Best Paint for Outdoor Wood Furniture

Are you tired of watching your outdoor wood furniture deteriorate under the assault of the elements?

I tested nine contenders and discovered Montage Signature Interior/Exterior as the ultimate champion. With extensive experience in furniture restoration and outdoor living, I bring expertise to the table.

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I’ll delve into why Montage Signature Interior/Exterior reigns supreme. But the nuance matters; I’ll explore scenarios where different paint options excel.

Whether a classic bench or a picnic table, this article reveals the best paints to protect your outdoor wood furniture.

Unlock the secrets to long-lasting, vibrant finishes for your cherished pieces. Keep reading.

Our Top Picks

Outdoor Furniture Paint Reviews (Updated List)

Based on our research, here are the 9 best outdoor paints for wood. We’ve covered whether you’re applying fresh paint or repainting outdoor furniture.

1. Best Overall Paint for Outdoor Wood Furniture – Montage Signature

If you want to make your outdoor wood furniture look great and stay protected, Montage Signature Interior/Exterior Paint is your best bet.

This paint is versatile enough for commercial projects and small residential buildings. This formula also serves as a sealant for outdoor wood furniture and guards against humidity, mildew, and mold.

Having used it, I can say that Montage Signature stands out in its dedication to environmentally friendly and pollutant-free materials. It refreshed my outdoor wood furniture without harming the environment.

You get a 10-year warranty with this paint. That’s a long time. It means the paint is really good and gives you peace of mind.

Montage Signature Interior/Exterior Paint may be a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it. You need it to keep your outdoor wood furniture looking good and staying strong.

With its great coverage, eco-friendly approach, and long warranty, Montage Signature is your best choice for making outdoor furniture last and shine.

What We Liked Most

• Makes your furniture look great and protects it
• Good for the environment
• It can be used inside or outside
• Comes with a 10-year warranty
• It has smooth coverage

What Could Be Improved

• Costs a bit more
• Gives a low-shine finish, which not everyone might like

2. Best Bang for the Buck – FolkArt Outdoor Paint

FolkArt Outdoor Paint emerges as the cost-effective champion, offering exceptional value without breaking the bank.

It’s all about giving you quality results at an affordable price, and here’s why it’s the best budget option.

FolkArt Outdoor Paint boasts a satin finish that looks good and protects. It adds a subtle shine, giving your outdoor wood furniture a touch of elegance.

Thanks to its convenient size, this colorful, multi-surface acrylic paint line is the ultimate addition to every art supply collection. This art and craft paint for wood is available in 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) bottles.

This paint is built to last. It can withstand the elements, making it a reliable choice for outdoor furniture. Your furniture will look great even in harsh weather conditions.

Like our top pick, FolkArt Outdoor Paint can be used indoors and outdoors, providing versatility for various projects.

It’s safe for you and the environment. You can work with peace of mind, knowing you’re using a product that’s both eco-friendly and locally made.

FolkArt Outdoor Paint holds its own against Montage Signature. It offers budget-conscious buyers a chance to enhance their outdoor wood furniture without overspending.

While Montage Signature provides a longer warranty and emphasizes eco-friendliness, FolkArt Outdoor Paint is affordable.

It provides excellent coverage, durability, and versatility without damaging your wallet.

What We Liked Most

• You can use it on multiple surfaces.
• Affordable without sacrificing quality
• Durable satin finish for a touch of elegance
• Non-toxic
• It’s beginner-friendly.

What Could Be Improved

• It’s not durable on a fountain and other water features.
• Limited color options (Coal)

3. Longest Lasting Protection Paint for Outdoor – Rust-Oleum 1974502

The Rust-Oleum 1974502 Painter’s Touch is the longest-lasting paint for outdoor wood furniture.

As an enthusiast, I was pleasantly surprised by its exceptional performance and versatility. This paint isn’t limited to outdoor wood. It’s versatile for wood, metal, plaster, masonry, or unglazed ceramic surfaces.

Whether refinishing a classic wooden bench or adding a fresh coat to a metal patio set, this paint covers you. What sets the Rust-Oleum 1974502 apart is its water-based acrylic formula.

It’s low on odor, resists chips, and offers long-lasting protection against the elements.

It covers up to 120 sq ft per can and dries to touch in 30 minutes, allowing for swift project completion.

After thorough hands-on testing, I found that the semi-gloss finish provided a soft, elegant surface shine. It went on smoothly, offering excellent hide and coverage.

The Rust-Oleum 1974502 outshone the competition in durability and finish quality.

