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How to Renovate Your Patio Chairs

Two patio chairs in front of a flower bed.

Are your patio chairs or outdoor furniture looking a little worse for wear? With a bit of effort and the right products, you can restore your outdoor space to its former glory. Whether you're dealing with rust, peeling paint, or faded finishes, this guide will show you how to repair, repaint, and restore your patio furniture step by step.

Cost: $
Skill Level: Beginner
Duration: 1 day

Two wooden patio chairs and a side table.
STEP 1

Assess Your Furniture

Determine the material of your patio furniture—metal, wood, plastic, or mesh. Each material requires specific techniques and products for restoration.

A patio chair being power washed.
STEP 2

Clean Thoroughly

Before making any repairs or painting, ensure your furniture is clean.

  • Metal Furniture: Use a wire brush to remove flaking paint and rust. A rust remover can help with stubborn areas.
  • Wood Furniture: Wipe down with a wood cleaner to remove dirt and mildew.
  • Plastic Furniture: Wash with warm, soapy water and a sponge.
  • Mesh Furniture: Scrub gently with a brush and a mild cleaning solution.


Let everything dry completely before moving on.

Two people prepping their patio chairs.
STEP 3

Repair Damage

  • Replace Webbing on Lawn Chairs: If your chairs have sagging or torn webbing, replace it with durable straps. You can find replacement kits at most home improvement stores.
  • Fix Loose Screws or Bolts: Tighten or replace hardware to ensure your furniture is stable.
  • Repair Mesh: For mesh patio chairs, patch small tears with fabric glue or replace the entire mesh if needed.
A woman sanding a patio chair.
STEP 4

Remove Old Paint and Rust

  • Sand down surfaces to remove old paint and smooth rough spots.
  • For metal furniture, focus on removing rust completely. Use a rust converter primer if necessary.
A person priming a patio chair.
STEP 5

Prime the Surface

Priming ensures your paint adheres properly and lasts longer.

  • Use a metal primer for metal furniture.
  • Apply a wood primer to wooden surfaces.
  • For plastic furniture, select a primer specifically designed for plastic.
A paint brush dipped in blue Krylon paint.
STEP 6

Choose the Right Paint

The right paint makes all the difference in durability and appearance.

  • Spray Paint for Plastic Patio Furniture: Choose a paint designed for plastic.
  • Chalk Paint for Wooden Furniture: Ideal for a matte, vintage look.
  • Brush-On Paint for Plastic Chairs: Offers precision for intricate designs.
  • Spray Paint for Mesh Metal Furniture: Provides smooth, even coverage.
Person painting a table blue.
STEP 7

Paint Your Furniture

Follow these tips for a professional finish:

  1. Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.
  2. Allow adequate drying time between coats.
  3. Use painter's tape to mask off areas you don’t want painted.


For color ideas, consider neutral tones for timeless appeal, vivid blues and greens for a coastal vibe, or bold reds and yellows for a cheerful patio.

Close up of an outdoor table with water droplets on it.
STEP 8

Seal Your Furniture

Protect your work and seal your funriture to prolong its life.

Additional Tips for Restoration Projects:

  • Adirondack Chair Patio Ideas: Try painting Adirondack chairs in vibrant colors to create a fun focal point.
  • Refurbishing Mesh Furniture: Use fabric-friendly spray paint for breathable, even coverage.
  • Removing Rust from Outdoor Furniture: A vinegar soak or commercial rust remover can work wonders.

Have Fun Reviving Your Patio Space

Restoring your patio furniture is a cost-effective way to enhance your outdoor area. Whether you're repainting patio chairs, restoring wooden furniture, or refurbishing metal pieces, these steps will help you create a space you love.

Ready to get started? Visit your nearest Sherwin-Williams store for the perfect paints, primers, and tools to bring your patio furniture back to life.

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Sherwin-Williams PaintPerks is an exclusive program designed to help you with your at-home projects.