Can I spray paint outdoor wood furniture?

Yes, you can spray paint outdoor wood furniture. Spray paint is a good option for painting outdoor wood furniture because it provides excellent coverage, is available in a wide range of colors, and holds up well to outdoor exposure. However, there are some important steps you need to take when spray painting outdoor furniture to ensure the paint adheres properly and provides long-lasting protection.

Should You Use Spray Paint on Outdoor Wood Furniture?

Spray paint has several advantages that make it a good choice for outdoor wood furniture:

• Provides complete, even coverage – Spray paint applies in a fine mist that covers all surfaces evenly and gets into cracks and corners that are hard to reach with a brush.
• Wide range of color options – Spray paint comes in just about any color imaginable, from basic shades to bright, bold hues.
• Dries fast – Most spray paint dries in 30 minutes or less, so you can quickly apply multiple coats.
• Lasting durability – High quality spray paints provide long-lasting protection against cracking, peeling, fading and yellowing.
• Easy application – With spray paint there is minimal prep work or cleaning up. Simply shake the can, point and spray.

For these reasons, spray paint is ideal for situations where you need complete, uniform coverage on outdoor wood surfaces. It allows you to easily change the color of furniture or accessories and provide renewed protection against outdoor elements.

How to Prepare Wood Furniture for Spray Painting

Proper prep work is crucial for spray paint to adhere correctly on outdoor wood surfaces. Here are the key steps:

1. Clean the wood – Use a stiff brush and cleaning solution to remove dirt, mildew stains, loose paint or finish, grease and other contaminants. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry fully.
2. Sand the surface – Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to scuff up the existing finish. This helps the paint adhere better. Focus on areas with damage or wear.
3. Spot prime if needed – For surfaces with heavy stains, prime those areas with an oil-based primer before painting. This blocks stains from bleeding through the new paint.
4. Fill holes and cracks – Use exterior-grade wood filler to patch any holes, cracks or gaps. Sand smooth when dry.
5. Apply primer – A primer coat helps the paint stick to the wood. Use an exterior primer specifically made for spraying.

Proper prep removes any barrier between the wood and paint for maximum adhesion. Make sure to use exterior-grade cleaning and painting products that are formulated to withstand the elements.

How to Spray Paint Outdoor Wood Furniture

Here is the process for spray painting outdoor furniture to get a smooth, even finish:

1. Lay down drop cloths – Cover any nearby plants or surfaces you don’t want painted. Tape off areas if needed.
2. Lightly sand – Use 220 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface. This helps the paint adhere to the primer coat.
3. Clean away dust – Wipe down all surfaces with a tack cloth to remove dust particles before painting.
4. Set up in a well-ventilated area – Paint outdoors if possible. If painting indoors, open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air.
5. Shake the can vigorously – This mixes the paint pigments so they spray evenly.
6. Spray paint with smooth strokes – Hold the can 6-8 inches from the surface. Apply light coats using a smooth back-and-forth motion.
7. Allow paint to dry between coats – Check the can for recommended drying times. Add additional coats until you achieve the desired coverage.
8. Apply a topcoat for extra protection – Use a clear spray on polyurethane as a topcoat to add protection from UV rays and water damage.

Applying spray paint requires some technique. Work in sections, follow the recommended drying times, and keep the can the same distance from the surface as you spray. Light coats provide the smoothest finish.

Tips for Successfully Spray Painting Outdoor Furniture

Follow these tips as you take on your spray painting project:

• Choose paint specifically made for outdoor use. It will hold up better to sun, rain, snow and temperature changes.
• Read the directions on the can. Some paints require shaking for up to 5 minutes to mix properly.
• Spray when temps are between 50-90°F with low humidity. These are ideal spraying conditions.
• Work in thin coats. Thick coats can run and drip.
• Spray side-to-side, not in a circular motion. This prevents drips.
• Start/stop spraying before you get to the wood so you don’t end up with heavy edges.
• Spray vertically on spindles and woven surfaces.
• Wear a respirator mask when spraying paint.
• Let paint fully cure before putting furniture back into service. This takes about 7 days.

