Omar Khalid
Spray-painting plastic lawn chairs is a great way to bring new life to old, faded furniture. It's an easy, inexpensive, and quick DIY project that can be done over a weekend. The process is simple: clean the chairs, prime them, and then spray paint them. You can choose any colour you like and give your outdoor furniture a new look. This guide will take you through the steps to ensure a smooth and even finish that will make your plastic lawn chairs look brand new.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Wash the chairs with hot water, an all-purpose cleaner, and a sponge. If there are stubborn stains, use a cleaner with ammonia. Rinse with a garden hose, dry with a towel, and let air dry. Cover any non-plastic surfaces with painter's tape. Choose a workspace with good ventilation, preferably outside, and cover the floor with drop cloths or newspapers. Sand the chairs with fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to scuff the surface and improve paint adhesion. |
| Primer | Use an outdoor primer formulated for plastic. Shake the can thoroughly and spray the entire chair from a distance of 10-18 inches, using light, sweeping motions. Allow the primer to dry for the recommended time. |
| Paint | Choose a spray paint meant for plastic, in the colour of your choice. Apply several light, even coats from a distance of about 10-18 inches, ensuring the surface is evenly covered from all angles. Allow the paint to dry for a few hours or as recommended by the manufacturer. |
| Curing | Let the paint fully cure for about a week before using the chairs. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
Type of Paint
Select a paint specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. Some popular options include Rust-Oleum, Krylon Fusion, and Valspar outdoor paint for plastic. These paints are formulated to adhere well to plastic and withstand outdoor conditions.
Primer
Consider using a paint that includes a built-in primer, such as Rust-Oleum Paint + Primer or Krylon Colormaster. This will save you time and money, as you won't need to purchase and apply a separate primer. However, if you want to use a specific colour that is not available in paints made for plastic, you can choose any kind of spray paint and apply a suitable primer first.
Colour
Choose a colour that complements your outdoor space and matches your personal preference. Whether it's a bright summery hue, a classic shade of blue or green, or a crisp white, the colour options are endless. Keep in mind that darker colours may show pollen and dirt more easily.
Finish
Satin finish paints are ideal for plastic as they provide a smooth and sleek appearance. However, you can also experiment with other finishes, such as gloss or flat, depending on your desired look.
Number of Coats
Plan to apply several light, even coats of paint rather than heavy coats. This technique will help prevent dripping and ensure a smooth and even finish. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for drying time between coats.
Curing Time
Allow sufficient time for the paint to fully cure. While the paint may feel dry to the touch within an hour or so, it can take about a week for the paint to completely cure on plastic. During this time, avoid using the chairs to ensure the paint sets properly.
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Preparing the work area
Firstly, choose a suitable workspace that is well-ventilated, preferably outdoors, to minimise the inhalation of paint fumes. If painting indoors, ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors. It is also recommended to wear protective gear, such as a dust mask and safety glasses, to safeguard yourself from paint mist.
Next, prepare a clean, flat surface to place your chairs. Cover the floor or ground with drop cloths, old sheets, or newspapers to protect against paint drips and spills. This will ensure that your work area remains clean and tidy. If your chairs have metal legs or any non-plastic surfaces, cover them with painter's tape to avoid painting those areas.
Before placing the chairs in the prepared work area, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Use hot water, an all-purpose cleaner, and a sponge to scrub away any dirt, dust, or grime. For hard-to-reach areas, Q-tips or similar tools can be useful. Rinse the chairs with a garden hose to remove any residual soap and allow them to air dry completely.
Once the chairs are dry, you may need to lightly sand the surface, especially if they have been painted before. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to scuff up the surface, creating a better adhesion for the paint. This step will help the primer and paint adhere well to the plastic surface. Remember to wash and dry the chairs again after sanding to remove any dust.
Finally, before you begin painting, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials within easy reach. This includes your chosen primer and spray paint, specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. Have a practice run on the bottom side of the chair to get a feel for the sweeping motion and the distance to hold the can from the surface, as recommended by the paint manufacturer.
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Cleaning the chairs
Before spray painting your plastic lawn chairs, it is important to clean them thoroughly to ensure the paint adheres well and the final result looks neat and tidy. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your plastic lawn chairs:
- Inspect the chairs for any stubborn stains, mould, or mildew. If your chairs have been outside for a long time, they may have built up dirt and grime.
- Choose an appropriate cleaner. You can use an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser, or if your chairs have mould or mildew, opt for a cleaner with ammonia. If you are dealing with tough stains, a mixture of vinegar and water can be effective.
- Prepare your cleaning tools. You will need a sponge or scrub brush, and possibly a garden hose if you plan to clean the chairs outdoors.
