How to Paint Outside Furniture

Painting outdoor furniture is easy if you choose the correct paint. Within an hour or two, outdoor furniture can look new and have added life from a bit of elbow grease and paint.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Enamel-based paint
• Paintbrush
• Paint pan
• Newspaper or dropcloth

Instructions

1. Choose the color you wish to paint your furniture. It's best to go with an enamel-based paint for durability. Pick up some paintbrushes and a paint pan to avoid a patio mess.

2. Rub sandpaper against the grain of the wood on all of the furniture to ensure that the paint adheres to the wood.

3. Lay down some newspaper in the area you plan to paint the furniture.

4. Paint a thin layer of paint onto the wood. Cover the entire piece with a first coat. Be careful not to apply too much in corners or edges, or you'll have unsightly drips. Some people prefer to spray-paint for this reason--although spray painting can be messier and harder to apply in uniform amounts. Repeat for each piece of furniture and let them dry.

5. Add a second, thicker coat of paint to the furniture. Be sure to cover each piece completely to prevent uneven paint. Let the furniture dry and repeat until the color is what you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the furniture outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling paint fumes.

Resources

• An article from This Old House on reviving outdoor furniture.