Using proper spray painting technique helps the paint apply smoothly and evenly. Be patient and allow sufficient drying time between coats for best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when spray painting. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

• Inadequate surface prep – Skipping important steps like sanding and cleaning means the paint won’t properly adhere.
• Spraying too close to the surface – Holding the can too close can cause runs and drips. Keep about 6-8 inches between the can and surface.
• Applying too much paint – Take care not to use excessive paint. Several light coats are better than one thick coat.
• Overly thick coats – Thick coatings are more likely to sag and run.
• Painting in direct sunlight – The surface can dry too quickly before the paint evenly flows out.
• Painting over rust – Rust will continue to grow under the paint, causing bubbles and chips.
• Skimping on drying time – Not allowing proper drying between coats can ruin the final finish.

Rushing through the job or taking shortcuts usually leads to a poor end result. Careful surface prep, proper spray technique and enough drying time gives you the best outcome.

How Long Does Spray Paint Last on Outdoor Furniture?

When properly applied, high quality spray paint can last 3-5 years or more on outdoor wood furniture. Several factors affect lifespan:

• Quality of paint – Budget brands may only last 1 season. Invest in paint made specifically for outdoor use.
• Adequate surface prep – Proper sanding and cleaning promotes maximum paint adhesion and durability.
• Use of primer and topcoat – These provide added protection against wear, fading and peeling.
• Care and maintenance – Wipe down painted furniture periodically. Touch up any nicks or damaged spots.
• Exposure to elements – Full sun and excessive moisture shorten the lifespan of any outdoor paint.

With the right spray paint and application methods, you can expect painted outdoor wood furniture to last upwards of 5 years. Refinishing before the paint fails helps extend the life significantly.

Can You Use Indoor Spray Paint Outside?

It’s best to avoid using indoor spray paint on outdoor furniture and surfaces. Indoor paints are formulated differently and lack the UV-resistant pigments and tough binders found in exterior paint.

If you use indoor spray paint outside, here are the likely results:

• Fading – The color will fade quickly when exposed to sunlight.
• Chalking – A fine white powder will develop on the paint surface over time.
• Flaking – Without flexible binders, the paint is more apt to crack and peel.
• Less durable – Indoor paint won’t hold up to rain, snow and other outdoor conditions.

Outdoor paint has additives like mildewcides and water repellents missing from indoor formulas. While technically you can use indoor paint outside, it’s definitely not recommended. It will require more frequent touch ups and recoating to maintain its appearance and protection.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Outdoor Furniture

Your preparation and painting approach may vary slightly depending on the specific outdoor furniture you want to paint:

Patio chairs

• Disassemble fully. This allows you to paint hard-to-reach areas.
• Pad sharp corners and edges so paint won’t chip off easily.
• Add extra finish coats to high contact areas like armrests.

Wood patio tables

• Sand thoroughly to remove food and drink stains.
• Use oil-based primer to block bleed-through from wood tannins.
• Paint both the top and bottom surfaces for balanced protection.

Adirondack chairs

• Remove and paint detached slats individually before reassembling.
• Use small foam rollers to paint hard-to-spray curves and edges.
• Let paint cure 2 full weeks since the wood expands and contracts.

Wood patio benches

• Fill cracks and holes with flexible epoxy filler designed for outdoors.
• Spray paint end boards before attaching to the legs and supports.
• Use an alkyd enamel spray paint for high traffic bench surfaces.

Consider the wear patterns, intricate details and expandable joints of each furniture type as you prepare and paint the surfaces. Address these areas accordingly for the most durable outcome.

Conclusion

Spray paint can provide an attractive, protective finish for outdoor wood furniture. Make sure to properly prepare surfaces, use exterior-grade spray paint, allow ample drying time between coats, and apply a topcoat sealer for the best results. With the right products and techniques, a spray painted finish can keep your outdoor wood furniture looking like new for years to come. Be sure to read the directions closely on spray paint products and follow the recommendations for best results.