When painting a bench, using the right type of paint is crucial for achieving a durable and long-lasting finish. The main factors to consider when choosing a bench paint are: exposure to weather, amount of use/wear, and the material the bench is made of. Based on these factors, the most common paints used for outdoor benches are latex acrylic paints, oil-based paints, and deck stains.
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Quick Answer
For a wooden bench that is exposed to the elements, an exterior latex acrylic paint or oil-based paint works best. For a bench made of metal or plastic, latex spray paint formulated for those surfaces should be used. And for all bench materials, you can also use a deck/porch stain for protection and color.
How Is the Bench Used and Exposed?
Before selecting a bench paint, think about how the bench will be used and what kind of conditions it will face. Is it an outdoor bench that will be exposed to sun, rain, snow, and temperature changes? Or is it an indoor bench that will just need to stand up to occasional scuffs and cleaning? An outdoor bench needs a more durable paint than an indoor bench.
Also, consider how much use the bench will get. A bench in a high traffic area or at a public park will need a tougher paint than a little-used bench on a back patio. The amount of use factors into how often you’ll need to repaint the bench to keep it looking its best.
Outdoor Benches
Outdoor benches take a lot of abuse from the elements. The paint used needs to stand up to:
- Sun exposure – UV rays can fade and degrade paint over time
- Moisture – From rain, snow, and humidity
- Temperature changes – Expanding/contracting with the seasons
- Dirt/pollution – Getting coated with dust, pollen, etc
For these reasons, outdoor benches require paints made specifically for exterior use. Latex acrylic exterior paints and oil-based paints stand up best to outdoor exposure. The paint should say “exterior” clearly on the label.
Indoor Benches
An indoor bench will need paint that’s durable to light scuffs and cleaning. These benches don’t get the harsh outdoor weathering, but they do need to stand up to regular use. Interior latex paints are a good choice for indoor benches used in homes, offices, churches, schools, etc.
For indoor benches in very high traffic settings like malls, convention centers, or airports, consider a commercial-grade latex paint. These paints are formulated to handle repeated touching, cleaning, and scuffing.
High Use Benches
For benches that will see very frequent use in outdoor public spaces like parks, athletic fields, or playgrounds, use the most durable exterior paint you can find. Oil-based enamels are a top choice for these high-wear benches. The dense, glossy finish resists cracking, scuffing, and staining.
Be sure to follow recoat times closely with oil-based paints. Trying to rush recoats can ruin the paint job. And allow for extra drying and cure time before public use.
Type of Bench Material
Along with use and exposure, the material the bench is constructed from is key. Common bench materials like wood, plastic, and metal each require paints formulated to adhere properly.
Wood Benches
For outdoor wood benches, latex acrylics and oil-based paints work well. Be sure to follow proper surface prep and priming steps to ensure good adhesion and protection of the wood. Using a primer coat designed for exterior wood is recommended.
On indoor wood benches, regular interior latex paints will suffice. Sand any rough spots, wipe away dust, and apply a primer if needed before painting.
Plastic Benches
There are paints made specifically for use on plastic that will adhere properly to surfaces like polyresin, PVC, etc. Look for paints labeled for use on vinyl, plastic, or resin.
For outdoor plastic benches, use latex acrylic paints meant for vinyl and resin that offer UV protection. For indoor plastic benches, interior vinyl paint works well.
Be mindful that plastic can be susceptible to cracking or warping if the wrong paint is used. Test paint compatibility in a small hidden spot first.
Metal Benches
Metal benches should be coated with paint formulated for use on metal surfaces. For optimal adhesion, the metal needs proper prep – sanding, cleaning, and priming. Then a metal-specific latex acrylic paint can be applied.
For outdoor metal benches, use exterior metal paint. And for indoor metal benches, an interior metal paint will suffice. Enamel spray paints also work well for coating metal benches with a protective finish.
Wrought Iron Benches
Wrought iron is prone to rust if left unprotected and untreated. Use an exterior paint specifically made for wrought iron that inhibits rust. Oil-based paints and paint/primer sprays for wrought iron provide excellent protection.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s application instructions closely with wrought iron paints. Proper surface prep and recoating times are crucial for getting long-lasting results.
Concrete Benches
Concrete bench paints are formulated to bond tightly and resist peeling, cracking, and abrasions on concrete. For outdoor concrete benches, use an exterior concrete paint.
And for indoor concrete benches, look for interior-grade concrete paint. Epoxy paints are also an extremely durable option for coating concrete benches.
Best Paint Options By Bench Material
| Bench Material | Best Paint Options |
|---|---|
| Wood | Latex acrylic exterior paint, Oil-based enamel exterior paint |
| Plastic/Vinyl | Latex acrylic paint for vinyl, Plastic resin paint |
| Metal | Latex acrylic metal paint, Enamel spray paint for metal |
| Wrought Iron | Rust inhibiting wrought iron paint |
| Concrete | Exterior concrete paint, Epoxy paint |
Top Paint Choices
Here are some top recommended paint options to use on outdoor and indoor benches:
Outdoor Bench Paint
- Behr Premium Exterior Latex – Long-lasting acrylic latex paint that resists fading, chipping, and mildew.
