Painting outdoor cushions can breathe new life into old, faded cushions and allow you to customize them to match your outdoor décor. With the right preparation and painting technique, you can easily transform plain cushions into colorful, eye-catching accent pieces for your patio, deck, or balcony.
Introduction
Outdoor cushions are essential for creating comfortable seating areas outdoors. However, constant exposure to sun, rain, dirt, and mildew can cause them to fade, stain, and look worn over time. Painting cushions is an easy DIY project that can revive tired cushions and give them a fresh new look. With a little effort, you can customize standard cushions from stores to coordinate with your outdoor color scheme.
Painted cushions also provide these advantages:
- Cost-effective way to update old cushions vs. buying new ones
- Customize colors and patterns to match your outdoor style
- Easy to touch up chips and scratches down the road
- Protects cushion fabric from further sun damage and fading
When approaching a cushion painting project, preparation and using the proper painting technique will ensure the paint adheres properly and withstands the elements. This guide will walk through the complete process for successfully painting outdoor cushions.
Supplies Needed
Painting cushions will require some basic supplies:
- Exterior paint (acrylic latex)
- Paintbrushes
- drop cloths
- Painters tape
- Outdoor sealer/protectant spray
- Gloves and rags
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth
For best results, choose an exterior acrylic latex paint formulated for outdoor use on furniture and décor. Paint with built-in primer will help the paint adhere directly to the cushion fabric. Select a satin or semi-gloss sheen for a subtle shine that also resists moisture and stains.
Gather a few paintbrushes in small and medium sizes to handle detail work and larger surface areas. Protect your work surface with drop cloths, and use painter’s tape to mask off edges and seams. Sealant spray at the end will add an extra protective barrier against the elements.
Prepare the Cushion Surface
Proper surface preparation is a must for painted cushions to ensure maximum paint adhesion:
- Clean the cushions – Use a cloth with warm soapy water to remove any dirt, debris, and stains from the cushion surface. Let dry fully.
- Sand the surface – Lightly sand the cushions using 220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the fabric. This helps the paint grip and bond.
- Wipe clean – Use a tack cloth to remove any dust left over from sanding. Make sure the surface is clean and dry.
- Apply primer – For best adhesion, apply a thin coat of exterior primer before painting. Allow the primer to fully dry per manufacturer instructions before painting.
Pro tip: If using a paint with built-in primer, you can skip this step. Always check the label.
How to Paint Cushions
Follow these steps for the actual painting process:
- Apply base coat – Using a small paintbrush, apply an even base coat of paint over the entire cushion surface. Work in sections and maintain full coverage. Let dry completely.
- Add second coat – For optimal durability, apply a second finish coat of paint. Use slightly overlapping strokes to ensure even coverage.
- Detail work – If adding any decorative details, patterns, or borders, now is the time. Use painter’s tape and a small brush for best results. Remove any tape before the paint fully dries.
- Seal the paint – Once the paint has dried 24-48 hours, apply 1-2 light coats of outdoor sealer spray. This adds extra protection from moisture and UV rays.
Key Painting Tips
- Always work in a well-ventilated area
- Apply paint in thin, even coats using overlapping strokes
- Work from the center outwards to avoid drips
- Add any detail work after the base coats have fully dried
- Let paint dry 24-48 hours before direct sun or water exposure
Take your time with the painting process for smooth, streak-free results. Properly dried and sealed painted cushions can hold up 3-5 years outdoors before needing touch ups.
Design Inspiration
Custom painted cushions are all about adding your personal style. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your next cushion project:
Solid Colors
Coordinate cushion colors with other patio furniture or home exterior paint colors. Bright solids instantly liven up outdoor areas.
Patterns
Make a bold statement with checked, striped, floral, or geometric patterned cushions. Use painter’s tape for clean lines.
Stencils
Use nature, nautical, or southwestern themed stencils to transfer intricate designs onto cushions.
Different Looks
Paint the cushion seat a solid color and use a patterned fabric for the back pillow. Mix and match!
Distressing
Add character by lightly sanding to expose some of the original cushion color underneath. Try dry brush techniques over the paint for a textured look.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun customizing your cushions. Paint allows for easy refreshers down the road. Change up colors and patterns each season if desired.
FAQs
Still have some questions about taking on an outdoor cushion painting project? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What types of paint work best for outdoor cushions?
Acrylic latex paints formulated for outdoor use on furniture and décor are ideal for painted cushions. Look for exterior paint with pigments designed to withstand sun exposure and moisture.
Is special primer needed?
For most acrylic paint brands, applying primer first is recommended for proper adhesion on fabric cushions, especially if they have a shiny or slick surface finish. Choose an exterior primer. Some paints have built in primer – check labels to be sure.
How long does the painted cushion take to dry?
Allow 24-48 hours dry time before placing newly painted cushions outdoors. Letting paint fully cure prevents chipping, cracking, or adhesion issues. High humidity or cool temperatures can also prolong dry times.
How do I fix paint drips or errors?
Careful prep work and painting technique helps avoid drips and errors. But if they occur, wait for the paint to dry fully then sand the problem area smooth before touching up with more paint.
Can I paint cushion covers without removing them?
It’s recommended to remove cushion covers before painting to access the entire surface and prevent paint seepage or bleed through. But for some slip-covered cushions, you may be able to paint successfully while still on the frame. Tape off seams.
What kind of ongoing care do painted cushions need?
Avoid placing freshly painted cushions in direct sun and water until fully cured first. Then periodic cleaning with mild soap and water is recommended. Reapply outdoor sealer every year or two for added protection.
Conclusion
With the right preparation and painting techniques, it’s simple to refurbish faded outdoor cushions by bringing them to life with vibrant paint colors. Custom painted cushions allow you to add personality and style to your patio, porch or deck. Follow the steps for proper paint adhesion so your newly painted cushions will hold up for many seasons of use. Don’t forget to seal the finished pieces to protect the paint and help locked in the color. Your outdoor space will get a quick makeover with this easy DIY home project.