What to do (and what not to do) when painting your garden furniture
Summer has arrived! Is your outdoor space ready to be enjoyed? Now is the ideal time to ensure that your garden is primed to welcome friends and family during the season ahead. When it comes to painting your beloved furniture pieces, it’s important to know what to do and what to avoid in order to achieve the best results possible.
Below, we’ll provide some valuable tips for painting your outdoor furniture, along with some common mistakes to steer clear of.
Photo via cathymcgovern_carrowlane
DO select the appropriate paint for the task at hand: The type of paint you choose will largely depend on the material of your garden furniture. Fortunately, Sadolin’s multi-surfaceSuperdec Satin is a water-based and highly durable paint that’s suitable for exterior wood, masonry, weathered plastic, cladding, and steel. Offering up to 10 years protection, this professional quality paint naturally weathers over time, ensuring flexibility in the coating to prevent pesky issues such as cracking, peeling, and flaking. Superdec is available off the shelf in a range of classic shades, or can be colour-mixed to achieve your desired look and suit your unique personal style.
DON’T skip the prep: Adequate surface preparation is essential before embarking on your painting project. Thoroughly clean your furniture to remove any dirt, dust, or grime which will hinder paint adhesion. You may also need to sand the piece to create a suitable surface for proper paint adherence. Now is the time to address any repairs your outdoor furniture may need. Sadolin Stainable Woodfiller is a convenient two-part wood filler that’s easy to mix and use. It is specially formulated to accept wood stains and paint, so you’re guaranteed a seamless finish. Once cured, Sadolin Stainable Woodfiller can be worked on just like wood.
DO use a primer before painting (unless your paint is self-priming): Applying a primer before painting significantly enhances the appearance and longevity of your paint job. A primer creates a smooth and even surface for the overcoat to adhere to, which is crucial for achieving a professional-looking finish.
DON’T apply your paint in thick coats: When it comes to painting, it’s always better to use thin coats rather than thick ones. Thin coats help prevent paint drips and ensure even drying. It can be easy to want to rush the job, but taking a bit more time to get things right will be well worth it in the end.
DO use the right tools: The appropriate tools can make a world of difference when it comes to achieving a perfect finish on your garden furniture. The tools you choose will vary based on the shape, size and material of the furniture you’re painting. Always opt for high-quality paintbrushes or rollers and remember that for water based formulations you should use a synthetic brush. Visit your local Sadolin stockist to find the tools you need and get some helpful advice so you can complete your project with ease.
DON’T rush the job: Patience is key when painting anything, and this also goes for your garden furniture. It may be tempting to try to rush through the process, but this can lead to mistakes that could have easily been prevented with a bit more attention to detail.
DO choose the right conditions to paint in: Starting a paint job in unsuitable conditions can lead to disappointment. It’s always wise to avoid extreme temperatures or weather conditions such as excessive heat and cold, humidity, wind, and rain. It’s also advisable to work on a hard, clean surface that’s protected from the elements and out of the way of any high traffic areas so that you can minimise the chances of your project being disrupted. We also recommend laying down a drop cloth or an old sheet to safeguard the surrounding area from any stray splatters or drips. Take this time to mask off areas such as hinges or handles that you’d like to keep paint-free and pristine. A fresh coat of paint for your garden furniture is a delightful way to rejuvenate the look of your outdoor space. The tips above will help you complete this exciting project with ease. Call into your local Sadolin stockist for expert advice and all of the decorating supplies you’ll need to make your next venture a success!