Ethan Clarke
Painting plastic resin furniture is a great way to give your outdoor space a quick and inexpensive refresh. It's easy to do and can be completed in just a few hours or over a single afternoon. Before you start painting, you'll need to clean the surface of your furniture thoroughly and let it dry completely. You can use a combination of hot water, ammonia-based cleaner, and a sponge to remove mould, mildew, and dirt. If your furniture has been painted before, you may need to sand it lightly to scuff up the surface and improve paint adhesion. Once your furniture is clean and dry, you can apply a primer designed for plastic surfaces. After the primer has dried, you can spray paint your furniture with any colour you like, using light coats and allowing drying time in between. Your newly painted furniture will be ready to use in no time!
How to paint plastic resin furniture
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean | Use a bucket of hot water with an ammonia-based cleaner, a sponge, and a hose with a pressurised nozzle attachment to wash the entire surface of the furniture. Alternatively, use a cloth soaked in paint thinner or an all-purpose cleaner like dish soap. |
| Dry | Dry the furniture with a cotton towel and allow it to air dry completely. |
| Sand | Use sandpaper or a sanding sponge with fine-grit to gently brush the entire surface. |
| Prime | Use a plastic-specific primer or a combination paint and primer designed for use on plastic. Apply the primer in a steady back-and-forth motion, holding the can's nozzle 12-18 inches from the surface. |
| Paint | Use a spray paint that is meant for plastic. Apply 2-3 light coats of spray paint, letting it dry for 30 minutes to a few hours between coats. |
| Cure | The paint will be fully cured in 7 days. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning the furniture
Cleaning plastic resin furniture is a crucial step before painting, as paint requires a clean surface to adhere to. If the surface is not cleaned properly, the paint will flake and peel off. Therefore, it is essential to remove any dirt, grime, or old finishes before painting. Here is a detailed guide on cleaning plastic resin furniture:
- Initial Rinse: Start by rinsing the furniture with water. Use a hose or a spray bottle to remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Mix a Cleaning Solution: Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing a mild detergent or dish soap with warm water. You can also add a teaspoon of detergent to a half-gallon of warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the resin.
- Scrub the Surface: Use a soft brush, sponge, or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the furniture. Pay special attention to nooks and crannies, as resin furniture often has intricate designs that can hide dirt and grime.
- Soak and Rinse: Allow the cleaning solution to soak on the surface for about 15 minutes. Then, thoroughly rinse the furniture with clean water to remove any soap residue. Ensure that all soap residue is removed, as it can damage the furniture if left on.
- Dry: After rinsing, leave the furniture to air dry completely. Place it in a sunny spot for about two hours to ensure it is entirely dry.
- Address Stains: If there are stubborn stains, you can use a mild bleach solution. Mix a couple of tablespoons of powdered oxygen bleach with a gallon of water. For tougher stains, you can increase the amount of bleach. Scrub the surface with the bleach mixture until the stains disappear.
- Remove Wax: If the furniture has a waxy buildup, it is crucial to remove it before painting. Use a solvent like white spirit and steel wool to eliminate the wax. However, be cautious, as steel wool can scratch the surface if not used gently.
- Test for Cleanliness: Before proceeding to the next step, ensure that the furniture is entirely clean and free of any dirt, grime, or stains. You can do this by running a clean, dry microfiber cloth over the surface to check for any remaining residue.
Remember, consistent cleaning of your plastic resin furniture will make the process easier and help maintain its condition. Taking the time to clean your furniture thoroughly before painting will ensure a smooth and successful painting process.
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Sanding the furniture
Sanding is an important step in preparing plastic resin furniture for painting. It helps scuff up the surface, creating a better adhesion for the paint or primer. This is especially important if the furniture has been painted before or has a deteriorated, powdery surface from sun exposure.
To begin the sanding process, select a suitable sanding material. You can use sandpaper or a sanding sponge with fine-grit. Before proceeding with the entire piece, test your sanding material on a small, inconspicuous area of the furniture. If visible scratches appear, reduce the pressure applied or use a sanding tool with a finer grit.
Once you've determined the appropriate sanding technique, gently brush the entire surface of the furniture. This process will help create a uniform texture across the piece, ensuring the paint adheres evenly. Take your time with this step, as rushing may result in uneven sanding or potential damage to the furniture's surface.
After sanding, it's crucial to remove any dust or debris created during the process. Use a tack cloth to wipe down the surface of the furniture. This step ensures that no residual dust particles interfere with the adhesion of the primer or paint.
If your furniture is already smooth and has not been previously painted, you may choose to skip the sanding step. However, for best results, it is generally recommended to lightly sand even new plastic furniture to enhance paint adhesion.
