Maya Ellison
Faded plastic chairs can be a real eyesore, but there's no need to throw them out and buy new ones. With a simple and inexpensive DIY project, you can give your old chairs a vibrant new lease of life. All you need is some spray paint specifically formulated to adhere to plastic, and you can transform the look and feel of your outdoor space. It's a quick and easy process that anyone can do, and it will save you money. So, if you're tired of looking at those dull, sun-bleached chairs, read on to find out how to make them look brand new again.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $11 per can of spray paint |
| Time | A few hours over a weekend |
| Clean chairs | Use hot water, all-purpose cleaner, and a sponge |
| Dry chairs | Use a towel to dry, then let air dry |
| Primer | Use an outdoor primer for plastic, e.g. True Value EasyCare® Premium Décor Spray Enamel |
| Primer application technique | Spray the entire chair, applying in a sweeping motion about 12 to 18" from the surface |
| Safety | Wear safety glasses and a dust mask for protection from paint mist |
| Paint | Use spray paint specifically made to stick to plastic, e.g. Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover |
| Paint application technique | Hold the can about 10-12" from the surface of the chair and keep the can moving while you spray |
| Number of coats | Depends on the piece of furniture and your own personal judgment |
| Drying time | Let the furniture dry for at least 24 hours before using it |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint colour
Consider the Environment
Think about the environment in which the chairs will be placed. If they will be used outdoors, opt for colours that can withstand the elements and won't fade easily. A satin finish is recommended for outdoor settings as it tends to handle weather conditions better and is less prone to fading.
Personal Preference and Style
Choose a colour that aligns with your personal taste and the style of your home or outdoor space. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant shades or more subdued neutrals, select a colour that reflects your personality and complements your existing decor.
Matching Original Colour
If you want to restore your chairs to their former glory, consider matching the original colour. This is especially relevant if you are trying to maintain the original aesthetic of the chairs or if they are part of a set.
Testing and Practising
Before committing to a colour, it's a good idea to test it out. Some sources suggest practising on the bottom side of the chair to get a feel for the painting process and to see how the colour looks once dry. This will help you avoid any costly mistakes and ensure you are happy with the chosen shade.
Availability and Compatibility
Ensure that the paint colour you choose is available in a formula specifically designed for plastic. Some colours may not be available in plastic-specific paints, in which case you can use an outdoor primer first. This extra step will ensure a durable finish and allow you to work with a broader range of colours.
Remember, restoring faded plastic chairs is a creative process, and you can always re-paint if you're not completely satisfied with the final result. Enjoy bringing new life to your old chairs!
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Preparing the chair for painting
Preparing your faded plastic chair for painting is a simple process. First, give your chair a good clean. If the chair has been outside for a long time or has stubborn stains, use hot water, an all-purpose cleaner, and a sponge to thoroughly scrub the chair. You can also spray it down with a garden hose. If there are any metal parts, tape them off to protect them from the paint. If the chair has already been painted, you may need to sand it down lightly with sandpaper to ensure the new paint adheres well. Make sure to wipe away any residue and allow the chair to dry completely. Choose a workspace with good ventilation, preferably outside, and cover the floor with a drop cloth or old sheet to protect it from paint. Once your chair is clean and dry, and you have a suitable workspace, you can start painting.
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$12.99
Using primer
Painting faded plastic chairs is a simple and inexpensive way to refresh your outdoor furniture. Using primer is an important step in ensuring the paint adheres well to the plastic surface. Here is a detailed guide on using primer for your plastic chairs:
Choose the Right Primer
Select an outdoor primer that is specifically formulated for use on plastic. For example, you can use True Value EasyCare® Premium Decor Spray Enamel, or Krylon Colormaster Paint + Primer. These primers are designed to bond with plastic and provide a smooth base for your paint.
Prepare the Chairs
Before applying the primer, ensure your plastic chairs are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Use hot water, an all-purpose cleaner, and a sponge to wash the chairs, and if they have been outdoors for a long time or have mould or mildew stains, use a cleaner with ammonia. Rinse the chairs with a garden hose, and let them air dry completely.
Sand the Surface (Optional)
If your chairs have been painted before, it is recommended to lightly sand the surface to scuff it up. This will help the primer and paint adhere better. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge, and test it on an inconspicuous part of the chair first to ensure it doesn't scratch the surface.
Apply the Primer
Once your chairs are prepared, it's time to apply the primer. Shake the can thoroughly, then hold it about 12 to 18 inches away from the chair. Spray the primer in a sweeping motion, covering the entire chair. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask to protect yourself from the paint mist.
