Chloe Zhang
Painting your outdoor plastic furniture is an easy way to update your backyard or outdoor space. It's a simple DIY project that anyone can do without spending a lot of money or time. You can use spray paint to give your plastic furniture a fresh new look and protect it from the elements. In this guide, we'll cover the steps to take on how to paint outdoor plastic furniture, from preparing the surface to applying the final coat of paint.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the plastic furniture
Preparing plastic furniture for painting is a simple process, but it does require some care and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Choose a suitable work area
Select a well-ventilated area to paint your furniture, such as a garage with the door open or a flat surface outdoors. This is important to ensure your safety when working with spray paint. Cover the ground with a material that can get paint on it, like newspaper or a tarp, to protect the surface from any paint drips or spills.
Clean the furniture
Before you begin sanding or painting, it's essential to thoroughly clean the plastic furniture. If the furniture is new, wipe it down with a cloth soaked in paint thinner. For older pieces or those with signs of mould or mildew, fill a bucket with hot water and add an ammonia-based cleaner. Use a sponge to wash the entire surface of the furniture, then rinse it by spraying it with a hose from multiple angles to ensure no residue is left behind.
Sand the furniture's surface
Lightly sand the furniture to create a smooth surface that will help the paint adhere better. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge, and gently brush the entire surface. Test your sanding material in an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn't scratch the plastic. If visible scratches appear, reduce the pressure or use a sanding tool with a finer grit.
Prime the surface (optional)
Once the surface is clean, dry, and smooth, you can choose to apply a primer. This step is especially important if you wish to use a colour not typically available for plastic materials. Select a primer designed for outdoor plastic use, and shake the can well. Spray the entire surface you intend to paint, holding the nozzle 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) from the surface and moving the can in a steady back-and-forth motion.
Prepare for painting
Before you begin painting, ensure you are happy with the colour and finish of your paint. Choose a spray paint designed for coating plastic, and shake the can well. It is also important to read the directions on the can to understand the dry and recoat times. Additionally, consider covering any surfaces of the furniture you do not wish to paint with painter's tape.
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Choosing the right paint
Type of Paint
Go for a paint that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Plastic has a slick surface, which can be challenging for some paint formulas to adhere to. Look for spray paints designed for coating plastic, as they will provide the best results and a smooth finish. If you plan to use the same colour for other projects, you can opt for a "multi-surface" spray paint.
Primer
Consider using a primer designed for outdoor plastic materials before painting. A primer will help the paint adhere better to the plastic surface. Choose a primer that comes in a spray can for easy application. You can also find combination paint and primer sprays designed for plastic surfaces if you prefer a one-step process.
Finish
A satin finish is recommended for plastic surfaces. It will give your furniture a sleek and elegant look. If you prefer a different finish, such as matte or gloss, you can apply a protective topcoat after the paint has dried.
Colour
Select a colour that is suitable for plastic materials. If you cannot find your desired colour in the plastic-specific paint section, consider using a primer first. Priming the surface will allow you to use a wider range of paints and colours.
Dry and Recoat Times
Be sure to read and follow the directions on the paint can regarding dry and recoat times. These times can vary depending on the paint type and brand. Understanding these timings will help you avoid imperfections in the finish and ensure a high-quality result.
By considering these factors and choosing the right paint, you can transform your outdoor plastic furniture into a vibrant and durable addition to your space.
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Priming the surface
Once your outdoor plastic furniture is clean and dry, you can start priming the surface. Choose a primer designed for plastic materials stored outdoors, which will be available at your local home improvement store and comes in a spray can. If you wish to paint your furniture a colour that is not available for plastic materials, use a primer. However, there are combination paint and primer sprays designed for use on plastic, so read the labels carefully.
Before you begin priming, protect the surrounding area. Work outdoors or in a garage with the door open, and cover the ground with newspaper, a tarp, or cardboard. Use painter's tape to cover any surfaces of the furniture you do not wish to paint.
Now you're ready to prime. Shake the can well and spray the entire surface you intend to paint. Apply the primer in a steady back-and-forth motion while holding the can's nozzle 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) from the surface. Once the primer has dried, you can start painting.
If you want to ensure the primer and paint adhere well, lightly sand the surface of the furniture before priming. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to gently brush the entire surface. This will create a rougher surface for the primer and paint to cling to.
