pieces.

Look for cast aluminum with a special powder coating on the metal like the Chat Rocker Chairs Set of 2 by Outdoor Greatroom Company as this will help resist corrosion. Also, any furniture with nuts and bolts is a sign of cheaper manufacturing process. The best quality pieces are those that have smooth joint work.

Unlike wrought iron, aluminum will stay cooler in the heat, and is much easier to move. Those that are inexpensive and lightweight should be stowed during periods of bad weather, while the heavier-grade ones like the Kingston Sofa by Meadow Decor can be left outside.

Wood

There are so many woods used to make patio furniture, with eucalyptus, teak and redwood being the most popular these days. These three hold up well to outdoor use and will fade to a beautiful silvery color in the sunlight when left bare. Wood can also be stained, painted or varnished.

Wood furniture is durable and can last for many years with proper care. It is important to look for quality ones because cheaper products may not hold up as well. Avoid furniture made from pressure-treated lumber which contains hazardous chemicals.

During hot weather, wood stays cool to the touch. Because it is natural product that looks great, many homeowners prefer it over other types of outdoor furniture.  Wood is heavier than resin and plastic, although not as heavy as wrought iron.

How to Refinish Cast Aluminum Patio Chairs

If you plan to add a new finish to your cast aluminum patio chairs, prepare the metal in the appropriate fashion first, or considerable peeling can result. Because it is nonporous and very hard, cast aluminum is a poor candidate for new finishes. To get a new finish to permanently adhere to a cast aluminum chair, pre-treat the surface with an acid-based etching primer. When the cast aluminum piece is completely etched, it can now hold its new finish. Apply one that will remain durable in the face of consistent duress and you will have a new piece that will grace your outdoor space for a very long time.

1. Wash the cast aluminum chairs with a waterborne degreasing cleaner. Take time to thoroughly scrub every little area of the chair with steel wood. Leave no area unwashed or adhesion difficulties might arise.

2. Rinse the cast aluminum chair with a water hose. Degreasing cleaners tend to leave residues that can prevent adhesion, but you can get rid of them by thoroughly rinsing the chair for several minutes. Allow the cast aluminum chair to dry under the sun for two hours.

3. Attach a low tack painter’s tape to proportions of the chair that you do not want to get paint on, if there are any. Set the chair on a canvas drop cloth.

4. Coat the cast aluminum chair with galvanized metal etching spray primer. Create an even and attractive clearance by using the right application strategy: maintain 8 full inches between the cast aluminum chair and the spray tip. Prevents sags by keeping the etching primer spray flow moving without settling on any portion of the chair too long. Allow the cast aluminum chair to completely dry for 3 hours.

5. Finish the cast aluminum chair as you primed it. Apply an enduring enamel spray finish, and let the cast aluminum dry for 3 hours before using it.

Makes sure that you do not apply enamel finish directly over bare cast aluminum or chipping can occur. Below are beautiful cast aluminum chairs that can serve as your inspiration for refinishing your pieces.

Outdoor Armchair by Vifah Modern Patio

Made with a fully welded aluminum frame with Satin finish, the Outdoor Armchair by Vifah Modern Patio comes with plastic floor glides and is stackable for up to 5 chairs. This chair has a unique popular design with a price that fits your budget.

Semplice Bistro Chair With Factory, Supplied Cushion – Set of 2 by Alfresco Home

The Semplice Bistro Chair With Factory, Supplied Cushion – Set of 2 by Alfresco Home features a top quality wrought iron frame with a durable powder coat finish. Bringing your indoors to the great outdoors, this chair features the beautiful tones of the earth and the vibrant colors of nature.

Kingston Sofa by Meadow Décor

Constructed from cast aluminum material, the Kingston Sofa by Meadow Décor features a Walnut or Black powder coated finish for extra strength and durability. It is fully welded and comes with a cushion add-on and  is available in a wide range of colors.

8 Tips for Buying Quality Aluminum Patio Sets Clearance

A great aluminum patio sets clearance sale can bring will you the patio that  you have always dreamed of. With a spacious table and comfortable chairs, a basic brick patio can be transformed into a dining destination for friends and family. Outfit a porch with a sofa and a classic rocking chair, both stocked with ample cushions, and the porch becomes a second family room during the warmth weather months.

Do not overlook the outdoor living opportunities on pocket gardens and balconies. When complemented with the right furniture pieces, these small getaways will beckon you outside time and again. Here are some tips for choosing the best patio furniture for your space. Thoughtful planning ensures that your outdoor living space is inviting for many years to come.

Take a seat. Take a seat before you buy. Just like interior furniture, comfortable patio furniture will regularly be used as opposed to uninviting patio furniture which might have good looks but below par comfort.

Go for easy care. Reserve your free time in your garden for enjoying your space and not on maintaining furniture by buying easy-care pieces. For example, aluminum pieces like the Dimante 48″ Round Cast Aluminum Dining Table in Aged Iron Finish with Umbrella Hole by Alfresco Home. Furniture made from other materials like cedar, teak and all-weather wicker should remain usable for years.

Consider storage. Add years to the life of your patio furniture by storing it in a protected location during the off season, like the basement or garage. Even the toughest furniture will last longer if placed in storage when not in use. If you have limited storage, however, look for furniture that folds like the Royal Garden Aluminum Bistro Square Table Set by Jordan Manufacturing Company for compact storage.

Color smart. When buying patio furniture, you are not just limited to the natural tones of aluminum. Colorful finishes are abound in the realm of outdoor furniture like the Euro 5-Pc. Dining Set in White Aluminum Frame / Pacific Blue by PolyWood. For styling longevity, you can use bold splashes of color for accent pieces and cushions.

Invest in quality. The old adage “you get what you pay for” is very true when it comes to patio furniture. There are pieces that look great on the shelf and will keep their good looks for a year or two out in the sun, but they will become brittle and lose their vibrant color overtime. Shop with care and check consumer reviews and reports before you make a big purchase.

Look underfoot. Ground your patio furniture pieces by putting them on an all-weather rug. Textile advancements in recent year have brought so many quick-drying rugs in the market. Soft and rich in texture, an outdoor rug will lend the comforts of indoors to the great outdoors.

Search for multi-purpose pieces. Look for hardworking furniture, like a bench that can stand alone or be combined to an alfresco dining table, or an ottoman that doubles as extra seating are essential for outdoor spaces that are frequently used.