Considering its outstanding performance, the price is reasonable. It offers exceptional value when you factor in its coverage and long-lasting protection.

What We Liked Most

• Versatile application on various surfaces.
• Low odor and chip-resistant.
• Fast drying time.
• Elegant semi-gloss finish.
• Excellent value for the price.

What Could Be Improved

• Needs surface preparation (sanding and degreasing).
• It may not be suitable for high-traffic areas prone to heavy wear and tear.

4. Best Low Odor Paint for Outdoor – Rust-Oleum 249090-6 PK

In our quest to find the ideal paint for outdoor wood furniture, the Rust-Oleum 249090-6 PK Painter’s Touch takes fourth place.It doesn’t quite surpass the Rust-Oleum 1974502 reviewed earlier but offers a unique value proposition.

The Rust-Oleum 249090-6 PK Painter’s Touch is an excellent alternative for those who prefer a low odor type of paint. It distinguishes itself with an oil-based formula.

It is versatile and suitable for interior and exterior surfaces. These include wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry, and unglazed ceramic.

The oil-based formula is low in odor and resistant to chips. This ensures your outdoor furniture remains in top-notch condition.

With a touch-dry time of 20 minutes, it’s perfect for those who want to complete their projects swiftly. The paint’s durable formula provides superb coverage, resulting in a flawless finish.

The gloss finish gives surfaces a fresh, new look, adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor furniture.

While the Rust-Oleum 249090-6 PK Painter’s Touch shares some similarities with its water-based counterpart, it differs in its oil-based formula.

This choice offers an alternative for those who prefer affordable, oil-based paints. It covers a smaller area, approximately 12 square feet per can. Additionally, it dries relatively quickly, taking just 20 minutes.

What We Liked Most

• Versatile for interior and exterior surfaces.
• Low odor and chip-resistant.
• Rapid drying time.
• Gloss finish for an elegant appearance.

What Could Be Improved

• Limited coverage compared to the first product.
• It is unsuitable for those who prefer water-based paints due to its oil-based formula.

5. Best Oil-Based Paint for Outdoor Wood – KILZ Exterior Siding

The KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint is an outstanding oil-based patio furniture paint.

KILZ’s Exterior Siding Paint excels in adhesion, versatility, and durability. This formula resists cracking, peeling, and blistering, making it a robust option for outdoor wood furniture.

This paint’s exceptional adhesion suits vertical wood surfaces, masonry, stucco, and even sanded glossy surfaces. It’s a versatile choice for various outdoor projects.

The paint you’ll need depends on how rough or smooth the surface is. You’ll use about 200 square feet of paint for every gallon if it’s bumpy or porous.

So, how many square feet can 5 gallons of paint cover? If the surface is smooth, you can cover up to 500 square feet with one gallon of paint. It dries to the touch in 2-3 hours for efficient project completion. But, it’s essential to wait 6 to 8 hours before recoating.

You can apply this paint using various methods, including spraying, brushing, or rolling, providing flexibility in your project approach.

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What makes the KILZ Exterior Siding Paint special is that it uses a special mix of water and oil, which makes it last a long time and can be used for many different things.

While it may not have the rapid drying time of the Rust-Oleum 249090-6 PK, it compensates with its robust resistance against elements.

What We Liked Most

• Exceptional adhesion and durability.
• Versatile application on various outdoor surfaces.
• Resistant to cracking, peeling, and blistering.
• Offers great coverage on both porous and nonporous surfaces.

What Could Be Improved

• Longer drying time compared to some water-based options.
• It may need more surface preparation for optimal results.

6. Best Acrylic Exterior Furniture Paint- KILZ Interior/Exterior

If you want superior coverage on the exterior surfaces around your home, Kilz exterior could be the answer.

It includes all you need for your DIY woodworking paint projects. You can use this paint on wood, nonferrous metal, masonry, and architectural plastics.

You can use this formula effectively to get professional results even if you are not a pro. Just ensure to lightly sand the surface before applying the top coat.

One gallon will cover 200-300 square feet if applied to a rough surface. But if you use it on a smooth surface, one gallon will cover 300-400 square feet.

You can apply the paint with a nylon/ polyester brush, airless sprayer, or high-quality roller. This premium paint is mildew-resistant, so it’s perfect for moisture-prone areas.

This formula is resistant to fading, cracking, scratching, peeling, and weather damage, so you can rest assured knowing your paint job will last.

