3 Ways to Update Your Patio Furniture with Paint
Sam Lutz • March 28, 2017
After many years of use, patio furniture has a way of looking old and tired. Luckily, paint can do a lot to help freshen and protect your patio furniture. By adding a couple new coats of paint, you can make your patio attractive once again.
Change the Color
The simplest way to update your patio furniture with paint is to choose a new color when you repaint. Since your patio is primarily used in the summer, we recommend something bright and bold, but not too dark. Consider these color combinations:
- Lemon and soft gray
- Nautical colors (blue and white)
- Lime green and aqua marine
You can check out some more color combinations here. The colors you choose may get hot in the sun. Avoid dark shades to ensure that your patio furniture stays comfortable in the summer heat.
Add Stripes to Solid Surfaces
Stripes are lively and visually interesting. Remember that the patio is a place for relaxing, so less is more when it comes to stripes. A few stripes painted on a table or scattered across the back of a chair can make your patio furniture more visually interesting without making the color overwhelming.
Stencil a Pattern
Patterns stenciled onto benches and table tops add a touch of whimsy to your landscaping. Unless you’re very skilled with stencils, we recommend practicing the stencil beforehand, and keeping the pattern somewhat simple.
Painting Patio Furniture Process
The way you paint your patio furniture will depend on the material being painted; However, in general the process for painting patio furniture is as follows:
- Pick the right paint. Read the manufacturer’s instructions when choosing the right paint for your needs. Match the paint to the material being painted, and look for paint that specifically states it’s created for patio use or outdoor use. Some patio paint comes with built in UV protection to prevent the paint from fading. Using this type of paint will extend the service life of the paint.
- Clean the furniture. Remove all dirt and grit from the furniture to prepare the surface for paint. Metal furniture must have rust removed before proceeding. To learn more about prepping the surface for painting, check out our post about preparing patio furniture for a fresh coat of paint.
- Prep the area for painting. Lay down tarps. If you’re painting in your garage, open the garage door for ventilation.
- Apply the first coat. If you’re using paint brushes, use good quality brushes to ensure a smooth finish. If using spray paint, avoid drips by adjusting the distance between the spray can and the piece of furniture, keep the can moving as you’re painting, and keep the coat thin to avoid bubbling, globs and drips.
- Wait for the paint to dry, then apply the second coat. The paint will be tacky while it is still wet. Keep the furniture out of direct sunlight as it dries.
Once you’ve applied two coats, you may need a third. Consult with the paint can to see how many coats the manufacturer recommends, then check the furniture for areas that need touch ups.
Stop in at Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture
At Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture, we sell paint for patio furniture
and other outdoor items. We can help you pick out the right type of paint for your needs. To see our selection, stop in at one of our convenient locations.

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