Omar Khalid
Plastic chairs are a great, economical option for your home and garden. However, they can quickly become faded, stained, and dirty when exposed to the elements. Luckily, there are several ways to spruce up old plastic chairs, from regular dusting and wiping to deep cleaning with soap and water. For those looking to get creative, you can try using a heat gun, a linseed oil and mineral spirits blend, or even a baking soda and water paste to bring your plastic chairs back to life. If you're willing to put in a little extra work, you can also try removing oxidation with a plastic rejuvenator or giving your chairs a fresh coat of paint.
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What You'll Learn
Clean with soap, water and a brush
To spruce up old plastic chairs, cleaning them with soap, water, and a brush is a great first step. This method is suitable for both general cleaning and deeper cleaning. It is important to act quickly when dealing with spills and stains from grass, mud, food, tree sap, or bird droppings.
For general cleaning, a mild dish soap and water solution are effective. Mix a few drops of soap with a bucket of warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe down the chairs, removing dirt and grime. Rinse the chairs with clean water and dry them with a towel to prevent water spots. This process can be repeated regularly without damaging the plastic.
For deeper cleaning, a brush can be used alongside soap and water. Avoid using a hard brush as it may scratch the plastic, allowing grime to settle in the grooves. Instead, opt for a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Ensure you remove all dirt, stains, and sticky residue.
After cleaning, you can further restore and protect your plastic chairs. For instance, you can remove mould with a vinegar and water solution and tackle tough stains with baking soda. Applying automotive paste wax or car wax will provide a protective coating that helps repel water and dirt, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
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Bleach solution to remove mildew
If your plastic chairs are looking old, there are several ways to spruce them up. Regular dusting and wiping with a wet cloth can keep plastic chairs clean. For deeper cleaning, use soap, water, and a brush. You can also use plastic rejuvenators and other such solutions available in the market.
If your plastic chairs have mildew, you can use a bleach solution to remove it. Before using bleach, test it on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it won't discolour or harm the material. Bleach may cause discolouration on certain fabrics, so it is important to perform a patch test. Once you've performed a successful patch test, you can apply the bleach mixture. Mix half a cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Clean the affected areas with this solution, then fully rinse and dry with a towel. Remember to wear safety equipment like rubber gloves and glasses when dealing with chemicals like bleach.
You can also use a bleach solution to remove mildew from cushion covers. Add half a cup of bleach to the washing machine drum and fill it with lukewarm water to a low water level. Add the cushion covers and wash on a gentle or delicate cycle with cool water. Avoid using fabric softener and air dry the covers in direct sunlight to prevent mould in the future.
While bleach can be effective in removing mildew, it doesn't actually kill the mould. To effectively wipe out mould, use an enzyme cleaner or a cleaning product designed for removing mould, such as Concrobium Liquid Mold Remover.
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Use linseed oil and mineral spirits
If you're looking to breathe new life into your old plastic chairs, there are several methods you can try. One highly effective method is the use of linseed oil and mineral spirits. This combination works to rejuvenate plastic, bringing back its colour and shine.
To begin the process, you'll need to create a mixture of boiled linseed oil and low-odour mineral spirits, also known as paint thinner. The ideal ratio for this mixture is 60% boiled linseed oil to 40% mineral spirits. Ensure you mix these two ingredients thoroughly.
Once you have your mixture ready, grab a clean rag and dip it into the solution. Apply the linseed oil and mineral spirit mixture liberally to the surface of your plastic chair. Make sure you cover all areas evenly. Allow the solution to penetrate the surface for about a minute.
After a short wait, grab another clean rag and begin buffing the chair. You'll be pleased to see the spectacular results—the colour of the chair will be restored, and it will have a fresh shine. The best part? This method doesn't leave behind any unpleasant odours.
If you want to maintain the revitalised look of your plastic chairs, regular cleaning and maintenance are key. Keep your chairs covered when not in use, and give them a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth from time to time to remove any dust or dirt buildup.
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$14.88 $16.35
Apply a thin coat of car wax
To spruce up old plastic chairs, one of the methods is to apply a thin coat of car wax. This method is simple and effective in refreshing and protecting your plastic chairs. Car wax can be used to fill scratches and give a high shine to nonporous surfaces. It can also be used to create a barrier that prevents dust and debris from settling on surfaces.
Before applying car wax, it is important to clean the plastic chairs thoroughly. Regular dusting and wiping the chairs with a wet cloth can help remove any dirt or grime. For deeper cleaning, use soap, water, and a brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt, grease, or stains. Ensure that the chairs are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
When applying car wax, use a soft cloth or a microfibre cloth to apply a thin and even coat of wax to the entire surface of the chair. You can also use a foam applicator or a microfibre applicator pad for easier application. Make sure to follow the direction of the grain of the plastic to ensure a smooth and streak-free finish.
After applying the car wax, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface of the chair. This will help remove any excess wax and create a smooth and shiny finish. You can also use a buffing pad or a soft-bristled brush for better results. Make sure to buff in circular motions and work the wax into the plastic until you achieve the desired lustre.
Finally, let the car wax dry completely before using the chairs. This usually takes a few hours, but it is best to check the instructions on the car wax product for the recommended drying time. Once dry, your plastic chairs will have a renewed appearance and added protection from the elements.
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Spray paint for a new colour
Painting your plastic chairs is a simple and budget-friendly way to add a new look to your outdoor space. Before you start painting, ensure that the chairs are clean. You can use soap, water, and a brush to remove any dirt, oil, or grease. If the chairs have a slick finish, use light grit sandpaper and a primer to help the paint adhere better.
When choosing a paint, opt for a spray paint specifically designed to stick to plastic. Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover, for example, is formulated to bond with plastic and withstand the weather. Hold the can about 10 inches from the surface of the chair and keep it moving while you spray to ensure an even coat. Apply a thin coat of paint first and don't worry about full coverage during this initial layer. Once the first coat has dried, turn the chairs right side up and finish painting them.
It's recommended to use a satin finish, as it gives a more durable and aesthetically pleasing result than gloss. Choose a colour that is the same or a shade darker to hide any damages. Or, you can choose a completely new fun colour. You can expect to use about one can of spray paint per chair.
After painting, let the chairs dry completely in a well-ventilated area. If it's extremely hot outside, consider letting them dry in the shade to avoid any issues with the paint adhering. To be extra cautious, wait a few days before using the chairs again.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by giving the chair a good clean. You can use soap, water, and a brush, or a plastic cleaner. If your chair is white, you can use a mix of water and vinegar to clean it. If it's mildewed, use a bathroom cleaner, bleach, lemon juice, or vinegar. Then, if the chair is still stained, use an oxygen-based bleach solution. Once it's clean, you can apply a thin coat of car wax, petroleum jelly, or automotive paste wax to protect it. Finally, if you want to change the colour, apply a few layers of paint.
Mix a little water with baking soda to make a thick paste, and scrub it all over the chair. Once done, rinse the chair with clean water and wipe it dry.
Use a bathroom cleaner, or a mixture of water and bleach, lemon juice, or vinegar.
Use a plastic rejuvenator, or a 60-40 blend of boiled linseed oil and low-odour mineral spirits.
Clean the chair, let it dry, and place it upside down on a drop cloth. Spray the bottom of the chair with even coats of paint, holding the can about eight inches from the surface. Once the bottom has dried, turn the chair over and repeat on the top side.
