Note: The process shown is for fixing double-wrapped straps. The same procedure applies for single-wrapped straps, except that they turn only partway around the frame.
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Left outdoors in rain and shine, metal deck and patio furniture takes a beating. Frames accumulate unsightly nicks, scratches, and rust; vinyl straps discolor and loosen; mesh slings rip; fasteners pop out. But that doesn't mean you have to toss the old set and buy new. For a fraction of the cost of replacement, you can tackle basic repairs yourself. "This is something homeowners can definitely do," says Steven Gentino, owner of The Chair Care Co., an outdoor-furniture refinisher in New Haven, Connecticut. "It takes a little muscle and a couple of hours, tops." Gentino's company is one of many nationwide that can supply the necessary materials, fasteners, and even the touch-up paint; look for "outdoor furniture care" on the Web, or contact the chair manufacturer for a list of authorized repair services. "All you need to do is a little measuring," Gentino says. "We'll cut everything to order." On the following pages, Gentino shows how to revive two types of painted aluminum chairs; one with a vinyl-strap back and seat, the other with a one-piece mesh sling. Frame Touch-Up The time to touch up nicks and scratches on the frame is after the old straps or slingss have been removed and before the new ones go on. The method to use depends on the type of metal to be painted. For aluminum, rough up the surface slightly with 100-grit sandpaper, then smooth with 220-grit paper. There's no need to prime — just apply an exterior-grade acrylic enamel paint. Use a tiny touch-up brush on nicks, a spray can on bigger scratches. For wrought iron on tubular steel, use a wire brush and sandpaper to sand any rust spots or chipped paint down to bare metal. Next, brush or spray on a metal primer, then apply an exterior enamel topcoat. (A coat of rust converter such as Rust Reformer stabilizes rust without sanding, but a rough, crusty look will remain.) When a painted frame is covered with scratches or caked with rust, it's probably time for a professional overhaul. Factory-authorized refinisheers like The Chair Care Co. will sandblast and repaint furniture with a tough, powder-coated finish that will last 15 years or more. "The pieces come out looking brand-new," says owner Steven Gentino. The full-body treatment — blasting, repainting, welding, repairing straps, slings, or cushions, and replacing fasteners — runs about $120 for a typical chair. That's still only one third to half the cost of buying new. Replacing a Mesh Sling BEFORE YOU START 1. Slash the old sling down the middle with a utility knife. (A damaged sling cannot be saved.) Remove the end cap on each side rail. 2. Slide the two halves of the sling out of their tracks in the chair's rails. Loosen but don't remove the bolts that attach the rails to the chair frame, then pop out the spreader bar. 3. Remove one rail entirely. Hold the sling with its hem side to the back and slide its nylon rod into the track of the rail that's still attached to the chair frame. 4. Slide the detached rail over the sling's other nylon rod. Bolt this rail back on the frame. Tighten the loose bolts on the opposite rail to make the sling taut. 5. Reinsert the spreader bar. Use a pipe clamp to spread the rails slightly; if need be, bend the bar a bit to make it fit, then hit it with a rubber mallet to restore its shape. 6. With a wire cutter, trim each rod flush with the end of the rail. Push the end caps back on the rails. Replacing Vinyl Straps BEFORE YOU START 1. Make the straps flexible by soaking them in hot (not boiling) water; never use a hair dryer or heat gun. Attach the strap end by pushing a peg through its hole and into the hole on the back of the frame. 2. With the peg seated firmly, wrap the strap all the way around the frame, covering the peg. (For a single wrap, simply go halfway around the frame and pull to the opposite side.) 3. Grab the strap near its middle and stretch it to the opposite side of the frame. Hold it tight against this side with one hand; use the other to loosely wrap the strap's free end around the frame 1½ times. 4. Keep tension on the strap as you push a peg through the free end and into its hole. Slide the loop up over the peg with your thumb, then let go of the strap. It will tighten as it cools. Care and Maintenance The plastic components of outdoor furniture (shown above) — vinyl straps, plastic pegs, and mesh slings — last about 10 years. In the meantime, the easiest way to keep outdoor furniture looking good is to give it a quick scrubdown with mild dish soap, followed by a water rinse. In addition, each material has its own particular needs. Straps and Slings Metal Storage Where to Find It Outdoor-furniture refinishers: Vinyl cleaner: Furniture parts suppliers: Chair Care Alumatech |
