How to Paint Patio Cushions
You probably have seen glossy magazine pages with photos of gorgeous outdoor living spaces. The furniture in those photos is always piled with custom cushions and pillows. Typically, the cushions that come as part of your patio set don't look like that. You don't have to settle for the boring cushions and pillows that came with your outdoor furniture. The tight weave on outdoor fabric is a perfect candidate for painting with fabric paint. Add a stenciled design, stripes or a monogram in the morning and invite a neighbor over for tea on the patio in the afternoon. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Clean the cushions thoroughly. If possible, remove the covers from the cushions and wash by hand, using a detergent for delicate items. If the covers cannot be removed, use mild dishwashing soap and water. Clean the cushions with a sponge dipped in the soapy water. Rinse the cushions with clean water. Allow the cushions or cushion covers to dry completely.
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Decide on a design. Add stripes, floral patterns or monograms to your patio cushions. Stay within your artistic abilities. Don't attempt to draw flowers freehand if you lack painting talent. Stencils are a great way to add design elements with little to no artistic talent.
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Place your cushions on top of a dropcloth or newspaper. If you removed the covers from the cushions, add a layer of newspaper between the fabric of the cushion cover to avoid paint dripping through the fabric and staining the opposite side.
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Attach a stencil or design to your cushion. Use low-tack painter's tape to add stripes or borders. Apply a stencil using low-tack painter's tape to firmly attach the stencil to the fabric with no gaps or puckers in the fabric.
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Put a quarter-size dollop of paint onto a paper plate. Dip a foam brush into the paint and dab a thin layer of the paint onto the cushion. Use a small amount of paint to start and add layers to add more color as necessary. Allow the first color to dry. Add second or third colors to create your design. Allow the paint to dry for two hours.
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Iron the paint with a warm iron. Lightly run the iron over the fabric paint to set the paint. Check the side of the paint bottle for specific instructions on heat setting. Some paints do not require this step.
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Tips & Warnings
Create a watercolor effect with fabric painting by diluting the paint with water. Mix enough water with the fabric paint to accomplish an ink consistency. Use a spray bottle to wet the fabric as you paint. Use an artist's brush to apply the paint.