- Apply the cleaner to the chairs. If using a liquid cleaner, pour it into a bucket and use a sponge or scrub brush to apply it to the chairs. Alternatively, spray the cleaner directly onto the chairs and then use a brush to scrub away any dirt or stains. Pay special attention to any nooks and crannies, ensuring you reach all surfaces.
- Rinse the chairs thoroughly. Use a garden hose to rinse away any remaining dirt and cleaner residue. Ensure you rinse from all angles to prevent streaks or cleaner buildup.
- Dry the chairs. Use a towel to dry each chair, then let them air dry completely. It is important that the chairs are completely dry before you start painting.
Your chairs are now ready for the next step – priming and painting! Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on your chosen primer and paint products.
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Priming the chairs
Before you start priming your plastic lawn chairs, make sure you have cleaned them thoroughly using hot water, an all-purpose cleaner, and a sponge. If your chairs have been outside for a long time or have stubborn stains, use a cleaner with ammonia. Spray them down from all angles using a garden hose, dry them with a towel, and then let them air dry completely. You should also cover any non-plastic surfaces, such as metal legs, with painter's tape. Choose a workspace with good ventilation, preferably outside, and cover the floor with drop cloths or newspapers.
Some plastic chairs may also require light sanding before priming, especially if they have been painted before. You can use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to lightly scuff the surface so that the primer adheres well. This will also help remove any white powder that has accumulated on the surface of the chairs. Once you have finished sanding, wash down the chairs again to remove any dust and let them dry completely in the sun.
Now you are ready to start priming! Choose an outdoor primer that is formulated for use on plastic, such as True Value EasyCare® Premium Décor Spray Enamel, or Valspar outdoor primer for plastic. Make sure to shake the can thoroughly before you start spraying. Apply the primer using a sweeping motion, holding the can about 12 to 18 inches away from the surface of the chair.
Let the primer dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. This is an important step, as it will ensure that the primer is fully effective and that your chairs will have a smooth finish. Once the primer is dry, you can start applying your chosen paint colour.
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Painting the chairs
Painting plastic lawn chairs is a great way to give them a new lease of life, and it's a simple process. Before you start, make sure you have a good workspace with plenty of ventilation. Cover any non-plastic surfaces, such as metal legs, with painter's tape, and put down drop cloths or newspapers to protect the floor.
First, you need to clean your chairs. Wash them thoroughly with hot water, an all-purpose cleaner, and a sponge. If the chairs have been outside for a long time or have stubborn stains, use a cleaner with ammonia. Rinse them from all angles with a garden hose, then dry them with a towel before letting them air dry completely.
Some chairs may require light sanding before painting, especially if they have been painted before. Use a fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to lightly scuff the surface so that the paint will adhere better. This will also remove any white powder that has built up on the surface of the chairs. Wash the chairs again to remove any dust, then let them dry completely.
Now it's time to prime the chairs. Choose an outdoor primer that's suitable for plastic, such as True Value EasyCare® Premium Decor Spray Enamel. Shake the can thoroughly, then spray the entire chair, holding the can about 12 to 18 inches from the surface and using a sweeping motion. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask to protect yourself from the paint mist. Let the primer dry for the amount of time recommended on the packaging.
Once the primer is dry, you can start painting. Hold the can about 12 inches from the surface and spray in a sweeping motion. Apply a thin coat of paint, using light, even coats to prevent dripping. You can use any kind of spray paint, which is helpful if you want a particular colour that's not available in paints made for plastic. Let the paint dry for a few hours, then add additional coats within 4 hours or after 24 hours if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash the chairs with hot water and an all-purpose cleaner using a sponge. If there are stubborn stains, use a cleaner with ammonia and rinse the chairs with a garden hose. Dry the chairs with a towel and let them air dry completely. If the chairs have been painted before, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge so that the new coat of primer and paint will adhere well. Cover any non-plastic surfaces, such as metal legs, with painter's tape. Choose a workspace with good ventilation, preferably outdoors, and cover the floor with drop cloths or newspapers.
Choose a spray paint that is specifically meant for plastic. You can use a paint and primer combo or apply a coat of primer before painting. If you are using a separate primer, use an outdoor primer formulated for plastic, such as True Value EasyCare® Premium Décor Spray Enamel. If you are using a paint and primer combo, try Krylon Colormaster or Rustoleum paint + primer.
Place your chair in a clean, dry space out of the wind. Prop up the legs so that it is easier to paint the bottom. Hold the can about 10-18 inches away from the chair and apply light, even coats of paint in a sweeping motion. Light coats are better than heavy coats to prevent dripping. You can add additional coats within 4 hours or after 24 hours.
Spray paint will be dry to the touch in about 10 minutes to an hour, but it takes about a week for the paint to fully cure on plastic.
