How to Paint Plastic Furniture

Plastic furniture is commonplace, not just in children's rooms and outdoors. The furniture usually gets thrown out before it wears out. The color becomes dingy or no longer matches decorating changes. A little paint and imagination can bring new life to plastic chairs, tables, lamps and other furnishings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic furniture
• Spray paint for plastic
• Ammonia
• Paint thinner
• Sponge
• Rag
• Masking tape

1. Select a spray paint that adheres to hard-to-bond plastic surfaces. This paint is available in a wide range of colors from hardware, home improvement and craft stores.

2. Pick the right time and place to paint. Paint outdoors or in a well ventilated area such as a garage or carport. Check the weather report. Don't paint on a windy or rainy day. Avoid blowing leaves and raindrops. High humidity decreases drying time. Line the ground with a drop cloth or newspapers. Move or cover any nearby items in range of the spray.

3. Prepare the surface. Consider the age of the plastic furniture. If it is old, clean it with an ammonia solution. Combine one half cup of ammonia to one gallon of hot water. Wipe with a sponge. Rinse well. If the furniture is new, put paint remover on a rag and wipe the surface of the furniture. This will enhance the ability of the paint to adhere.

4. Use masking tape. Cover any metal surfaces on the furniture with the tape. For a creative look, use tape to design edging and patterns on the furniture.

5. Shake the paint can. Spray a very thin coat. Keep the can about a foot away from the furniture. Use sweeping motions. Continue to shake the can often while spraying. Allow the coat to dry several hours. Turn the furniture over to spray the underside.

6. Apply up to four thin coats. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Remove the masking tape after the last coat has dried.

Tips & Warnings

• As an extra precaution while spray painting, wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth.
• Do not allow young children to spray paint.

Resources

• For more information on how to paint plastic furniture, go to the website of Home and Garden.

[conalcharles]

on 7/4/2008 If the plastic furniture is new, the Krylon paints recommend you wipe it down quickly with a rag dipped in some paint thinner.