15 tips for painting outdoor furniture

Take a good look at your furniture and decide if painting or staining is even worth it. You can certainly fix a wobbly chair or repair scratches and dents, but if a chair is rotted or the plastic leg of a table is cracked and falling apart, it may be time for new furniture.

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If your furniture is metal, you can paint over rust. First, remove all the rust before painting. You can do this without chemicals – you’ll just need to grind, scour and sand off the rust with a tool such as a sander, oscillating tool or drill.

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If you’re painting or staining wood or metal, you’ll need to remove any loose or peeling paint from both the furniture and any hardware before applying on a new coat. Try using sandpaper and a little elbow grease for this job.

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If you plan to use brush-on paint, consider applying a coat of primer before you apply the colour. The coat of primer will serve as a solid base, giving your new paint colour something to stick to. Use a high-quality paintbrush or roller for a smooth finish.

If you’re using spray paint for outdoor furniture, you can skip the primer. Conventional spray paints don’t need primer and work best for painting outdoor furniture made of wicker, wood and metal. If you’re looking to paint plastic outdoor furniture, look for a specially formulated spray paint made specifically to work with plastic.

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Using the right tools for the right project can keep you from some serious headaches. When painting smaller, more intricate pieces of furniture, smaller brushes and rollers are better. A paint roller may be the best choice if you’re painting something and need to cover a large area like a tabletop.

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If you’re painting wood or metal, it doesn’t really matter which finish you choose – whether it’s gloss, satin or matt – as long as your paint is made for outside use. Keep in mind that if you’re painting plastic, you’ll need a paint specifically designed for plastic to ensure it bonds correctly to the surface.

Depending on where you live, you may need more protection from the elements when painting outdoor furniture. Some paints have ultraviolet protection. If painting metal, consider using paint that is rust inhibiting. Staining is also an option that holds up well to the elements.

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A common rule of thumb is to apply at least two coats of paint or stain, although be sure to consider any additional instructions on the can. Don’t be tempted to apply thick coats to get the job done faster. Instead, apply thinner coats because they will dry faster and more consistently.

Your options are virtually endless when it comes to choosing a paint colour. One easy way to choose a colour is to go with something that compliments your home’s exterior. If you’re unsure about paint colour combinations, use the colour wheel method: find a colour that you like and then pick the corresponding colour directly across from it on the wheel.

Learn more with our 10 tips for choosing paint colours.