A faded, chalky or worn pool enclosure can make an otherwise beautiful outdoor space look tired. In Florida, constant exposure to sun, humidity and weather can take a toll on the finish of an aluminum pool cage over time.
Professional pool cage restoration can give an aging enclosure a dramatic refresh without replacing an otherwise serviceable structure. But the finished result depends heavily on what happens before the paint is applied.
At Rescreen Rescue, painting is part of a complete enclosure restoration process. We don’t simply spray over an existing cage and call it restored.
When Is It Time to Restore and Paint a Pool Cage?
Some of the most common signs include:
- Faded or uneven color
- Chalky oxidation on the aluminum
- Peeling or deteriorating finish
- Rust staining around old fasteners
- An enclosure that looks noticeably older than the surrounding pool and patio area
Not every enclosure is a good candidate for restoration. The condition of the aluminum and overall structure matters, which is why the cage should be evaluated before deciding whether restoration or replacement makes more sense.
Why Preparation Matters So Much
Painting an aluminum pool enclosure isn’t the same as painting a wall or applying a fresh coat over an existing finish.
Surface preparation is a major part of the job.
If dirt, oxidation, loose material or other contaminants remain on the enclosure, the new coating is only bonding to what’s underneath it. That’s one reason a quick spray-over and a professional restoration are very different projects.
How Rescreen Rescue Restores and Paints Pool Enclosures
Our restoration process is designed around preparing the enclosure properly before the new finish is applied.
1. Remove the Existing Screens
For a full cage restoration, the existing screen is removed before the enclosure is painted.
This gives our crew access to the aluminum framing and eliminates the need to try to paint around existing screen panels.
It also means the enclosure can be rescreened after the coating process is complete, giving the entire cage a refreshed finished appearance.
2. Clean the Enclosure
The aluminum structure is thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, buildup and contaminants that could interfere with the coating process.
Cleaning is preparation, not the finished restoration.
3. Prepare the Existing Surface
Problem areas are addressed before primer and paint are applied. Depending on the condition of the enclosure, preparation can include filling and sanding areas that need attention and removing loose or deteriorated material.
This is one of the most important parts of the process. A new coating cannot correct poor preparation underneath it.
4. Protect the Surrounding Property
Before coatings are applied, surrounding areas are carefully masked and protected.
Pool decks, walls, windows and other nearby surfaces need protection from overspray during the application process.
5. Prime the Aluminum
Rescreen Rescue uses Sherwin-Williams LOXON as part of our pool enclosure restoration coating system.
Primer is an important part of creating a properly prepared surface for the finish coat.
6. Apply the Finish Coat
After preparation and priming, we apply Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial Enamel Low Sheen.
Using a defined coating system matters. Homeowners should know what products are being applied to their enclosure rather than simply being told they’re receiving “high-quality paint.”
7. Allow the Coating to Cure
The coating needs appropriate time to cure before the enclosure is put back together.
Rushing this stage can compromise an otherwise carefully prepared restoration.
8. Rescreen the Enclosure
Once the coating process is complete and ready, the enclosure is rescreened.
For homeowners who already need both a rescreen and enclosure restoration, completing the work together can transform the entire pool area in one project.
What About Rusty Pool Cage Screws?
Rust stains running down an enclosure often originate from aging fasteners.
Hardware condition should be evaluated as part of a restoration project rather than simply painting over visibly deteriorated screws.
Rescreen Rescue also performs complete screen-enclosure hardware replacement using corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners, with hardware selected for the application and environment.
Restoration Is More Than Painting
This distinction is important when comparing estimates.
Two companies can both quote “pool cage painting” while proposing very different amounts of preparation and restoration work.
Ask what is actually included:
- Are the screens removed?
- How is the enclosure cleaned and prepared?
- Are damaged or deteriorated areas addressed before coating?
- What primer is being used?
- What finish product is being used?
- How will the surrounding property be protected?
- Is hardware replacement included or available?
- Is rescreening included?
- What workmanship warranty applies to the project?
The answers tell you considerably more than the word “painting” on an estimate.
Pool Cage Restoration in Tampa Bay
Rescreen Rescue has served Tampa Bay since 2013, with more than 25 years of industry experience.
We provide pool enclosure restoration and painting along with full rescreens, screen repair, hardware replacement, enclosure doors and other screen-enclosure services.
Our restoration work is performed by our own crews, and qualifying full restoration projects include our 5-year workmanship warranty.
If your pool cage is faded, oxidized or simply showing its age, we can evaluate the enclosure and help determine whether restoration is the right option.
Rescreen Rescue — Your First Response for Screen Repair.
Florida Specialty Structure Contractor
SCC131153896