
Plastic Adirondack chairs are a great addition to any outdoor space, but they can become faded and worn out over time. If you're looking to give your plastic Adirondack chair a new lease of life, repainting it is a simple and budget-friendly solution. With just a few cans of spray paint, you can transform the look of your chair and add a pop of colour to your outdoor space. In this discussion, we will explore the steps involved in repainting a plastic Adirondack chair, from preparing the surface to selecting the right type of paint, to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Make necessary repairs |
| Step 2 | Clean the chair with a damp cloth |
| Step 3 | Use a household cleaner for old chairs with accumulated dust and mildew |
| Step 4 | Lightly sand the chair to scuff the surface and make the paint stick better |
| Step 5 | Choose a paint and primer in one, or use a primer first, especially if the chair has a slick finish |
| Step 6 | Choose a workspace with good ventilation, preferably outside, and cover the floor with drop cloths or newspapers |
| Step 7 | Turn the chair upside down and start painting the bottom first |
| Step 8 | Hold the can 8"-12" away from the chair and spray in a sweeping motion with slight overlap |
| Step 9 | Wait 1 minute between each coat and continue applying light coats until satisfied with the appearance |
| Step 10 | Let the chair dry for at least 24 hours before use |
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What You'll Learn
- Clean the chair with a household cleaner, sponge, or damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, mildew, or grime
- Lightly sand the chair to scuff the surface and improve paint adhesion
- Apply primer to the chair, ensuring it is a type formulated for use on plastic
- Choose a spray paint designed for plastic, preferably with paint and primer in one
- Spray the chair with light, even coats, holding the can 8-12 inches away from the surface

Clean the chair with a household cleaner, sponge, or damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, mildew, or grime
Before painting a plastic Adirondack chair, it is important to clean the chair thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, mildew, or grime. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly to the surface.
If your chair is new, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth may be sufficient to remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated during storage or transport. However, if your chair has been previously used or has been sitting outdoors for a long period, it will likely require a more thorough cleaning.
For chairs that have been heavily used or exposed to the elements, a household cleaner or all-purpose cleaner/degreaser may be necessary to remove stubborn dirt, mildew, or grime. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner and wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, if required. Use a sponge or damp cloth to apply the cleaner generously to all surfaces of the chair, ensuring you reach all nooks and crannies. If the chair has been sitting outdoors and has stains from mould or mildew, consider using a cleaner with ammonia for better results.
After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the chair with water to remove any residual cleaner or dirt. You can use a garden hose to spray down the chair from all angles to ensure a thorough rinse. Once rinsed, dry the chair with a towel and then allow it to air dry completely before proceeding to the next step of your project.
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Lightly sand the chair to scuff the surface and improve paint adhesion
To lightly sand the chair, you will need fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge. Before you begin, test your sandpaper on an inconspicuous part of the chair to make sure it doesn't leave visible scratches. If you're unsure, skip the sanding step altogether.
Lightly sanding the chair will scuff up the surface, creating a better base for the paint to stick to. It will also remove any remaining paint or white powder residue, and smooth out rough spots. Start by going over the entire surface of the chair with your sandpaper or sanding sponge, using light, even strokes. Be sure to remove all the dust with a damp cloth after sanding.
If your chair has a lot of paint on it, you may want to use a liquid deglosser to remove most of it before sanding, to ensure a smooth finish. You can also use a primer to help the paint adhere, especially if you plan to skip the sanding step. Choose an outdoor primer formulated for use on plastic, and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time.
After sanding, cleaning, and priming (if necessary), your chair is ready for paint! Be sure to choose a spray paint that is specifically designed for use on plastic.
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Apply primer to the chair, ensuring it is a type formulated for use on plastic
To ensure your paint job is long-lasting and high-quality, it is important to apply a primer to your plastic Adirondack chair before painting. Primers are designed to seal the surface and improve the adhesion of the paint. This is especially important when painting plastic, as it can be challenging to get paint to stick to smooth plastic surfaces.
When choosing a primer, opt for a product that is specifically formulated for use on plastic. Some primers are designed for multiple surfaces, but a primer specifically for plastic will ensure the best results. Sandable auto primers, for example, are a good option for plastic as they bite into the surface. You can also use a thicker and more durable mixture, like mod podge combined with paint, which is commonly used as a primer for plastic in the modelling hobby.
Before applying the primer, it is important to prepare the surface of the chair. Lightly sand the chair to scuff up the surface, creating more surface area for the primer to adhere to. Sanding will also help to remove any remaining paint and some of the white powder that forms on the surface of faded plastic chairs. After sanding, be sure to clean the chair with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue.
Once the chair is clean and dry, you can begin applying the primer. If using a spray primer, hold the can 8 to 10 inches away from the surface of the chair and spray in a sweeping motion, working side to side with slight overlap. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the painting stage.
By following these steps and using a primer specifically formulated for plastic, you will ensure that your paint job adheres well and stands the test of time.
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Choose a spray paint designed for plastic, preferably with paint and primer in one
When choosing a spray paint for your plastic Adirondack chair, it is important to select a paint that is specifically designed for plastic. This is because plastic is a unique material that requires paint that will effectively bond with its surface. Using a paint designed for plastic will ensure that your paint job is durable and long-lasting.
You can skip the step of applying primer by choosing a paint that already includes a primer. Primer is important because it seals the chair and allows the paint to adhere better. By using a paint and primer in one, you can save time and money. Additionally, you won't have to worry about finding a primer that is compatible with your paint.
Some examples of spray paints that include primer are True Value X-O Rust Paint & Primer in One and Krylon Colormaster. These paints can be applied directly to the plastic chair without the need for a separate primer. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
When using spray paint and primer, it is important to wear safety gear such as safety glasses and a dust mask to protect yourself from paint mist. Always work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside, and cover the surrounding area with drop cloths or newspapers to protect from paint drips.
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Spray the chair with light, even coats, holding the can 8-12 inches away from the surface
When you're ready to start painting, flip the chair upside down and start with the bottom. Shake the can of spray paint for 1 to 2 minutes before and during use. Hold the can 8 to 12 inches away from the surface of the chair and spray in a sweeping motion, moving side to side with a slight overlap. Apply light, even coats, and wait 1 minute between each coat.
It's important to hold the can the correct distance away from the chair and to apply light coats to prevent dripping. You can always go back and apply additional coats if needed. If you're using a paint that requires a primer, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time between coats.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need spray paint specifically formulated for plastic, such as Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover, or Krylon Fusion-All-In-One. You will also need an all-purpose cleaner/degreaser, a sponge, a garden hose, a towel, drop cloths or newspapers, painter's tape, safety glasses, and a dust mask.
Wash the chair thoroughly with hot water and an all-purpose cleaner/degreaser. If the chair has been outside for a long time or has stubborn stains, use a cleaner with ammonia. Spray it down from all angles using a garden hose. Dry the chair with a towel, then let it air dry completely. If the chair has been painted before, you may need to sand it lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to remove old paint and create a rough surface for the new paint to adhere to.
Choose a well-ventilated workspace, preferably outside, and cover the floor with drop cloths or newspapers. Cover any non-plastic surfaces, such as metal legs, with painter's tape. Shake the can of spray paint for 1-2 minutes before and during use. Hold the can 8"-12" away from the surface of the chair and spray in a sweeping motion, with slight overlap. Apply light coats of paint until you achieve the desired coverage.
Krylon Fusion-All-In-One dries to the touch in 20 minutes and can be handled in 1 hour. However, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before using the chair to allow the paint to fully cure.
For a large Adirondack chair, you will likely need two cans of spray paint.











