What We Liked Most

• It does not need priming
• You can use it on various surfaces
• It goes on exceptionally well and provides excellent coverage

What Could Be Improved

• It takes longer to dry

7. Best White Paint For Outdoor Furniture – Majic Paints 8-9400-2

If you are looking for exterior white paints that do not need sanding or priming, look no further, as Majic Paints 8-9400-2 could be your best option. This white paint is suitable for all your DIY projects.

It works well when painting outdoor metal furniture, cabinets, doors, plastics, masonry, and copper. It retains more color than other exterior paints and dries to an elegant, smooth satin finish.

The white paint is relatively easy to apply, and you do not have to break a sweat priming and sanding the surface to enhance paint adhesion.

Unlike chalk paint, which you can use on wood only, you can use Majic Diamond Hard RePurpose paint on any interior or exterior surface. This makes it ideal for any project.

It has superior adhesion to almost any interior or exterior surface and a resilient, long-lasting finish.

The paint is a water-based formula that provides added security and convenience in a product that outperforms regular oil-based paints in most situations.

What We Liked Most

• It has excellent color retention
• It has superior adhesion
• You can use it on different items
• It’s easy to apply

What Could Be Improved

• It’s not ideal for areas prone to wetness

8. Most User-friendly Paint For Exterior Wood – Modern Masters 296681

The Modern Masters 296681 Front Door Paint is the most user-friendly for exterior wood. This product offers unique features catering to DIY enthusiasts and professional painters.

While it’s designed for front doors, it’s not limited to just that. You can use it on shutters, back doors, and even interior doors.

It adheres well to various surfaces and ensures consistent results throughout your home.

Time efficiency is crucial in painting projects, and the Modern Masters Front Door Paint doesn’t disappoint. It is easy to use and dries to the touch in one hour.

It features innovative Never-Fade technology even with exposure to sunlight and weather conditions. This variety ensures you can add a personal touch to your outdoor wooden door, making it a standout home feature.

The smooth satin finish is not only pleasing but also easy to maintain. It needs minimal effort to keep your doors looking beautiful.

This low-odor paint is comfortable for indoor projects and offers easy cleanup with soap and water. It eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and complicated cleanup processes.

What We Liked Most

• Exceptional durability that resists peeling and fading.
• Versatile application on various surfaces.
• Quick drying time of just one hour.
• Easy to use and maintain.
• Wide range of colors available.

What Could Be Improved

It may not provide enough coverage for larger projects (covers up to 100 square feet).

9. Weatherproof Paint for Outdoor Furniture – DecoArt DASK276 Patio Paint

You can use this product to create vibrant colors and patterns on any surface without risking the health of your children, pets, or anything else that might come in contact with it.

DecoArt has put together a kit with six colors, which are great for painting outdoor tables, chairs, glasses, and umbrellas.

It’s also quick and straightforward to apply. Clean up with just soap and water is such a breeze with these paints. The six colors included in the Patio Paint Sample Pack are Sprout Green, Blue Bahama, Geranium Red, Sunshine Yellow, Petunia Purple, and Wrought Iron Black.

You can thin the colors to get the shade you want, even if you are not a pro. If you have taken up a hobby and do not want to break the bank on paint, buying this product will be a good step in the right direction.

The smaller bottles will be ideal for your project. The colors will dry authentic to the colors they were when wet.

They may darken a little bit, but you’ll be pleased with the results on your patio furniture, which will be precisely what you are hoping for.

What We Liked Most

• You get gorgeous colors
• They dry up fast
• The paints are affordable
• The colors mix well

What Could Be Improved

• The paint will not work well on plastic.

Education: Tips for Painting Exterior/Outdoor Furniture

Whether you’re painting metal, patio furniture, or plastic, use the tips below to offer your DIY task a professional appearance.

Assess Your Furniture

Examine your furniture and determine if painting or sealing it is necessary in the first place. You can repair an unsteady chair or scratches and dents.

But if a chair is rotten or a table’s plastic leg is broken, even the best paint for outdoor wood chairs won’t salvage the situation.

Ensure all the Rust is Gone if You are Working With Metal

You can’t stain over rust. Get rid of rust first before applying the paint. Sand off the rust using an oscillating tool or sander if you do not want to use chemicals.

Select the Color of Exterior Paint

If you want to paint outdoor wood furniture, the possibilities are limitless. A straightforward way to pick a color for painting comfortable lawn chairs for the elderly or tables is to choose something that complements the exterior of your home.

