Painting outdoor wood furniture can help protect it from the elements and make it look like new again. With the right preparation and techniques, you can give your outdoor furniture a fresh coat of paint that will keep it looking great for years to come.
Introduction
Outdoor wood furniture is susceptible to weathering from rain, sun exposure, temperature changes, and other environmental factors. Over time, the original factory finish can start to peel, crack, or fade. Painting it with exterior paint helps protect the wood and restore the furniture’s appearance.
Proper preparation is key to achieving great results when painting outdoor wood furniture. The new paint needs to adhere well and hold up to outdoor conditions. With some simple steps, you can prep your outdoor furniture for a smooth, even painted finish.
Steps to Prepare Outdoor Wood Furniture for Painting
Clean the Furniture
Before painting, thoroughly clean the outdoor wood furniture to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew and loose paint or finish. Here are some tips:
- Use a high-pressure hose or power washer to remove surface debris. Let the furniture dry completely afterward.
- For molded wood furniture, scrub with a stiff bristle brush and exterior wood cleaner to lift dirt from crevices.
- Remove loose paint by scraping gently with a putty knife or wire brush. Don’t damage the wood surface underneath.
- Clean small crevices with a narrow putty knife. For dried bird droppings or sap, use a plastic scraper.
- Scrub mold or mildew stains with a mix of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Allow wood to dry.
Sand the Wood Surface
Sanding smoothes the existing finish and allows the new paint to adhere properly. Here’s how to sand outdoor furniture before painting:
- Use 80-100 grit sandpaper to sand smooth surfaces. For detailed areas, use 120-150 grit.
- Sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches. Apply light pressure.
- Remove all dust with a vacuum, tack cloth, or damp rag after sanding. Let dry completely.
- Don’t sand down to bare wood, which can lead to moisture damage. Just scuff the surface.
Fill Holes and Imperfections
Check for nail holes, cracks, or other defects in the wood. Use exterior-grade wood filler to patch them before painting:
- Dab filler into holes with a putty knife. Wipe away excess.
- For cracks, press filler in with a flexible putty knife. Smooth flush with surface.
- Allow filler to dry as directed, usually about 30 minutes. Then sand until smooth.
- Spot prime filled areas with exterior primer to seal. Let dry completely.
Add Primer
Priming helps the paint stick to the wood surface. It also provides extra protection from moisture and sun damage.
- Use an oil-based or latex primer formulated for exterior wood. Latex dries faster.
- Apply a thin, even coat with a brush, roller, or paint sprayer. Cover all surfaces.
- Allow primer to dry completely, at least 24 hours. Lightly sand any drips or rough spots.
- For severely weathered wood, apply two coats of primer for better coverage.
Now the outdoor furniture is prepped and ready for the finish paint coats!
How to Paint Outdoor Wood Furniture for Best Results
Follow these tips when selecting and applying exterior paint to your outdoor wood furniture:
Choose Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint
For outdoor use, latex paints provide good protection and hold up better than oil-based paints:
- Look for exterior acrylic latex paint marked “100% acrylic” on the label.
- Flat or satin sheens reflect light and mask imperfections well outdoors.
- Make sure the product is specifically formulated for outdoor wood surfaces.
- Neutral, earthy tones work well and withstand weathering.
Check Weather Conditions Before Painting
Avoid painting in direct sunlight, high humidity, or cold temperatures:
- Paint when outdoor temps are between 50-90°F for proper drying.
- Don’t apply paint if rain is expected within 24 hours.
- Low humidity provides better drying conditions than high humidity.
- Avoid painting surfaces heated by direct sun, which causes blistering.
Use Proper Painting Tools
Good technique leads to smooth results. Use high-quality applicators:
- Opt for angled sash brushes for cutting in corners and edges.
- Use top-quality synthetic or polyester bristle brushes.
- Thick nap rollers work well on horizontal surfaces. Foam rollers are good for verticals.
- Consider an airless paint sprayer for large furniture pieces. Back-brush after spraying.
Apply Paint in Thin, Even Coats
Multiple thin coats provide better coverage than one thick coat:
- Stir paint thoroughly before and during use. Pour into a paint tray.
- Load the brush lightly and tap off excess paint before applying.
- Use smooth, overlapping strokes. Brush top to bottom, then left to right.
- Allow each coat to dry 24 hours before adding the next. Lightly sand between coats.
- For full protection, apply two to three coats total.
Let Paint Dry and Cure Fully
Allow adequate drying time before exposing furniture to weather or use:
- Let paint dry 24 hours between coats. Final coat takes 1-2 days to dry.
- Curing takes about 30 days before the paint film reaches maximum hardness.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on the furniture during curing.
- Wait at least 2 weeks before exposing painted furniture to rain or sprinklers.
With good preparation techniques and proper application of exterior acrylic paint, you can give new life to weathered outdoor furniture. Maintain the finish with occasional cleaning and touch-up paint as needed. Follow these tips for a durable, long-lasting painted surface on your outdoor wood furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Outdoor Wood Furniture
What kind of paint should be used on outdoor wood furniture?
Exterior latex acrylic paints are best for outdoor wood surfaces. Look for paints specially formulated for exterior woods that say “100% acrylic” on the label and have UV protection.
How many coats of paint do you need on outdoor furniture?
For best protection, apply two to three thin coats of exterior latex paint rather than one thick coat. Make sure to let each coat dry fully before adding the next.
Should I use primer when painting outdoor furniture?
Yes, priming is recommended before painting outdoor pieces. Oil-based and latex primers help paint adhere to wood and provide extra moisture protection.
Can you use a roller to paint outdoor furniture?
Yes, using a roller to apply exterior paint to furniture is quicker than brushing. Use a thick nap roller for flat surfaces, and a foam roller for vertical surfaces and details. Always back-brush after rolling for an even finish.
How long does outdoor paint need to cure before being used?
Paint can take 1-2 days to fully dry and up to 30 days to completely cure and harden. Avoid heavy use of painted outdoor furniture for at least 2 weeks to allow proper curing.
How do I maintain outdoor wood furniture after painting?
Clean wooden patio furniture periodically with mild soap and water. Look for signs of peeled or cracked paint and touch up as needed. Plan to repaint every 2-3 years for continued protection.
Conclusion
Painting your worn outdoor wood furniture restores it affordably and allows you to update the color or finish. Proper preparation is crucial—clean thoroughly, sand, fill imperfections, and prime before painting. Use high-quality exterior latex acrylic paint. Allow adequate drying and curing time. With this process, you can extend the life of cherished outdoor furniture pieces with a durable and attractive painted finish.