*While this post is not sponsored directly by Colourtrend, I have featured an Instagram Reel that is sponsored and I do have a working relationship with them.
When it comes to giving your outdoor space a magical makeover, trust me when I say that a new coat of paint on your garden furniture will make a world of difference. There’s something utterly satisfying about breathing new life into your garden furniture and outdoor walls with a splash of colour.
Not only will it instantly elevate their appearance, but it also acts as a guardian against the harsh elements that the Irish climate can sometimes throw our way.
So whether you’re a seasoned DIY pro or just dipping your toes into the creative waters, I’ve got you covered with this guide and my tried and tested tips on how to paint garden furniture. Grab your paintbrush, throw on a podcast and get ready to add some personality to your garden!
Planning and Preparation
Before embarking on your painting project, planning and preparing your outdoor area meticulously is essential. Firstly, assess the condition of the garden furniture, walls, or window sills that require attention.
Next, address any damages, ensuring proper repairs are made. Additionally, take the time to clean the surfaces thoroughly, eliminating any traces of dirt or loose paint. For wooden furniture, consider sanding it to achieve a smooth painting surface.
Moreover, carefully select an appropriate location for your painting endeavour, preferably a well-ventilated and shaded area. By taking these preparatory steps, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable painting experience.
What kind of paint to use on garden furniture and outdoor walls?
Choosing the appropriate type of paint is essential for achieving a long-lasting and professional finish. For garden furniture, opt for a paint specifically formulated for outdoor use, such as acrylic or enamel paint. These types of paint offer excellent durability and weather resistance. When it comes to outdoor walls, select a high-quality exterior paint designed to withstand varying weather conditions.
You can find a variety of specialized garden paints from various brands, typically located in the outdoor paint aisle of most hardware stores.
- Cuprinol Garden Shades: This is water-based paint, perfect for wooden patio furniture. Also, it offers good coverage of garden fences.
- Ronseal Garden Paint: Water-based outdoor paint that can be used to paint brick and terracotta.
- Hammerite Metal Paint: Perfect for painting metal furniture and garden gates.
- Colourtrend Exterior Paint: Wide range of colours, perfect for walls and fences.
- Autentico Versante Matt: This paint has a UV shield that stops colour fading and has a built-in primer.
- Sandtex Masonry Paint: Highly durable outdoor paint for walls and brick.
I recently used Colourtrend paint to revamp some pieces in my garden. The bright colours were the perfect touch to bring new life into the existing furniture. You can check out the video here.
How to prep wooden garden furniture for painting?
Properly preparing the surfaces is crucial for achieving a flawless finish. Start by cleaning the garden furniture and outdoor walls to remove dirt, grime, and mildew. Wooden furniture in outdoor settings can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime over time.
Before painting, it’s essential to clean the surfaces thoroughly. Start by removing loose debris using a soft brush or cloth. Use a sponge or brush with mild detergent to scrub the surfaces thoroughly. Rinse thoroughly so that you allow them to dry completely.
Sanding is a crucial step in prepping wooden furniture as it creates a smooth and even surface for the paint to adhere to. Gently sand the entire surface of the furniture using medium-grit sandpaper or a sanding block, making sure to follow the natural direction of the wood grain.
Sanding helps remove any remaining dirt, old paint, or rough spots. Pay extra attention to rough or uneven areas, ensuring a consistent texture throughout. Remove the dust using a clean cloth or a tack cloth.
Priming is essential when painting outdoor surfaces, as it provides better adhesion and improves the durability of the paint. Apply a coat of primer to the garden furniture and walls using a brush or a roller. Follow the drying instructions provided by the manufacturer before moving on to the next step.
What should I use to paint my outdoor surfaces?
Having the appropriate painting tools for each project can save you from unnecessary frustrations. When it comes to painting smaller and intricately designed furniture pieces, opting for smaller brushes and rollers is ideal.
On the other hand, if you’re working on a larger surface area like a tabletop, a paint roller would be the preferred choice to ensure efficient coverage. Using the right tools for the job can easily streamline your painting process and achieve the desired results.
Last year I decided to do a makeover on my shed, so I opted for a paint sprayer to make the job easier. After purchasing the paint sprayer online here, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance and results. You can check out the details on the shed makeover here.
When it comes to painting garden furniture, having a reliable set of high-quality brushes and rollers is vital. They provide the perfect tools for the task at hand. Using a fence brush can offer enhanced coverage and efficiency for larger areas in the garden.
How to paint metal surfaces?
Similarly to the wooden furniture, inspect the piece for any damage and thoroughly clean it before proceeding.
Apply a suitable metal primer to the furniture. This step is crucial as it improves paint adhesion and provides a protective barrier against rust.
Use spray paint or a brush for an even application on the metal furniture. Begin with thin, even coats of paint, ensuring every coat is completely dry before adding the next layer. Adhere to the suggested drying times between coats as recommended by the manufacturer.
