Painting old plastic lawn chairs is a great way to upcycle, save money, refresh the appearance, bring a personal touch to your outside space and increase weather resistance.
Over time, plastic garden chairs can become faded, stained, or simply end up looking a little worn out and tired. A fresh coat of paint can give them a new lease of life.
You can take some dull plastic outdoor furniture and update it with a colour that better complements your outdoor space to create a more cohesive and inviting space.
The types of paint we will recommend are all specifically designed for outdoor use too, so they can help to better protect the plastic from the elements.
What types of paint are best for painting plastic garden chairs?
Instead of replacing your old plastic garden chairs, why not restore them to their former glory with a coat of paint?
It is easy to do, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and it creates something unique and personalised to you and your garden.
However, when painting plastic garden chairs, you must use the right type of paint.
It has to be specifically formulated for plastic surfaces, to ensure that the paint adheres properly and, most importantly, it lasts without peeling or flaking off.
In our experience, the 3 best types are specialist plastic spray paints, acrylic paints, and epoxy-based paints.
Each has its pros and cons but all will help you achieve a good-looking and long-lasting finish:
1. Specialist Plastic Spray Paints
Several brands offer a specialist spray paint that is formulated for plastics. They are often designed to bond directly to the surface of the plastic without the need for a primer.
Some general spray paints will also adhere to various surfaces, including plastics, but we would recommend if you go down this route, then apply a plastic primer to ensure adhesion.
2. Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint can also be used on plastic lawn chairs but you must prepare the surface correctly and apply a plastic primer to ensure that the paint adheres well.
We would also recommend if you go down this route, that you apply a sealer or clear coat to protect the finish.
3. Epoxy-Based Paint
Epoxy paints bond well to plastic surfaces and will give a highly durable weather-resistant finish.
These paints are often used for industrial applications, making them a good choice for outdoor furniture that will be exposed to the elements.
How to apply paint to plastic patio chairs?
To ensure optimal adhesion and durability, it's important to clean and prime the plastic surface before you apply any of the types of paint we have listed above, even specialist spray paints.
Start by washing the chairs thoroughly with soap and water to remove dirt and oils, then wipe down with rubbing alcohol or a degreaser to remove any remaining residue.
Lightly sanding the plastic with ultra-fine 1000 to 1200-grit sandpaper will remove the top layer and help the new paint stick better. When sanded to a satisfactory finish, wipe it clean with a damp cloth and leave it to fully dry.
For best results, we would also recommend that you use a primer designed for plastic, especially if you're not using a paint specifically formulated for plastics.
When it comes to applying both the paint and primer, we have found that multiple thin and even coats work much better than one thick coat. It is less likely to drip and gives a better overall finish
Be sure to let the paint dry fully between coats and then if need be seal it all with a clear topcoat to increase outdoor durability and prevent peeling.
The application process Lazy Susan uses for painting plastic outdoor furniture is as follows:
1. Clean
Start by giving the chairs a good wash to remove any grime from the surface.
Warm water and washing-up liquid will clean most dirt and grime off dirt. If there are any stubborn areas, then you can use a pressure washer with caution.
Alternatively, if you are worried about damaging the plastic, a solution of water and white vinegar or a mild degreaser is a great way to remove the most stubborn outdoor stains.
You must ensure the chairs are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
2. Repair
If you have any small stress cracks or gouges in the plastic then you can use an epoxy putty or plastic repair filler to patch them up.
Once dry you can sand the repaired areas smoothly. It can be hard to get a seamless blend with plastics, so if you do need to repair, then we would recommend that you prime before painting.
3. Sand
Lightly sand the plastic surface using ultra-fine-grit sandpaper (around 1000 to 1200) to smooth imperfections but lightly roughen up the surface as this will help the paint to stick better.
A lot of plastic lawn chairs will have glossy or smooth areas, especially where we make contact such as chair arms, etc. This type of finish is more difficult for paint to adhere to, so focus on sanding them until smooth but dull.
After sanding, wipe the chairs down with a damp cloth to remove dust.
4. Prime
If you have had to repair, or you’re using a general-purpose spray paint or acrylic, then we would recommend that you apply a plastic primer first.
This will cover any minor imperfections and help the paint to adhere to the surface, especially if you have older plastic chairs that are a little weather-worn.
If you're using plastic-specific spray paint, then you can skip this step. These paints are designed to bond without primer but in our experience, even with them, it gives a better overall finish.
5. Paint
Our preference is to use a spray paint designed for plastics though. It gives the best finish but it is the most messy and requires plenty of space and prep work.
Plastic-specific spray paints are ideal because they provide an even coat and excellent adhesion with or without primer.
To apply, you want to hold the spray can about 20 cm from the chair and apply light, even coats. Don’t try to cover it all at once—multiple thin layers will prevent runs and drips.
Let each coat dry for about 30 to 45 minutes before applying the next, even if the manufacturer says it dries quicker.
If you’re applying acrylic paint, then you must choose a type that is specifically formulated for outdoor use.
The advantage you have with acrylic is that you can apply it with a brush if you’re not comfortable using a spray can or gun.
Apply a thin, even coat of paint to the primed surface, allowing the paint to dry completely before applying the second coat.
For a more durable and vibrant finish, we would apply a second coat of paint too and then allow the paint to dry completely.
Acrylic paint applied with a brush is not as messy as spray paint but it can release harmful fumes, so it's important to work in a well-ventilated area and cover any nearby surfaces with dust sheets to prevent paint spills.
If applying an epoxy-based paint, then again be sure to pick a paint that is specially formulated for outdoor use so it will withstand harsh weather and give the chairs a durable finish.
Epoxy paints often require the mixing of two parts before application, so just follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Again you can apply with a brush but keep the layers thin and even, allowing them to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before you apply a second coat.
Two or three light coats will give the best finish but you will often see brush marks so just keep things neat and work in one direction.
Epoxy paints can also release harmful fumes, so again take the correct precautions and work in a well-ventilated area.
The epoxy will need to cure properly, so again, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for temperature recommendations, etc.
6. Seal
This step is optional, but once painted and for extra durability, then you can also apply a clear sealer or UV-resistant topcoat to protect the paint from fading, chipping, and weather damage.
7. Cure
Allow the chairs to cure fully according to the paint manufacturer's instructions but in our experience, it is best to leave them for at least 24 but preferably 48 hours before you take them out on the lawn and use them.
Just a final tip, before you apply any of the paint types we’ve mentioned in this article to an entire lawn chair, test them on a small, inconspicuous area such as the underside of the chair to ensure you're happy with not only the painted colour but the finish too.
If you have our aluminium outdoor furniture in your garden instead, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