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Priming the surface
Before priming the surface of your plastic resin furniture, ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and smooth. This is important because it helps the primer adhere to the furniture. To clean the surface, you can use soap and water, or a detergent and warm water. If there is mildew, scrub the area with a 3:1 water and bleach solution and keep the area wet for about 20 minutes before rinsing. If the piece of furniture has been painted before, or if it feels powdery from sun damage, you will need to sand the surface lightly. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to gently brush the entire surface. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
Once the surface is prepared, you can start priming. Choose a primer that is designed for use on plastic materials, especially if your furniture will be stored outdoors. You can use a combination paint and primer spray, or a separate primer and paint. If you are using a separate primer, apply it in a steady back-and-forth motion, holding the can's nozzle 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) from the surface. You can use a small foam roller for primer to achieve an even coat without leaving brush strokes. After applying the primer, let it dry for the amount of time recommended on the packaging. If you are using a paint and primer combo, you will likely want to apply at least one more coat of paint.
It is important to note that priming is not compulsory, but it gives you a smooth and even surface to work on. It also helps the paint adhere to the furniture, reducing the chances of peeling. If you are planning on sanding your furniture for an antique look, you can still prime, but apply a light coat so you can sand through for that distressed style.
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Painting the furniture
Painting plastic resin furniture is a great way to give your furniture a new look without spending a lot of time or money. It is a simple process that can be completed in just a few hours or one afternoon. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Clean the Furniture
Start by thoroughly cleaning the furniture to remove any dirt, debris, mould, or mildew. You can use a sponge and a bucket of hot water with an ammonia-based cleaner or dish soap. For tougher jobs, use a Scotch pad and Sugar Soap. Ensure you clean every surface of the furniture, including the legs, and rinse thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer. If your furniture is brand new, simply wipe it down with a cloth soaked in paint thinner. Once you're done, dry the furniture with a cotton towel and let it air dry completely.
Sand the Furniture (Optional)
If your furniture has been painted before, it's a good idea to lightly sand it to smoothen the surface. Sanding can also help scuff up the surface, making the paint stick better. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge, and always test your sanding material on an inconspicuous spot first. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust.
Prime the Surface
Priming is an essential step to ensure the paint adheres well to the plastic surface. Choose a primer specifically designed for plastic materials, preferably one that is spray-based for easier application. Shake the can and spray the entire surface, including the legs, using a steady back-and-forth motion. Hold the can's nozzle 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) from the surface. Let the primer dry for 30 minutes to an hour before proceeding to paint.
Paint the Furniture
Now it's time for the fun part—painting! Choose a spray paint that is specifically designed for plastic, such as Rust-Oleum or Krylon. You can opt for a paint and primer combination or prime the surface first, depending on your preference and the paint colour you've chosen. Hold the can upright, with the nozzle about 12 inches (30 cm) from the surface, and spray light, even coats of paint. Start with the underside of the furniture, flipping it over once the bottom is dry. Let the paint dry for a few hours between coats, and apply a second coat if needed.
Let it Dry
Once you've finished painting, let the paint dry completely. The paint will take about seven days to fully cure and become chip-resistant. During this time, be gentle with the furniture and avoid placing it in an area exposed to rain. If possible, let it dry in the sun, as UV exposure will help the paint harden faster.
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Drying the paint
Allow Adequate Drying Time
After applying the primer, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended drying time. Primers typically require at least 30 minutes to an hour of drying time before you can start painting. Once you've finished painting your plastic resin furniture, it's essential to let the paint dry completely before applying any additional coats. The drying time will depend on the type of paint you've used and the environmental conditions. In most cases, it's best to let the paint dry for at least 24 hours before applying a second coat or using the furniture.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
When painting, ensure that your workspace has adequate ventilation. This will help accelerate the drying process and prevent paint fumes from building up. An open garage, a well-ventilated room, or an outdoor area are ideal locations for painting.
Expose to Sunlight
To enhance the drying process, consider exposing your painted furniture to direct sunlight. UV exposure from the sun will help the paint harden and reach its maximum strength. If you only air-dry the furniture in the shade, the drying process may take significantly longer.
Avoid Touching or Handling
During the drying process, refrain from touching or handling the painted surfaces. It's important to give the paint enough time to cure and harden. Touching the paint before it's fully dry can leave fingerprints or smudges, ruining your smooth finish.
Protect from Moisture
If your painted furniture is placed outdoors, ensure it is protected from moisture, especially rain. Bring the furniture inside or cover it with a tarp if there is a possibility of precipitation. Paint takes several days to fully cure, and exposure to moisture during this time can affect its adhesion and durability.
Apply Additional Coats as Needed
Depending on the desired finish and the coverage of the paint, you may need to apply multiple coats. Always allow sufficient drying time between coats, following the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
Remember, the drying time can vary based on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the type of paint used. Always refer to the paint manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines and recommendations.
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