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Painting techniques
Painting outdoor plastic furniture is a simple and effective way to update your outdoor space. Here are some techniques to help you achieve a professional-looking finish:
Clean the Surface
Before you start painting, ensure that the plastic furniture is clean and dry. Use a mixture of hot water and an ammonia-based cleaner to remove any dirt, mildew, or mould. For new plastic furniture, wipe it down with a cloth soaked in paint thinner. Rinse the furniture thoroughly by spraying it with a hose from multiple angles.
Prepare the Work Area
Choose a well-ventilated area to work in, such as a garage with the door open or a flat surface outdoors. Cover the ground with a material like newspaper or a tarp to protect it from paint drops. Place the furniture on a flat, paintable surface, such as a large piece of cardboard, and ensure there is a covering overhead to prevent debris from falling onto the wet paint.
Sand the Surface
Lightly sand the furniture's surface using fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge. This step is crucial, especially if the furniture has been painted before, as it helps create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Test your sanding material in an inconspicuous spot, and be gentle to avoid visible scratches.
Apply Primer
Once the surface is clean, dry, and smooth, it's time to prime. Choose a primer designed for plastic materials that will be stored outdoors, and apply it evenly to the entire surface you intend to paint. Hold the can about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) from the surface and spray in a steady back-and-forth motion. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Spray Paint
Select a spray paint designed specifically for coating plastic. If you are using a separate paint, choose a colour that is available for plastic materials. Hold the can upright, with the nozzle about 12 inches (30 cm) from the surface, and spray in a slow and steady back-and-forth motion. Start spraying before the surface and continue beyond it to ensure even coverage. Work slowly to avoid drips and bubbles, and allow the paint to dry for the recommended time between coats.
Protective Topcoat
Finally, seal your furniture with a protective topcoat, especially if it will be exposed to the weather. Choose a matte or gloss finish, depending on your preference, and apply it evenly to all painted surfaces.
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Protective topcoats
Painting outdoor plastic furniture can be tricky. After you have cleaned the surface and applied the paint, you will want to protect your work with a topcoat.
Topcoats are a great way to protect your painted furniture from scratches, smudges, dust, and spills. They can also make your furniture more durable and long-lasting. If you are painting furniture to sell, it is recommended to use a topcoat to give it added protection.
There are many different types of topcoats, and the best one for your project will depend on the type of paint you use and the finish you want to achieve. Water-based sealers or topcoats are a great option for most painted furniture projects. They add a layer of protection without altering the colour of the paint. They are also less toxic and easier to clean up compared to oil-based sealers. One recommended water-based topcoat is General Finishes High-Performance Topcoat in Flat, which can be applied with a Zibra brush. Another option is the Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish, which is a bit easier to use and nearly as durable.
If you are looking for a natural option, hemp oil is the easiest way to seal painted furniture. You simply wipe it on, let it sit for several hours, and then wipe back the excess. However, it needs to be reapplied every few years and does not work as well over paints that are not porous.
Wax is another option for sealing painted furniture, and it can enhance the colour and depth of the paint. However, it can be fragile and prone to chipping, and it also needs to be reapplied every few years. Wax works best with paints that do not have a topcoat already and are able to soak into the porous finish of a chalk or mineral-based paint.
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Frequently asked questions
First, find a well-ventilated area to work in and cover the ground with newspaper, a tarp, or cardboard. Clean the furniture with a mixture of hot water and an ammonia-based cleaner to remove any dirt and mildew. If the furniture is new, use a cloth soaked in paint thinner. Sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it out and help the paint stick better. Apply a coat of primer designed for outdoor use on plastic materials. Once the primer is dry, spray paint the furniture with a colour of your choice. For best results, use two coats of paint and finish with a protective topcoat.
You should use spray paint designed for use on plastic. A satin finish is recommended for plastic surfaces.
To get a smooth finish, use spray paint instead of a paintbrush. Make sure to shake the can of spray paint for a long time before use. Additionally, take your time when painting and move slowly and steadily to avoid drips, bubbles, and other messes.
You should apply at least two coats of paint to your outdoor plastic furniture.
It is not recommended to use indoor paint for outdoor plastic furniture. Indoor paint will require higher quality paint and more preparation time.