Use the color wheel technique if you’re uncertain about paint color combinations that could be ideal for your project: Go for colors that are directly opposite each other.

Remove Peeling Paint

Remove loose paint when you are painting wood or metal. Use sandpaper and a little elbow grease for this job.

If you paint outdoor furniture with spray paint, you do not have to use an exterior primer. Traditional spray paints work magic when painting wicker and wood. You can use spray paint on outdoor plastic furniture.

Always use the proper tools to get superb results.

Tiny brushes and paint rollers are preferable when painting any furniture. If your brush is caked with dried paint, soak it in brush cleaner to bring it back to life.

For a tabletop, a paint roller might be your best option.

Consider the weather

You may need more weather protection from external elements when painting your outdoor furniture based on your location.

Some paints have a UV inhibitor for wood and are excellent at resisting moisture.

Note. Humidity will determine the drying time for some stains and paints. So, paint patio furniture when there’s no rain forecast for the next few days.

Consider using rust protection paint when painting metal. Staining is another alternative that makes furniture resistant to the elements.

Select a Finish

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When you want to paint outdoor wood furniture, it doesn’t make a difference in the finish you use— be it gloss, satin, or eggshell.

However, use paint designed exclusively for wood to ensure that the paint bonds properly to the surface when painting your wooden items.

Use Canvas Drop Cloths or Painter’s Tape to Avoid Creating a Mess

To avoid making a mess while painting, have all of your materials prepped before you begin. For example, remove all furniture or planters from the working area to avoid paint splatters.

Use canvas drop cloths to protect the patio, deck, or garage floor from paint. You can also use painter’s tape to seal off any surface you do not want to be stained or painted.

Determine the Coats of Paint you Should Use

There are no complex rules. It depends on your preferences. But the basic rule is to apply two coats of paint.

This rule, however, varies depending on the color, the quality of the paint, whether or not the primer was used, and the type of surface you are working on.

Apply thin coats as they’ll dry faster and let you apply another coat stress-free. If you’re working on a wood surface, follow the direction of the wood grain.

How to Paint Outdoor Wood Furniture

Depending on the state of your furniture and the type of paint you have chosen, there are several things that you must consider before painting patio furniture.

Materials and supplies

Some of the materials and supplies you need to paint outdoor wood furniture include;

• High-quality exterior/outdoor furniture paint.
• Zinsser oil-based primer.
• White water-based primer.
• Exterior semi-gloss paint.
• Exterior polyurethane in semi-gloss.
• Water, soap, and scrub brush.
• Rags for cleaning.
• Paintbrush.
• Paint scraper.
• Belt sander.
• Fine-grit sanding sponge
• Sandpaper, scrapper.
• Disposable chip brushes and paintbrushes.
• Powerwasher.
• Paint sprayer (Here is my favorite paint spray gun for furniture painting)
• A cloth or cardboard to protect your floor.

A Step-by-Step Procedure on Painting Outdoor Wood Furniture

Step 1: Preparation

Depending on the state of your furniture; new wood, painted surfaces, or old, worn-out outdoor furniture – begin by preparing all the materials and supplies you need for painting.

Choose a well-ventilated area, preferably an outdoor working space. Cover your floor with cardboard or cloth.

Wear your protective gear.

Step 2: Clean the Furniture

Give it a good cleaning for old outdoor furniture to get all the dust, dirt, and smudge out. Use soap, water, and a scrub brush to clean the entire piece of furniture and remove brush marks for best results. Sanding dust enhances paint adhesion.

A power washer might come in handy at this point.

Strip away any existing paint and stains from your outdoor furniture. Use a paint scraper to remove loose paint. For a large piece of furniture, use a belt sander.

Do not sand too intensely so as not to damage your furniture. Instead, use a fine-grit sanding sponge to sand around decoratively curved areas by hand.

If you choose a chemical stripping agent, use a paintbrush to apply the remover evenly on the surface. Give it 20-30 minutes, but do not let it dry. Then, use a scraper to strip off the old paint. Be careful not to destroy the surface of the furniture. Leave the furniture to dry altogether.

Step 3: Fix and Make Basic Repairs

Take your time to fix and tighten any exposed screws. You can use wood putty to cover any dents, scratches, or holes in the wood furniture.

Step 4: Sand

Use medium or low grit sandpaper to clean any residue finish on the wood furniture. In addition, sanding will help you smooth out any imperfections on your wood.

Sand in the direction of the wood grains. A sanding sponge will give your furniture light sand and remove any old finish—sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid swirl marks.