Allow the painted furniture to cure and harden for the recommended time mentioned on the paint can. This ensures maximum durability. Once cured, consider applying a clear protective sealant or topcoat designed explicitly for outdoor metal surfaces.
How to paint outdoor walls?
Begin by prepping the walls’ surface, ensuring their readiness for painting. Eliminate any loose or peeling paint by utilizing a scraper or wire brush. Thoroughly cleanse the walls to eliminate dirt, dust, and other impurities.
You can achieve this by employing a mixture of mild detergent and water or a pressure washer. Make sure to allow the walls ample time to dry completely before proceeding to the subsequent step. If the walls are new, porous, or have areas of bare substrate, it’s recommended to apply a coat of primer.
Begin by using a brush to carefully paint along the edges of the walls, paying particular attention to areas around windows, doors, and corners. This process is known as “cutting in.” Make sure that the paint is evenly distributed and that there are no drips or streaks.
You may need a thicker roller cover for textured walls to reach into crevices and achieve full coverage.
The number of paint coats required may vary based on the colour and condition of the walls. It may be necessary to apply multiple coats. Ensure each coat is fully dry before proceeding with the next one.
How to paint window sills?
Painting window sills is a simple and effective way to freshen up your windows’ look and enhance your home’s overall appearance.
Start by preparing the window sills for painting. Clean the sills thoroughly using a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, dust, or grime. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the surface gently. If there is any loose or flaking paint, sand it down with sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Wipe away any remaining sanding dust with a clean cloth.
Use painter’s tape to mask off the areas around the window sills you don’t want painted, such as the window frames or adjacent walls. Cover the windows with drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect them from accidental paint splatters.
After priming, cut in the edges of the window sills using a small paintbrush—paint along the edges, corners, and any intricate details. Then, use a larger brush or a mini roller to cover the larger surfaces of the window sills. Apply the paint evenly, using smooth and even strokes, and ensure no drips or brush marks.
How to maintain the paint on garden furniture and outdoor surfaces?
Maintaining the paint on your garden furniture and outdoor surfaces is crucial to prolong their lifespan and keep them looking their best.
Consistently maintain the cleanliness of your painted surfaces to eliminate the buildup of dirt, dust, and other debris that can amass over time.
Periodically inspect your garden furniture and outdoor surfaces for any signs of damage, such as chipping, peeling, or cracking paint. Address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration. If you notice small areas of damage, you can touch them up with matching paint to maintain the appearance and protect the underlying material.
Keep some extra paint from the original project to use for touch-ups. Over time, painted surfaces can experience wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas or exposed locations.
Use a small brush to carefully apply the touch-up paint to any areas that have become damaged or faded. This will help maintain a uniform appearance and provide additional protection.
Do you need to varnish outdoor furniture?
The durability of your painted surfaces can be impacted by various factors such as moisture, dust, dirt, sunlight, and pollution. It’s crucial to regularly clean these surfaces using a slightly damp cloth and mild soap. Applying a protective varnish once a year can help prolong the exterior wood’s lifespan and provide added protection.
Painting garden furniture and walls is an excellent way to revitalize your outdoor space and protect your investment. You can take on this rewarding DIY project by following this comprehensive guide and incorporating the tips. Let your creativity flow, select your preferred colours, and relish in the beauty of your freshly painted outdoor area for many years to come.
More ways to add colour to your garden
Plants
Whether it is tulips and daffodils in Spring or dahlias and sunflowers in Summer, plants are a great way to add colour to the garden. The green foliage of plants also adds colour, and you can use climbing plants or shrubs to cover bare walls.
Outdoor art or features
Another way to add colour and interest to the garden is to use upcycled or reclaimed items as features. You can paint up old window frames to add interest in a seating area or use them as a trellis for climbing plants. Another idea is to use random containers you find as pots, but make sure to add drainage holes to the bottom before planting up.
Fabric and textiles
You can add a splash of pattern and colour to your seating area with cushions and blankets. I have seen pretty parasols in garden centres; these are a fun way to give your garden some personality.
Painting walls and fences
Over the years, I have tried to cover as much of my brick wall as possible with climbing plants, tall plants, and trees. However, I painted my wall in a neutral white shade to make it look clean and fresh, as the original brick was grey and sad looking, and it is the perfect backdrop for the plants. Paint can also be used to disguise things in the garden. For example, if you have a shed or wheelie bin storage and want to take the eye away from it, paint it in a dark shade.
Lighting
Something that I overlook in the garden is lighting. Solar lights have come a long way and are a great way to light up areas in the garden at night time. Festoon lights are trendy and a great way to light up a seating area in your garden. You could even have fun with different coloured bulbs.
If you would like to watch more videos and pick up some more DIY and painting tips check out the DIY Playlist on YouTube. You will also find a new video on my channel every Thursday and Sunday. Or click here for more DIY blog posts.
