How to spray paint outdoor furniture

Want to re-paint your patio furniture? Here is the best spray paint for outdoor furniture and how to spray paint outdoor furniture!

Outdoor furniture is a great way to add personality and function to your porch, patio, or yard.

Whether you have old furniture that need to refresh or you just picked up a piece of furniture that has seen better days, it’s actually super easy to paint outdoor furniture using spray paint.

The most important parts of spray painting outdoor furniture are picking the right paint and doing thorough prep work.

Let’s take a look at the best spray paint for outdoor furniture and how to use it!

The best spray paint for outdoor furniture

When choosing a spray paint for outdoor use, the most important thing is that it be water and rust resistant.

Outdoor furniture is going to be exposed to a lot of moisture, and even if the furniture you are painting is not metal, it is likely that it has some metal components or will come into contact with metal in some way. Better safe than sorry!

My favorite outdoor spray primers are:

• Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Primer
• Krylon COLORmaxx Primer Spray Paint for Indoor/Outdoor Use
• Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer

Choose a white primer for projects you are painting a light color. I prefer a gray primer for projects being painted a darker color – it’s just easier to cover up.

My favorite outdoor spray paints are:

• Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint
• Krylon COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer for Indoor/Outdoor Use
• COLORSHOT Premium Multi-Surface Gloss Spray Paint (the BEST for bright colors!)
• Behr Interior/Exterior Spray Paint (usually the cheapest option at Home Depot!)

Of course, personalize this to your specific color preferences.

Pay attention to sheen – do you want a matte/flat finish or glossy? It’s a matter of personal preference, and I judge it on a project-by-project basis.

Do I need to use a primer when spray painting outdoor furniture?

Normally I am all for a two in one primer and spray paint. However, when it comes to outdoor furniture, you really need to prepare your surface to take a beating from the elements.

For this reason, I always use a separate primer and paint when painting outdoor furniture. It is an extra step and an extra cost, but another can of paint and another coat or two of paint are not a serious investment when you’re already doing the project.

I definitely think it’s better to do a more thorough job once then to have to redo it every year or even more frequently. Spend the time and money now to save it in the long run!

Do I need to apply a sealant to outdoor furniture?

I do not typically seal spray painted outdoor furniture. Usually, the spray paint is enough. However, if you are concerned, this is the outdoor spray sealant I recommend.

Can I paint outdoor furniture with a brush?

Of course, you can use a can of paint and a brush instead of spray paint on your outdoor furniture. However, I really recommend spray paint. It goes on very quickly and dries quickly. It’s easy and inexpensive (definitely cheaper for small projects!). You can get nice light coats that will not peel off.

I really and truly think that spray paint is the right choice here!

How to spray paint outdoor furniture

As with many DIY projects, the prep is the most important part of painting outdoor furniture, especially if it is old and weathered. Don’t skip out!

Here are the best steps to spray paint outdoor furniture:

1. Use a metal brush to scrape any loose paint, sealant, or debris off of the surface of your furniture.
2. Use a metal sanding sponge to smooth out any imperfections.
3. Wipe the surface clean with a rag or cloth.
4. Apply a spray primer first. I suggest looking for one that specifically says OUTDOOR or RUST PREVENTION on the bottle. Metal + water will lead to rust if not protected properly!
5. Shake the can well, then apply one to two thin coats. Walk around the item and come at it from many angles to get full coverage.
6. Let dry and then you are ready to apply the spray paint.
7. Choose your spray paint can and shake well, according to the instructions on the can. Usually, you want to shake it for about 2 minutes to be sure its really well mixed.
8. Set up a drop cloth in an open, well-ventilated area and lay out your furniture on the cloth.
9. Spray the furniture. Hold the can about 12 inches away and do large, sweeping strokes.
10. Let dry and apply a second coat, as directed on the can. It’s definitely better to do several light coats than one thick coat – thick coats tend to drip.
11. Let dry completely before handling.

By following these tips, you can protect your outdoor furniture from the elements and refresh it with a new, fresh look!