Plastic outdoor garden chairs are inexpensive and comfortable. But the weather, especially the sun, can degrade and wear off the smooth surface. On some plastic chairs, the outer layer begins to break down and a chalky film can form on the exposed areas. Who wants to sit in a chair that feels chalky to the touch?
My plastic chairs are about 6 years old. A powdery dust covered the areas where the sun hits, especially on the arms. The smooth finish had been replaced by a slightly rough degraded surface. When hands were rubbed on the surface a powder was left on the hands. No thanks!
I really did not want to throw out these otherwise fine plastic chairs. Maybe another time, I will buy better chairs, but not now. I didn't want them ending up in the landfill.
So, I searched the internet for solutions. I tried waching the chairs with vinegar, and later with baking soda, but the film remained. Other internet suggestions were simply not acceptable to me. I wanted a quick, inexpensive, safe & easy fix.
I didn't want to change the colour of the chairs by painting them as that was too big of a job. I also didn't think I could match the grey colour of the chairs perfectly, either. I phoned the experts at my local paint store. Was there a clear paint, perhaps a spray paint, that would coat the surface and make it smooth again? The paint clerk had no suggestions and could not guarantee good results with what they had.
So, I decided to gamble and just try a clear spray paint made for plastic. This was readily available at the neighbourhood box hardware store. I bought one can with a clear satin sheen.
After washing with vinegar, and then baking soda, I again cleaned the chairs with dish soap & water and left them to dry. I worked outdoors, actually just inside the open garage door. It was not windy or rainy. I wore a mask to cover my mouth & nose & protective glasses. I lightly coated the rough areas of each chair and used the paint as instructed on the can. I didn't sand the chairs first because I thought the areas were already rough & pitted enough to grip the paint. This clear paint dried quickly to the touch, and I only sprayed the chalky parts of the chairs. I lightly sprayed the arms several times, waiting about 15 minutes between coats - maybe 4 coats or so. Other chalky areas were lightly sprayed several times too.
I knew right away, after the first coat, this was working. Each light coating felt smoother to the touch, and there was no chalky residue coming off the chairs. I left the chairs to thoroughly dry - 24 hours- under a canopy.
It's been about 3 weeks since I sprayed the chairs and I am quite pleased with the results. This worked on my particular plastic chairs. I used far less than a can of spray paint and the can was under $15. It all took very little time. The fix was quick, cheap, easy, and safe. Voila.
I don't know how long this will last, but it's all good for now.