Outdoor Paint Options for Wood Furniture

Spending time outdoors on your wooden patio furniture can be one of life's simple pleasures. But exposure to the elements can take its toll, causing surfaces to crack, peel, or grow mold. Protect your investment and refresh the look of weathered wood furniture with a new coat of specially formulated outdoor paint.

Exterior paints create a protective barrier against moisture, UV rays, and other damage. With the right prep work and application techniques, you can give your outdoor furniture new life with long-lasting, vibrant color. Read on to learn more about selecting and using outdoor paints for a beautiful wood furniture makeover.

Why Choose Exterior Paint for Outdoor Wood Furniture?

Using a high-quality exterior paint is key for any outdoor wood furniture painting project. Interior paints are not formulated to withstand sun, rain, snow, and temperature swings. Exterior paint contains additives like mildewcides and UV absorbers to protect the painted surface.

Applying exterior paint restores old, weathered wooden furniture and helps new pieces last. Benefits include:

• Forms a protective barrier against moisture damage
• Defends against UV rays which can cause fading
• Resists cracking and peeling from exposure
• Inhibits mold and mildew growth
• Allows changing color schemes easily
• Extends the life of outdoor wood furniture

With proper surface prep and application, high-quality exterior paint provides superior protection compared to wood stains. It also hides imperfections better with its opaque, layered coverage.

Preparing Wood Surfaces for Painting

Achieving great results with any paint job starts with proper surface prep. Follow these steps to get your outdoor wood furniture ready for a fresh coat of exterior paint:

1. Clean the Surface - Remove built-up dirt, mildew, and loose paint using a stiff bristle brush, rag, and exterior wood cleaner.
2. Sand the Wood - Lightly sand to smooth the surface. Start with 120 grit sandpaper, then finish with 180 grit.
3. Fill Cracks and Imperfections - Use exterior wood filler to patch holes and cracks for a smooth finish.
4. Remove Existing Paint or Stain - Strip old paint or stain completely if heavily worn using chemical strippers or sanders.
5. Apply Primer - For new wood or stripped surfaces, use an exterior primer to seal and prepare for topcoats.

Proper prep removes contaminants that can cause adhesion issues. It also levels the surface for smooth, consistent paint coverage. For stained furniture with minimal wear, prep can stop at surface cleaning and light sanding before painting.

Choosing the Best Exterior Paint for Wood Furniture

For outdoor wood projects, select a paint designed specifically for exterior use on surfaces like furniture, doors, and trim. Top options include:

Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint

This versatile water-based paint works well for outdoor furniture and is available from most major brands. Acrylic latex dries faster than oil paint, with less odor and cleanup. It adheres well to wood, resists fading and cracking, and cleans up with soap and water.

Popular exterior acrylic paint lines like Behr Premium Plus and Valspar Duramax offer excellent UV protection and weather resistance. Opt for a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss sheen for added durability and easier cleaning.

Americana Decor Outdoor Living Paint

This multi-surface acrylic paint by Plaid is formulated specifically for outdoor use on projects like furniture, metal, terra cotta, and wood crafts. The vibrant colors provide excellent coverage without needing a primer or sealer.

Outdoor Living Paint is available in 2 oz squeeze bottles for small projects and 8 oz jars for larger surfaces. Flat, satin, and gloss finishes are available to suit your needs.

Application Tips for Painting Outdoor Wood Furniture

Follow these best practices when applying exterior paint to your outdoor wood furniture and accessories for best results:

• Brush On vs Spraying - Brushing gives great control, while spraying can save time with large pieces. Use gradual sweeping strokes when brushing.
• Multiple Thin Coats - 2-3 thin, even coats ensure proper coverage and durability. Allow proper drying time between coats.
• Sand Lightly Between Coats - Gently sand with fine 220 grit sandpaper to smooth between coats.
• Work in Cool, Dry Conditions - Ideal temp range is 50-90degF with low humidity. Avoid painting in direct sun.
• Allow Proper Curing Time - Most paints take 2-4 weeks to fully cure before furniture is ready for use.

Taking your time with proper application techniques ensures the paint bonds tightly. Rushing the process can lead to chipping, peeling, or an uneven finish.

Caring for Newly Painted Outdoor Wood Furniture

Once your outdoor furniture has its fresh new paint job, you'll want to take steps to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for protecting exterior painted wood furniture:

• Allow paint to fully cure before heavy use - Wait the recommended curing time before placing heavy objects on surfaces.
• Touch up nicks and scratches promptly - Spot paint minor chips to prevent further damage.
• Clean gently with mild soap and water - Avoid abrasive cleaners which can wear down the finish.
• Inspect annually and recoat as needed - Watch for wear and reapply paint every 2-3 years.
• Weatherproof during off-season - Store furniture cushions indoors and cover pieces when not in use.

Avoid dragging pieces across surfaces or placing very hot dishes and cookware directly on newly painted wood. With proper care, your exterior painted furniture can stay vibrant and protected for years.

Choosing Exterior Paint Colors for Wood Furniture

The right color choice can transform the look of your outdoor living space. When selecting exterior paint colors for wood furniture, consider these tips:

• Neutrals like white, gray, and tan work well as base colors since they complement accent pillows and decor.
• Add pops of color with "on trend" tones like sage green, rust orange, or navy blue on chairs, tables, or planter boxes.
• Mix and match colors on pieces but look for complements, not clashes. The 60-30-10 rule helps strike visual balance.
• Test paint samples on scrap wood before committing. Colors look different on large surfaces than swatches.

Factor in how much direct sunlight your furniture gets. Darker colors may fade faster in full sun. Bright colors can liven up shady spaces.

Avoiding Common Outdoor Furniture Paint Problems

Painting outdoor wood furniture comes with some unique challenges. Watch for these common problems and take steps to avoid them:

• Bubbling/Peeling - Caused by trapped moisture or lack of proper prep. Allow wood to fully dry before painting and sand smooth.
• Chalking - Pigments breaking down from sun exposure. Use paint with UV absorbers. Refresh finish regularly.
• Mold/Mildew - More common in humid climates. Use exterior paint with mildewcides.
• Fading Over Time - Regular touch ups and recoating will be needed to maintain color vibrancy.

Preventing issues comes down to proper prep, paint selection, and application. But even with the best methods, exterior paint will require periodic maintenance and renewal to stay looking its best in outdoor environments.