How to Update Outdoor Furniture with Paint

Well, spring has sprung and summer is knocking at our door. Is your outdoor furniture ready for summer fun? Are you looking forward to those family gatherings and those lazy days just relaxing on your deck, front porch or patio? If you're like me and step out on the deck to see furniture that needs help, don't be discouraged. With a little elbow grease and paint your furniture will look like new again in know time.

Without the proper storage, and who has that, your outdoor furniture has probably endured the change of seasons and the elements, which come with each season. Your larger furniture has set out uncovered and the smaller items have been shoved back against the house making a good home for spiders, snakes and furry animals.

Whether you have had your furniture for some time or have just recently purchased from a flea market; the first thing to do is to check for any major problems. If you have the knowledge and ability to fix wobbly legs, ripped wicker or slats that are broken, then by all means fix them. But if you can't then you can find someone that can or recycle it for someone that can fix it.

Wicker is weather resistant and comfortable, making it a perfect choice for deck or garden furniture. The first thing you need to do it to clean the wicker. Use a mild detergent and a damp cloth then wipe it dry. Using a mild grade sand paper or brush to loosen any paint flakes. Using a white acrylic primer, spray the furniture and let dry then with an exterior latex paint of your choice of color, spray. As you are spraying make sure you use a gentle sweeping motion so the paint won't run and spray in different directions so all sides of the wicker are covered. For a solid coverage, apply two thin coats.

If you want an antique appearance, pick two other colors of paint and after the main color is applied then rub one color in random patches into the wicker with a bristle paintbrush, followed by patches of the third color, applying it the same way. Make sure all areas of the wicker have one of three colors. Layering colors gives your wicker the look of wear and fading.

Wrought iron will endure for decades but if not taken care of properly it will show it's age by rust. To make your iron furniture look new again you first have to remove the rust. By using steel wool or a metal brush, to remove any rust, then clean with soap and water and wipe dry. Next, use a metal primer to protect the surface and paint by using exterior latex spray paint. Make sure to spray in different directions for completely coverage; apply two thin coats and watch for runs.

You can also purchase seat covers that are made out of weather- and mildew-resistant fabric.

Wood furniture has always been the favorite for decades, from cedar benches to barn-board picnic tables. To bring back that new look of your wood furniture first you have to clean it with soap and water. Never saturate the wood or you will have to wait for several days for the wood to thoroughly dry. Next, sand with a mild to medium grade sand paper to remove any paint flakes. If the old furniture has been painted with a glossy finish, you will have to rough it up a bit. Now you can prime and paint. Choose an exterior latex paint with gloss sheen for a durable finish. If the wood has been stained, clean it the same way with water and soap. Let dry. For sanding you have to sand down to open the wood pores. Now you can stain. You have a whole selection of stain to choose from, from traditional wood tones to colored stains.
If you even have the common inexpensive plastic chairs on your deck or porch, you can dress them up with a can of bronze or silver metal spray paint and add some cushions and you have a whole new look.