How to Paint Plastic Patio Chairs

Put on your safety goggles and prepare a water and bleach solution in your bucket at a ratio of three parts water to one part bleach. Apply the solution either by spraying it on or using rags to coat the surface. This will get rid of any mildew on the chairs. Allow the solution to remain on the chair for approximately 20 minutes. Using your water hose, rinse the chair thoroughly.

Scrub the chair with the detergent mixture (1/2 cup per gallon bucket) to remove any remaining dirt and then rinse thoroughly with the water hose. Allow the chair to dry completely.

Apply a high adhesion bonding primer designed for exterior use on plastic. Spread out the plastic drop cloth. Spray the primer on the surface of the chair, covering all parts to provide a solid bond between the plastic chair and what will be the paint topcoat. Let the primer dry overnight. Apply a second coat of primer and allow it to dry thoroughly. Never leave the primer unpainted.

Apply an acrylic exterior latex topcoat to finish your patio chair with your desired color. There are scores of colors, sheens and finishes from which to choose. Spray the entire surface of the chair, making sure to coat evenly. Allow 24 hours for the chair to dry completely before use. Maintain your chairs by washing them occasionally with a mild detergent and water solution followed by a clear water rinse. Treat any mildew eruptions with a mild bleach and water solution followed by a clear water rinse. With minimum care, your plastic chairs should look beautiful indefinitely with no fading or warping.