Let the Primer Dry
After you've applied the primer, let it dry completely. Follow the recommended drying time on the primer's packaging. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the primer is fully effective and provides a good base for your paint.
By following these steps, you'll be able to apply primer effectively and ensure that your new paint job adheres well to your faded plastic chairs.
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Painting the chair
Painting plastic chairs is a great way to bring new life to your old, faded furniture. It is a simple, inexpensive, and quick DIY project that can be completed in a few hours over the weekend. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Prepare the Workspace and the Chair:
Choose a workspace with good ventilation, preferably outdoors, and cover the floor with drop cloths, old sheets, or newspapers to protect the surface from paint. If your chair has been outside for a long time or has stubborn stains, clean it thoroughly with hot water, an all-purpose cleaner, and a sponge. You can also use a garden hose to spray it down from all angles. Once the chair is clean, dry it with a towel and let it air dry completely. If your chair has a slick finish, use light grit sandpaper to roughen the surface slightly so that the paint adheres well. Cover any non-plastic surfaces, such as metal legs, with painter's tape.
Prime the Chair:
Priming the chair will ensure that the paint adheres well and gives a smooth finish. Choose an outdoor primer specifically formulated for use on plastic. Shake the can thoroughly, then spray the entire chair, applying in a sweeping motion about 12 to 18 inches from the surface. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask for protection from paint mist. Let the primer dry for the recommended time before moving on to the next step.
Paint the Chair:
Select a spray paint specifically made to stick to plastic. Hold the can about 10 to 12 inches from the surface of the chair and keep the can moving while you spray. Apply a thin coat of paint first and don't worry about full coverage during this initial coat. Let the paint dry before applying additional coats, if needed. The number of coats will depend on your desired finish and the condition of your chair.
Final Steps:
Once you are happy with the paint coverage, let the chair dry for at least 24 hours before using it. Remove any painter's tape after the paint has completely dried. Your chair is now ready to be enjoyed!
It is important to note that you should always test the paint on a small area of the chair first to ensure it adheres well and that you are happy with the colour. This will save you time and effort in the long run.
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Drying and aftercare
Once you have finished painting your plastic chairs, it is important to give them ample time to dry. The amount of drying time will depend on the paint you have used, so be sure to read the can for specific instructions. Some paints will need to be recoated within a small window of time, while others should be left for at least 24 hours before applying another coat. It is also important to consider the weather conditions, as spray paint dries more quickly in ideal weather.
After you have applied the final coat of paint, it is recommended that you let the furniture dry for at least 24 hours before using it. This will ensure that the paint is fully cured and will help to prevent any paint transfer onto your clothes or other surfaces.
If you live in a hot and dry climate, it is important to keep your painted chairs out of direct sunlight as much as possible. The sun can cause the plastic to break down over time, which may result in paint chipping or peeling. Try to store your chairs in a shaded area, such as under a carport, to prolong their lifespan.
If you notice any paint chipping or peeling after some time, you may need to sand down the affected areas and repaint them. This is a common issue with painted plastic chairs, especially if they are exposed to the elements. To avoid this, it is important to choose a paint that is specifically designed to adhere to plastic, such as a paint and primer in one. You can also use a separate primer before painting, which will help the paint adhere better and may reduce the likelihood of chipping or peeling.
Overall, the aftercare for painted plastic chairs is relatively low-maintenance. With the right paint and primer, your chairs should look vibrant and refreshed for several years.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use spray paint to renew and brighten up faded plastic chairs. First, give the chairs a good clean using hot water, an all-purpose cleaner, and a sponge. If there are stubborn stains, use a cleaner with ammonia and spray it down with a garden hose. Let the chairs dry completely. Next, cover any non-plastic surfaces with painter's tape. Choose a workspace with good ventilation and cover the floor with a drop cloth or old sheet. Lightly sand the chairs with fine-grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere, then apply a coat of primer. Once the primer is dry, spray the chairs with a thin coat of spray paint for plastic, holding the can about 10-12 inches from the surface. Allow the paint to dry before applying another coat if needed.
You should use a spray paint that is specifically made to stick to plastic. Some recommended products include Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover, True Value EasyCare® Premium Decor Spray Enamel, and Valspar outdoor primer for plastic.
First, give the chairs a thorough scrubbing with soap and water to remove any embedded dirt. Tape off any metal parts of the chair. Then, apply at least two coats of paint using a small paint roller. You can use RIT Synthetic Dye for the mesh and apply Rite Colorstay afterwards to prevent water damage.
You can use WD-40® Specialist Silicone Lubricant to restore colour and shine to faded plastic patio furniture. Simply spray the product onto the plastic surface and wipe away any excess.
