Alexei Volkov
Spray painting outdoor plastic furniture is a simple, inexpensive, and quick way to give your outdoor space a new look. It's an easy DIY project that can be completed in a few hours, and it only requires a few cans of spray paint specifically formulated for use on plastic. This type of paint bonds better to the plastic surface, and you can find it in various brands and colours. Before painting, ensure the furniture is clean and dry, and then apply thin, even coats of paint.
How to Spray Paint Outdoor Plastic Furniture
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Paint | Spray paint specifically made to stick to plastic |
| Paint Brands | Valspar's spray paint for plastic, Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover |
| Paint Finish | Satin |
| Paint Coats | Thin, even coats, 2-3 coats |
| Drying Time | 30 minutes between coats, 24 hours before use |
| Surface Preparation | Clean with hot water and ammonia-based cleaner, sand with fine-grit sandpaper |
| Surface Priming | Primer designed for plastic materials stored outdoors |
| Painting Technique | Sweep in back-and-forth motions, hold can 10-18 inches from surface |
| Additional Tips | Ensure good ventilation, cover surfaces with newspaper/tarp, practice on one chair first |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
Paint Type
It is crucial to select a paint specifically formulated for use on plastic surfaces. These paints are designed to bond effectively with plastic, ensuring a durable finish that can withstand outdoor conditions. Look for spray paints labelled as suitable for plastic or that mention "plastic adhesion" on the packaging. Examples of brands offering such products include Valspar, Rust-Oleum, and Lowe's.
Primer
Consider using a primer before painting to improve adhesion and achieve a smoother finish. Choose a primer designed for plastic surfaces, and if using latex paint, select a latex-specific primer. You can find combination paint and primer sprays, which can streamline the process. However, if you wish to use a colour not available in the plastic-specific paint range, you can prime the surface and then use your desired colour.
Finish
The paint's finish can impact the overall appearance and durability of your painted furniture. A satin finish is highly recommended for plastic surfaces, as it provides a sleek and elegant look while also offering durability and resistance to weathering. Both gloss and satin finishes can be tested, but satin typically yields a more durable and better-looking result.
Colour
When choosing a colour, consider the surrounding environment and the mood you want to create. Bright and vibrant colours can add a punchy accent to your outdoor space, while more subdued tones can provide a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. Consider the colour of your home's exterior, any surrounding plants or landscaping, and the overall style you wish to achieve.
Testing
Before committing to painting your entire set of furniture, it is advisable to test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area or on a single chair. This will allow you to ensure that the paint adheres well to the surface and that you are satisfied with the colour and finish. Testing will save you time, money, and potential frustration if adjustments are needed.
By carefully considering these factors and selecting the right paint for your project, you can transform your outdoor plastic furniture into a stylish and durable addition to your outdoor space.
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Preparing the furniture
Preparing your outdoor plastic furniture for spray painting is a simple process. First, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage, and cover any surfaces with newspaper or a tarp to protect them from paint. Then, clean the furniture thoroughly. Fill a bucket with hot water and add an ammonia-based cleaner to help remove any mould or mildew on older furniture. Use a sponge to wash the entire surface of each piece you'll be painting. If your furniture is not too dirty, a simple all-purpose cleaner, such as dish soap, will also work.
Next, rinse the furniture. Use a hose with a pressurised nozzle attachment if you have one, and spray every surface of the furniture from multiple angles to ensure a complete rinse. If your furniture is brand new, simply wipe it down with a cloth soaked in paint thinner. Once your furniture is clean and rinsed, let it air dry completely. If possible, let it dry in the sun, and then pull it into the shade to ensure it doesn't get too hot before you start painting.
Finally, sand the furniture's surface with a piece of fine-grit sandpaper. This will help scuff up the surface, making it easier for the paint to stick. It will also help remove any visible scuffs in the plastic's surface and any remaining white powder that may be on the surface of faded plastic chairs. Once you've finished sanding, be sure to wash down the chairs again to remove any dust or dirt that may be left over.
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Cleaning the furniture
To prepare your plastic outdoor furniture for spray painting, start by cleaning off any dirt, mildew, or mould with a mixture of hot water and an ammonia-based cleaner. You can also use an all-purpose cleaner, such as dish soap, if the furniture is not too dirty. Use a sponge or cloth to wash the entire surface of the furniture, and then rinse thoroughly. If you're working with brand new plastic, you can simply wipe it down with a cloth soaked in paint thinner.
After cleaning, use a hose to spray down the furniture from multiple angles to ensure that all the cleaner has been rinsed away. If you have a pressurized nozzle attachment, this can be particularly useful for getting into crevices and hard-to-reach areas. Once you've sprayed the furniture, let it air dry completely in the sun.
Before painting, it's important to prepare the surface of the furniture to ensure the paint adheres well. You can do this by lightly sanding the furniture with fine-grit sandpaper. Sanding scuffs up the surface, making it easier for the paint to stick and creating a smoother finish. It also helps to remove any visible scuffs or white powder that may be on the surface of faded plastic furniture. After sanding, be sure to wash down the furniture again to remove any dust or dirt that may have been created during the sanding process. Then, let the furniture dry completely before moving on to the painting stage.
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Applying the primer
Once your outdoor plastic furniture is thoroughly cleaned, dried, and sanded, it's time to apply the primer. Choose a primer designed for plastic materials that will be stored outdoors. You can find these at your local home improvement store, and they typically come in a spray can. Before you begin priming, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage, and cover any surfaces with newspaper or a tarp to protect them from primer overspray.
Shake the can of primer vigorously for about a minute to ensure the contents are thoroughly mixed. This is an important step to ensure the primer sprays evenly. Hold the can about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) away from the surface of the furniture. Apply the primer in a steady, sweeping back-and-forth motion, ensuring you maintain a consistent distance from the surface as you spray. Cover the entire surface that you intend to paint.
It is recommended to apply a full coat of primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step. The drying time may vary depending on the product and environmental conditions, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions or product label for guidance. If necessary, you can lightly sand the primed surface to ensure a smooth finish before proceeding with the paint application.
Some spray paints for plastic come in a combination with primer. If you are using such a product, you may not need to apply a separate primer. However, if you wish to use a specific colour that is not available in a paint-and-primer combo designed for plastic, applying a primer first will allow you to use your desired colour while still achieving good adhesion.
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Spray painting
Before starting the project, it is important to gather the necessary materials and prepare the work area. This includes choosing a well-ventilated area, such as a garage, and covering any surfaces with newspaper or a tarp to protect them from paint.
The first step in the spray painting process is to clean the plastic furniture thoroughly. This can be done by filling a bucket with hot water and adding an ammonia-based cleaner to help remove any dirt, mildew, or mould. Use a sponge to wash the entire surface of the furniture and then rinse it with a hose, ensuring that all surfaces are sprayed from multiple angles. For newer plastic furniture that is not too dirty, a simple wipe-down with a cloth soaked in paint thinner or an all-purpose cleaner may be sufficient.
Once the furniture is clean and dry, it is recommended to sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. Sanding creates a rougher surface for the paint to adhere to and can help remove any visible scuffs or white powder that may be present on faded plastic chairs. After sanding, be sure to wash down the chairs again to remove any dust or remaining dirt.
The next step is to apply a coat of primer designed for outdoor use and plastic surfaces. Primer will help the paint adhere better and provide a more durable finish. Shake the can well and hold it about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) away from the surface of the furniture while spraying in a steady back-and-forth motion. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Now it's time to apply the spray paint. Choose a spray paint that is specifically designed to bond with plastic, as this will ensure a longer-lasting finish. Hold the can about 10-12 inches from the surface and spray in thin, even coats, using sweeping back-and-forth motions. Allow each coat to dry before deciding if you need to apply another one. It is recommended to apply at least 3 thin coats of paint for the best results. After you are happy with the coverage, let the furniture dry for 24 hours before use.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use spray paint that is specifically formulated for use on plastic. This type of paint will bond better than regular spray paint. You can also use a combination paint and primer spray designed for plastic surfaces.
First, clean the furniture thoroughly with hot water and an ammonia-based or all-purpose cleaner. If the furniture has been painted before, you may need to sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure the paint adheres well.
Hold the can about 10 to 18 inches away from the surface of the furniture and spray in a steady, sweeping, back-and-forth motion. Apply thin, even coats of paint and allow each coat to dry before applying the next.
Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours before using the furniture. If it is very hot outside, it may be best to let it dry in the shade.
Yes, indoor plastic furniture can also be painted. However, it is recommended to use higher-quality paint and to ensure proper ventilation during the painting process.
