How to Paint Outdoor Sling Chairs
At Patio Productions, we believe that utilizing outdoor bar and dining sets is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors amid your own backyard. It's entirely possible that the color of your frames may be fading from sitting on the hot porch for many summers! Adding a little touch-up paint to your aluminum outdoor furniture can make it last for many more years.
If your slings are still in excellent condition, buying an entirely new set would seem wasteful. Rather than being content with this eye-sore, you can easily repaint your patio sling furniture to mirror your unique style! Our quick & easy 8-Step Guide will teach you How to Paint Outdoor Sling Chairs!
Frequently Asked Questions About Repainting Aluminum Sling Furniture
Yes—refresh frames with an easy 8-step process. If the slings are still in great shape, repainting the aluminum frames extends life and lets you match your décor. Patio Productions’ quick guide helps you mirror your unique style without waste or a full replacement.
Soap, sanding, tape, paint—plus simple cover-ups. Have soapy water and a scrub brush, newspaper, a sanding block with medium-grit paper, 2" painter’s tape, spray paint that fits your theme, and a small brush for touchups. This kit keeps prep and finishing clean and fast.
Sand to add “tooth,” then scrub and dry. Lightly rub frames with medium-grit to help paint adhere. Next, scrub with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Let them dry completely before taping or painting; otherwise dust and moisture ruin the finish.
Tape the edges and seal with newspaper. Run a finger into the frame–sling crevice to line tape precisely. Cover the seat with newspaper and tape a tight seal—top and underside. This prevents overspray and keeps cleanup minimal.
Ventilated space, 2 coats, steady sweeps. Spray in a wind-free, ventilated area. Hold the can ~4–8" away and use sweeping strokes. Apply two coats with ~25 minutes between. Practice on cardboard and wear a mask for safety.
Touch up, then dry 24–48 hours. Remove tape/newspaper, inspect, and use a small brush to perfect missed spots. Let frames cure for 24–48 hours depending on humidity, then arrange and enjoy your refreshed set.
No problem—sand and repaint, or explore new sets. You can always re-sand to add texture and repeat the same steps with a different shade. Prefer a complete change? Patio Productions also curates outdoor dining, bar, and sectional sets in many styles and colors.
What you’ll need
• A bucket of soapy water and a scrubbing brush.
• Newspaper.
• Sanding block with medium grit sandpaper.
• 2 inch Painters Tape and Spray Paint to match your outdoor décor/theme.
• A small paintbrush
8-Steps to Paint Metal Patio Furniture!
1. Rub the frames of your dining set with a sanding block to create texture and help the adhesive properties of the paint.
- We recommend using medium grit sandpaper to produce the ideal surface.
2. Scrub frames with soapy-water and rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- If you skip this step, you will end up painting a layer of dirt/dust on top of the frames. This will come off when you touch it, leaving an unsatisfactory finish. Don’t underestimate this step!
- Be sure to allow adequate time to dry before beginning the next step.
3. Line the edges where the frame meets the sling to outline the seat.
- Tip: Get a perfect line by running your finger in between the crevice of the sling and the frame.
4. Cover the seat with newspaper, using Painters Tape to create a proper seal.
- Repeat this for both the top and underside of all of your chairs!
5. Spray paint all frames in a ventilated room that does not have any wind blowing.
- Spray 2 coats on the frames allowing 25 minutes in between coats to allow for drying time.
- Try to keep the spray can nozzle approximately 4-8 inches from the surface you are painting.
- Prevent paint from running by using sweeping strokes to apply an even coat. It’s not a bad idea to practice on a piece of cardboard a couple of times to get the hang of it!
- Be sure to wear a mask so you don’t inhale all the toxic chemicals!
6. Remove tape and the newspaper wrappings. Inspect for any imperfections or spots you may have missed.
- You can now go over small areas with a paint brush to ensure a picture-perfect finish!
7. Allow chairs 24-48 hours to dry depending on the humidity levels of the area you live in.
8. Arrange your new set and enjoy!
Remember, if you are unhappy with the color or the finish of your newly repainted outdoor set, you can always go over it again! Sand all frames to create a texturized surface and follow the same steps over! This allows you flexibility if you are unhappy with your color selection or if you change the theme of your outdoor oasis!
If you're not interested in repainting your aluminum frames, be sure to browse our selection of outdoor bar, dining, & sectional sets! We offer many different styles and colors to choose from!
Additional Resources:
- How to Revitalize Your Wicker Furniture with Spray Paint
- How a Little Simple Maintenance will keep Your Outdoor Furniture Strong Indefinitely
- 7 Ways to Keep Outdoor Furniture From Blowing Away
About this Post
Cheryl Khan is an interior designer and freelancer who enjoys weekend DIY projects. Although she would be the first to tell you that she is not an artist, she feels quite accomplished when working with a can of spray paint!
