How to Update Your Aluminum Patio Covers
An aluminum patio cover provides much needed shade to an otherwise sunny space. They block the sun's bright rays, making it easier to relax and enjoy the outdoors. This type of patio cover is less expensive than other alternatives, but they tend to look very industrial. Updating the aluminum patio cover is a simple way for any homeowner to make it match the exterior of their house.
What You'll Need:
- Heavy-duty detergent
- Water
- Rubber gloves
- Scrub brush
- Bucket
- Oil-based primer
- Oil-based paint for metals
- Paint roller
- Paint pan
- Painter's tape
- Stencils (optional)
- Oil-based spray paint (optional)
- Clean the surface of the aluminum patio cover. The primer and paint will adhere better to a clean surface. Combine 1/2 cup heavy-duty detergent with a gallon of water in a bucket. Put on rubber gloves, and dip the scrub brush into this cleaning solution. Using large circular motions, thoroughly scrub down the surface of the patio cover. Rinse off any remaining cleaning solution with fresh water. Let the patio cover dry in the sun for at least an hour.
- Pour the oil-based primer into the paint pan, and saturate the paint roller with it. Roll the primer onto the aluminum patio cover using long strokes to ensure an even coat. The primer may look streaky, but that is alright. Allow two hours for the primer to fully dry.
- Choose an oil-based exterior paint that matches the trim on the house. The best paint will have the highest concentration of paint resin. Pour the paint into a clean paint pan, and roll a thin coat onto the primed aluminum. After 24 hours, apply a second coat. Wait another full day for the second coat to dry.
- Place decorative stencils on the painted patio cover for a more elegant look, if desired. Layout the design of the stencils before adding any paint. Secure them in place with painter's tape. Spray the oil-based spray paint over the stencils, being careful not to get paint anywhere else. Remove the painter's tape, and allow the wet paint at least one hour to dry. Popular stencil choices include vines, ivy and flowers.