How to Update Patio Furniture with Paint and Stain

Begin sanding the piece after stripping the old finish. Remember the more thorough you are during the stripping process, the less you’ll need to sand. Start sanding with medium/low-grit sandpaper to clean off any finish that remains, and smooth out any imperfections in the wood. Smooth the whole piece down with medium-grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand along the grain of the wood. Do this carefully as any swirl marks caused by sanding will stand out if you’re going to stain the wood.

If you’re painting your furniture, use a paintbrush (brush size depends on the size of the piece) to apply True Value^® EasyCare^® Ultra Premium Primer/Sealer. Allow the primer to dry for up to two hours, or for as long as recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. Feel the furniture’s surface for any rough spots and sand lightly if necessary. Apply a second coat. Let the primer dry for approximately 12 to 24 hours.

Next, apply a coat of True Value EasyCare^® Ultra Premium Exterior Paint with a quality paintbrush. Brush it on with even strokes in the direction of the wood grain. You can also use EasyCare^® Premium Décor Spray Enamel. If you use spray paint, go slowly, holding the can about 12" from the furniture surface. When using spray paint, you should apply the second coat within one hour or after 24 hours. Let the second coat dry overnight.

If you’re going to be staining the furniture, note the benefits between stain types. Oil-based stains penetrate into the wood without raising the grain, but carry a strong odor. Water-based stains are more environmentally friendly and offer easy cleanup using soap and water. Never use deck stain on furniture.

Apply a thin, even coat of wood stain with a cloth or medium-sized paintbrush and allow it to penetrate into the wood. Coat once for a light stain or apply additional coats to create a darker color. Lightly sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe off excess stain with a clean cloth and allow the piece to dry completely.

Helpful Tip

If you are using water-based stains, you can minimize raising the grain by moistening the wood with a damp cloth and sanding. Allow the wood to dry completely and sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. Repeat as necessary.

Apply Woodsman® Natural UV Wood Sealer & Protector to seal the new stain finish. Apply the sealer using a cloth or with a small- to medium-sized paintbrush in smooth, even strokes along the direction of the grain. Hold the brush vertically while applying. Overlap brush strokes when moving on to the next area. Start at a corner and work the sealer in gradually in a consistent pattern to avoid bare spots. Let it dry completely (this usually takes a couple of hours). You may want to add a couple of coats. In between coats (once the previous coat has dried), lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. Use a cloth to wipe the piece down or use a brush to remove any residue and debris from sanding. Apply the next coat and let it dry.

Clean the metal surfaces of dust or debris with detergent, water and a scrub brush or rag. You can also try a vinegar/water solution (50/50). If any mold is present, remove it with a bleach/water solution or a commercial mold remover.

Pick a warm, dry day to work. Avoid painting when surfaces are damp or when the humidity is more than 80 percent. Also wait until the temperature is above 50 degrees, and keep out of direct sunlight. Choose an open area and cover the ground with a large drop cloth to create your workspace. An open area will help you protect other surfaces from paint overspray.

Helpful Tip

If your open space is limited, or if you want extra protection, consider setting up a large piece of cardboard, lightweight wood or hanging a drop cloth or sheet as a shield against paint overspray that might blow onto other objects. Place the shield on the side opposite of the one that you’re painting.

Paint will not adhere well over rust, so the rust must be removed along with any old, flaking paint. There are a number of ways to do this. You can remove both rust and paint using a stiff wire brush or an electric drill equipped with a sanding pad and abrasive discs. Emery cloths (cloth-backed abrasive sheets) can be used when there is minimal rust. Emery cloths work well because they are sturdier and easier to use than sandpaper on curved furniture features. Scrapers come in handy as well.

Safety Alert!

Always wear gloves, protective goggles and a dust mask when sanding or using chemicals.

If the furniture you’re working on has non-metal surfaces, such as a seat on a chair, remove them if possible. If they cannot be removed, cover the surfaces with newspaper or plastic sheeting and painter’s tape to prevent any damage.

Spray metal surfaces with a primer made specifically for metal, such as X-O Rust® rust-inhibiting primer. You can also apply metal primer with a brush. This method may be necessary for some areas, but using an aerosol primer and paint often provides the smoothest coverage on metal. For best results, apply two coats. When spraying, follow the directions on the can and hold it approximately 12" from the painting surface to get a balanced and consistent coat. Back-brush (painting over just-applied paint before it begins to dry) to smooth out any drips Allow primer to dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours. Primer does not always feel wet or tacky before it is completely dry.

Helpful Tip

After using aerosol primer (or paint), tip the can upside down and depress the nozzle for a few seconds until paint stops coming out. Next, wipe off the nozzle with a cloth. This prevents the nozzle from being clogged the next time you use the can.

Spray on a coat of X-O Rust Paint & Primer in One or apply X-O Rust enamel using a small to medium-sized paintbrush. Spray painting gets the job done fast and provides excellent coverage and a smooth finish. Hold the can about 8" to 12" from the object you’re painting and keep the can moving to avoid excess paint that can drip. Apply several light coats.

Helpful Tip

For best results, apply the second coat of paint within one hour of applying the first coat.

Using X-O Rust Paint & Primer in One allows you to skip priming in most cases, as it is formulated to be a paint and primer in one. Let the final coat dry for at least 24 hours before using.

Wash plastic furniture thoroughly with mild detergent or all-purpose household cleaner, hot water, a rag, sponge or soft brush. If furniture has been outside for a long period of time or has stubborn stains, use a cleaner with ammonia. Let it dry.

Cover non-plastic surfaces, such as metal chair legs, with painter’s tape. Choose a good workspace with plenty of ventilation and cover the floor with drop cloths or newspaper.

Choose a spray paint designed for use on plastic furniture. Apply a thin coat by holding the can at least 12" away and spray in a sweeping motion. Let the paint dry before applying another coat. The amount of coats you will need will depend on the piece of furniture itself and your own personal judgment. When you’re happy with the paint coverage, let the furniture dry for at least 24 hours. Remove the painter’s tape after the paint has completely dried.

Good job! Your outdoor furniture has been refinished and revitalized.