Powder-coated Aluminum Patio Furniture

An extensive suite of outdoor patio furniture came with the house we bought last year.

It's made from powder-coated aluminum with a weather resistant fabric stretched tightly between the seat and back frame pieces. From the age of the house I'm guessing the furniture has been sitting in the sun for 6 to 7 years and the finish has dulled and developed an almost powdery effect. I've scrubbed the chairs and lounges thoroughly but they dry back to that dull powdery finish. They look great when they're wet.....just like new?

I've replaced the fabric on 10 pieces and now I'd like to try to restore the finish.

Any suggestions? I may just try a paste wax to see what happens since manufacturers recommend waxing as a way of protecting the finish. But is there anything that would actually clean the powder coating?

Thanks

SunFan

Sunfan:

Remembered an old conversation from Dec of 2011: http://www.insidelakeside.com/t2974-outdoor-furniture-for-the-tearazza
In that thread, I recommended: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mueblesfundidos.com.mx%2F2011%2F
It might be a decent guess that your furniture was manufacturered there and it may be worth a drive to ask them how to refresh your powder coating?

Yes Cheehagringo, I remember that. I ended up having a set of outdoor ratan furniture made by "Ricky Rich" on the Careterra. We still have the set on one of our balconies.

I'll try the Guad dealer to see what they suggest.

Thanks again

SunFan

sunfan - It sounds like your powdercoated furniture came from Mezico although I wouldn't know where since it's aluminum and most stuff here is metal. It must be a cheaper furniture for it to dull in such a short time.

We have Telescope brand white powder coated furniture that's been sitting in the sun here for 11 years, still looks great with a food shiny finish. It's so old I can't remember exactly, but I think 20 - 25 years with Sunbrella fabric. The reason it's lasted is because Telescope is a top brand. It originally cost about $ 1,800. US.

Try some rubbing compound on it. Try it by hand just to see if it works. As they say.. it should buff right out

John:

Why is it necessary for you to constantly remind people that it is nothing but the best for you and that theirs is suspect since it isn't the same?

The referenced company has been in operation for many years and produces innovative high quality cast aluminum outdoor furnitue and other products. When we first visited them 15 years ago, they were producing painted furniture and then they were one of the first in the area doing powder coating. While we didn't go in there the other day, we did check them out last August and I can safely say that they continue to improve their products and coatings. Since they do ship all over the world, their quality speaks for itself.

By the way, there is a deffinite difference between cast aluminum products and those made from aluminum rod, tube or flat stock!

CG - Was not criticizing the cast aluminum furniture or anything you posted.

I didn't think or know there was any powder coated aluminum furniture here.

Most furniture here that I've seen is made of metal or iron which rusts and very few know how or want to spend the time applying a quality finish.

John:

When attempting to make comment about the marketplace, it might be a good idea to consider just how long it has been since you have actually ventured out into it. I am not talking products that one would find at Costco or Home Depot but rather those products actually produced in places like Tonala and other locations around Mexico. While some of your comments may have been accurate 10+ years ago, Mexico has progressed and the expansion of manufacturing industries such as automobile or aeronautical have resulted in some newer technologies and coatings being used.

Besides Muebles Fundidos Artisticos, there is another relatively new manufacturer in Tonala by the name of El Refugio de San Antonio that is producing a wonderful line of iron furniture that is very comfortable with exceptional iron coatings that results in a beautiful product. I know of at least one forum member who has this particular furniture and is quite pleased with their decision.

Believe it or not, the world is changing and Mexico is along for the ride!