If home design shows on television have taught us anything, it’s that just about anything that’s old can look new again. When it comes to patio or metal furniture, that’s definitely true, thanks to companies like Powder Coating Specialists, a metal refinishing company based in Brookfield.

“We take furniture that looks like it’s worn and used, and we make it look brand new,” says Krissy Dziewior, who owns Powder Coating Specialists and its Patio Partner division together with her husband Jim. “We refinish anything that’s metal.”

In the summer, they see an increase in patio furniture and outdoor decorative items like planters, flower urns, railings, light fixtures, fence panels, and beyond. The only true parameters are that it must be a conductive metal, and it needs be completed in their 4,500-square-foot shop. They even offer delivery services for those that can’t drop off themselves.

Powder coating looks like a paint, except it’s more durable and can last for years, serving as a protective finish. To refinish a metal piece with a new powder coating, first it’s sandblasted down to remove all the existing finish and create a clean surface. Then, it’s steam-cleaned and treated with a rust inhibitor before going through two rounds of powder coating that cures in an oven. An old metal chair comes out looking brand new in one of any 300 colors in stock at the shop.

Another huge benefit of using Powder Coating Specialists and Patio Partner is that repair work on metal items can be done at the same time. “We’re truly a one stop shop for patio needs because we do repair work as well, including welding. Our team is trained with a proven process and skilled mechanically for most repairs needed,” Jim says.

And not just repair work that’s part of a powder coating project; they do repair work separate from power coating. They can cut down metal furniture legs to reach a certain bar or table height, and they can replace straps and slings on furniture as well.

“You don’t have to go to a bunch of different vendors. We have books of after-market materials for vinyl strapping and slings as well as original manufacturer items such as Brown Jordan, Tropitone, and others. Customers can pick the powder color for the metal and fabrics they want for their patio furniture all from our showroom. We do it all,” Krissy adds.

Jim Dziewior has another refurbishment business specializing in engineering and services for the steel industry. Prior to starting Powder Coating Specialists, he would regularly have items powder coated. Rather than send those requests out to a vendor, he had the idea to start their own small business together to accommodate needs, and it’s grown into one of the best area companies for patio furniture refurbishment and metal refinishing in the Chicagoland area.

“Furniture is so expensive and meaningful to many. Just because its rusting or the color doesn’t work anymore for some reason, it’s silly to get rid of such a big investment. The other wonderful thing about powder coating is it’s environmentally friendly. It’s a nice, clean alternative,” Krissy says. Unlike paint, powder coating emits negligible amounts of volatile organic compounds in the air, and powder coating is hazardous air pollutant (HAP) free.

During the spring, the shop is busy with outdoor furniture, but they often refinish interior items too, like fireplace screens, light fixtures, and other outdated metal features in a house (think brass from the 1980s). What started as a nice add-on to an existing business has turned into a trusted name in the powder coating, repair, and refinishing industry locally—and has truly become a great partner for customers, especially for patio and outdoor needs.

Powder Coating Specialists and its Patio Partner division is located at 9436 47th Street in Brookfield, 708-387-8000, powdercoatingspecialists.com.