What Kind of Paint for Outdoor Plastic Lawn Furniture?

Try giving your outdated lawn furniture a fresh coat of color.

Updating boring plastic lawn chairs and tables with vibrant, cheery colors is a breeze with the right kind of paint and a few simple steps. The same technique can be used on plastic flowerpots and lawn décor for a cohesive look.

Specially Formulated Paint

According to Danny Lipford, a home expert for The Weather Channel, the best paint for plastic outdoor furniture is spray paint formulated to bond with plastic. Outdoorlivingideas.com recommends Krylon Fusion.

Preparation

When using specialty paints, it’s especially important to read instructions before you begin, according to Lipford. Work in a well-ventilated area with low humidity and a temperature between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash the furniture well with water and a mild detergent solution, and let it dry completely.

Proper Technique

According to outdoorlivingideas.com, you should hold the paint can 8 to 10 inches away from the surface and spray in sweeping motions. Begin away from the edge of the furniture and continue each pass off the other side to create a continuous look. Overlap each pass to avoid stripes, and apply multiple, light coats.

Drying Time

Luckily, spray paint usually dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait forever to enjoy your new masterpiece. Krylon Fusion dries to the touch in 15 minutes and can be handled after an hour, according to outdoorlivingideas.com.

Decorative Ideas

Specialty paints come in many colors and finishes, so feel free to experiment. To create stripes, mask off dry surfaces with painter’s tape and spray additional colors over the base coat. Stencils are another easy way to create a custom look; find a design you like or try your initials or house number.

References

• Danny Lipford: "How to Paint Anything Outside"
• "OutdoorLivingIdeas: Fresh Approach to Plastic Furniture"