- Rust-Oleum Oil-Based Enamel – Provides a protective, high-gloss finish able to withstand heavy use.
- KILZ Exterior Waterproofing Paint – Stands up to moisture while blocking stains and odors.
- Valspar Duramax Exterior Acrylic – Contains silicone additives for enhanced water repelling properties.
- Benjamin Moore ArborCoat Exterior Stain – Penetrating outdoor wood stain ideal for benches.
Indoor Bench Paint
- Behr Premium Plus Interior – Great scratch and stain resistance. Low-odor and zero VOC.
- Valspar Reserve Interior Latex – Professional-quality paint for high-traffic areas.
- Rust-Oleum Zinsser Interior Primer – Bonds tightly to surfaces while blocking stains.
- Benjamin Moore Advance Interior – Alkyd-enhanced formula flows and levels smoothly.
- Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior – Hard-wearing acrylic-latex enamel for trim and furniture.
Prepping and Priming the Bench
Proper prep work before painting is crucial for getting great results that will last. Here are some tips for prepping and priming benches prior to painting:
- Sand the bench with 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up and smooth the surface.
- Wipe away all dust and debris with tack cloths.
- Fill any cracks, holes, or gaps with wood filler and let dry completely.
- Sand again lightly with 220 grit sandpaper.
- Vacuum and wipe away the dust again with a tack cloth.
- Apply a primer coat suited for the bench material.
- Allow the primer to dry fully before painting – refer to manufacturer instructions.
Taking these vital prep steps will help the paint adhere properly and create a blemish-free finish. The bench needs to be as clean and neutral as possible before painting.
Choosing a Primer
Primers play an important role in preparing the bench for painting. The right primer will:
- Improve paint adhesion
- Seal porous surfaces
- Block stains
- Provide corrosion resistance
Use an exterior wood primer for outdoor benches. For metal benches, a primer containing rust inhibitors is best. And for plastic benches, look for adhesion-promoting vinyl primers.
When in doubt, you can use multi-purpose latex or oil-based primers safely on most bench materials.
How to Paint a Bench
Follow these basic steps for properly painting a bench:
- Prep – Make sure the bench surface is clean, dry, and ready for painting as covered above.
- Prime – Apply a primer coat suited to the bench material and let fully dry.
- Paint – Use smooth brush strokes to apply the topcoat paint evenly according to the manufacturer instructions.
- Dry – Allow the paint to dry completely before use per the paint directions.
- Cure – Let the paint cure fully to reach maximum hardness and durability.
- Enjoy! – Put your freshly painted bench to use and admire the new look.
Patience is crucial – wait the recommended drying times between paint coats. And testing paint compatibility on scraps first is advised to avoid any unwanted reactions.
Painting Tips
Follow these tips when painting benches for great results:
- Lightly sand glossy surfaces before priming and painting.
- Use angled trim brushes for tight corners and edges.
- Keep paint can rims and lids clean to prevent drips and spills.
- Work in shaded areas away from direct sun to aid drying.
- Apply paint in smooth strokes with the wood grain on benches.
- Remove hardware like hooks or plaque holders before painting.
- Use painter’s tape for crisp paint lines if desired.
- Check for paint compatibility on plastic benches first.
How Often to Repaint
How long your bench paint job lasts comes down to the quality of paint used, prep work done, and exposure levels. Here are some general guidelines for repainting benches:
- Outdoor benches – Every 2-4 years
- Indoor benches – Every 4-6 years
- High traffic benches – Every 1-2 years
Look for signs like cracking, peeling, excessive fading, or rust to indicate repainting is needed. Promptly touch up any nicks or scrapes to avoid further paint damage.
Extending Paint Life
You can help your bench paint last longer between recoats by:
- Using high quality exterior-grade paints
- Allowing proper drying and curing times
- Keeping the bench covered when not in use
- Rinsing dirt and debris off regularly
- Resealing bare wood
- Adding anti-rust coatings to metal benches
Prevention is the best way to avoid frequent repainting. Care for the bench finish properly and address any wear early.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bench paint involves considering the material, exposure, traffic levels, and desired final look. Latex acrylics and oil-based paints are top choices for wood benches, while plastic and metal benches need paints formulated for adhesion.
Prep work is vital – prime and sand the surface thoroughly before painting. And be patient allowing proper drying and curing times for a long-lasting finish.
Protect your painted bench from excessive sun and moisture. Address nicks or damage promptly. And recoat every 2-4 years to keep the bench looking fresh.
With the proper bench paint and application, you can create a finish that stands up to the elements and usage while providing a beautiful pop of color.