Plastic furniture is quite resistant to the weather and other outdoor elements but over time it will become faded and dull and a fresh coat of paint is a great way to make it look like new again.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best paint for your plastic outdoor furniture. We’ll also introduce you to our top picks for paint for plastic outdoor furniture and provide a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a durable and long-lasting finish.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, this article will give you the information you need to bring new life to your plastic outdoor furniture.
Table of Contents
What is the best paint for plastic outdoor furniture?
The best paint for plastic outdoor furniture is a polyurethane paint.
Polyurethane paint is an excellent choice for outdoor projects; its flexibility allows it to move with the substrate while still retaining a durable and lasting finish.
This type of paint stands up well against the wet and dry conditions of being outdoors, harsh UV rays, chemicals, and physical wear and tear.
Hybrid latex paint is also a great option, such as Urethane-enhanced acrylic or PU-modified alkyd paint. The mix of these binders creates a very durable and long-lasting finish.
These types of paints are also great for your furniture such as a kitchen table, kitchen cabinets and trim.
Do you need to prime the plastic before painting?
It’s usually required that you prime the plastic before applying polyurethane paint. Without a primer the paint won’t adhere properly to the surface resulting in the paint flaking and peeling prematurely.
You’ll want to use a primer that is specifically designed for plastics, this will ensure that it adheres properly.
It’s also recommended that you properly clean and sand the plastic before priming, read on further down below on how to properly prep and paint your plastic furniture.
Recommended Products
Here are some primers and paints for plastic outdoor furniture that we recommend:
Primer
Rust-Oleum Plastic Primer Spray
Rust-Oleum Plastic Primer Spray is a primer designed to prepare plastic surfaces for painting. This spray formula is suitable for use on a variety of plastic surfaces, including polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, and more. It dries quickly, providing a smooth, even base for painting, and it is easy to use, making it a convenient option for DIY projects and home improvement tasks.
KILZ Primer is a high-quality water-based primer designed for use on a variety of surfaces. It dries quickly, is low odor, low VOC, making it safe for indoor use, and it can be used as a base coat for both oil- and water-based topcoats.
Top Coat Paint
Krylon Fusion All-In-One is a high-quality spray paint designed for use on a variety of surfaces such as plastics. With a big button spray tip and spray any way capabilities, it is easy to use, and it comes with a No Peel Guarantee for added peace of mind.
According to Krylon, no sanding and priming are needed, although we recommend that you still at least sand the plastic for the best results.
Sherwin-Williams Waterbased Urethane Modified Alkyd is a high-quality paint designed for doors, trim, windows, and other frequently cleaned areas. It provides a smooth and luxurious finish that withstands wear and tear and goes on in fewer coats.
This interior/exterior paint has the look and feel of an alkyd/oil finish, but with the added benefit of being water-based.
How to paint outdoor plastic furniture
You can paint your plastic furniture with a paintbrush and roller but the best result is achieved by using a paint sprayer or spray cans.
Gather materials
Here are the materials needed for painting your furniture. If you want to spray paint the furniture then you can skip the paint roller, although the paintbrush can be handy to have if you get any drips or if you need to do any touch-ups.
- Paint
- Primer
- Sandpaper: Use fine-grit sandpaper (220 or higher) to scuff the surface.
- Detergent: If it’s extremely dirty then use a detergent to clean the furniture.
- Acetone or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- Rags
- Paintbrush: 2″-2.5″ High-quality synthetic paintbrush
- Paint roller: 4″ roller cover (or wider, depending on the size of your project) with a 1/4″ or 3/16″ nap
- Drop cloths: Drop cloths are used to protect the floor or surrounding areas from paint splatters.
- Paint tray
When the materials have been gathered, it’s time to start prepping the furniture for painting.
Prepare the furniture
Start by cleaning the furniture with a detergent and water if it is very dirty.
Use a rag to wipe the furniture down with acetone or rubbing alcohol. If the surface of the plastic is dry and matte then you can skip this step, but the glossy parts of the furniture need to be wiped so the primer will adhere properly.
Once the piece has dried, use the fine-grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface, making sure that you cover all of the plastic. This will help with the adhesion of the primer.
Prime the furniture
Put your plastic furniture on the drop cloth or floor protection paper and apply the primer with the brush or roller, alternatively spray it on.
Apply paint
When the primer is dry, apply the topcoat with at least 2 coats of paint. When spray painting apply an extra coat since it will be applied thinner compared to rolling.
It will take up to 4 weeks for latex paint to fully cure. The furniture can be used but be aware that it will be more susceptible to marks and scratches during this period.
Maintain your painted plastic furniture
After a few years when you start to see that the finish of the paint is starting to become dull, you can apply a coat of clear polyurethane to protect and preserve the finish of the paint.
To keep the furniture looking good you should cover or shelter it when it’s not in use for longer periods of time. The sun and the elements will wear it down quickly if it’s left outside during the winter or hot summer days.
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Conclusion
Painting plastic outdoor furniture can be a cost-effective and easy way to bring new life to your outdoor space. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve a durable and long-lasting finish that will protect your furniture from the elements and keep it looking good for years to come.
Remember that prepping is key to a successful painting project. Make sure to properly prep and prime the plastic before you start painting.