Use a tuck cloth to remove sand residue from the furniture.

Step 5: Prime

Follow these two steps to apply a primer. First, apply a single coat of Zinsser oil-based primer using a disposable chip brush. Priming blocks old stains from sipping through. Second, apply two coats of white water-based primer.

Remember to sand in the direction of the wood grain, with a fine sanding block between coats. Always use a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

Give the primer the recommended time in the instructions for it to dry.

Step 6: Apply your exterior wood furniture paint

Apply paint from the underside of the furniture first. Then, flip it over to paint the top side.

Apply two coats of paint on the furniture. Be sure to follow the recommended drying time between your base coat and your topcoat.

Step 7: Final Finish

Apply two coats of semi-gloss exterior polyurethane as your protective coat. Sand lightly with a sanding sponge between coats. This technique works for metal furniture as well.

Now that you know how to paint outdoor wooden furniture, let’s look at how to pick the perfect exterior or garden furniture paint.

Best Paint for Outdoor Furniture: Factors to Consider

Freshening up the exterior of your home with a new coat of paint can be costly and time-consuming.

When it comes to outdoor furniture, you want to make sure that you select the right paint types for the wood so that longevity is guaranteed as much as possible. Here’s how to pick out Outdoor Furniture Paint that will serve your needs perfectly.

Budget

When you go to the market to buy stains for your project, always ensure you stick to your financial plan. Go for a paint that is within your budget.

Compare your budget and the price of the formula that you need. Then, choose the best within your price range. Budgeting helps you avoid overspending on unnecessary stuff, which might hurt your finances.

Coverage

Another critical factor to consider before buying a formula is the surface size you intend to paint. Consider the coverage area of the formula and the number of coats needed to cover the surface.

Large surfaces need paint with a wide coverage area. This information will help you get enough color to cover your desired surface fully.

Color

When choosing a color for your exterior structure, your preference will dominate. However, you must choose a paint color that complements and coordinates with your home and landscape.

“Patio or garden furniture paint colors are sensitive. Colors give the first impression and measure your creativity,” says Rhys Charles, founder of Lawnmower and Tractors.

For exterior structures that receive direct sunlight, always choose a lighter color that reflects excess heat to prevent the systems from overheating.

For gold paint lovers, if you’re working with light-colored wood, you’ll want to choose metallic paint on furniture with a yellow undertone. This will help brighten the room and make it feel more expansive. Choose a gold paint with an orange or red undertone for darker woods.

VOCs

Volatile organic compounds in paints contain harmful toxins affecting humans, plants, animals, and aquatic life. Therefore, using such products will have serious health effects on you and other forms of life.

If you look forward to painting your outdoor wood structure, we recommend a low or Zero VOC formula. Such formulas are not only safe for you but also the environment.

This means you should restrict outdoor paints for their use outside in case you’re concerned can you use weather shield paint indoors. Opt for interior paints that are explicitly formulated for indoor applications.

Drying time

Before buying any particular type of stain, carefully examine how long it takes to dry. Fast-drying paints are always the best.

If you intend to work on a short timeline, you should consider buying a fast-drying formula to allow you to finish your job faster. In addition, applying a second or extra coat is easy with a fast-drying formula.

Weather changes are highly unpredictable. Working with fast-drying paints reduces the risk of water washing your color away if it rains unexpectedly.

Paints with fast drying time are always the best for outdoor projects.

Ease of application

Different paints have different methods of application. When painting outdoor wood furniture, consider a formula with a flexible application method. Don’t buy a formula that’s not easy to use, especially if you’re a beginner.

We recommend buying products that are easy to apply and comfortable. If the product is easy to use, most likely, you will get the application right, hence a better outcome.

Resistance to the environment

Extreme environmental elements like rain and sunlight can significantly interfere with outdoor wood surface quality.

For example, exposing your painted wood structure to elements like Water causes rotting. On the other hand, sunlight causes peeling, fading, and discoloration on your painted wood structure.

Before buying the best paint for outdoor rockers, tables, or chairs, ensure it provides enhanced protection against environmental elements.

FAQs

What Paint to Use on Outdoor Wood?

Aside from decoration, painting does a lot for your wood and other surfaces. These formulas shield the surface from damage caused by water and sunlight.

So, if you’re looking for color for your exterior structure, ensure you only buy the best products. Montage Signature Interior/Exterior is our favorite paint for outdoor wood furniture.

The formula provides comprehensive benefits such as protection, beauty, and ease of application to your surfaces.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor