How to Paint Beach Furniture Blue and White

Clean your furniture thoroughly before painting by washing with a mild solution of soap and water using a soft, damp cloth. Rinse with a solution of clear water, and allow it to dry thoroughly before sanding. You may also dry your piece with a soft towel or lightly blow dry with a hairdryer.

Take a piece of fine-grit sandpaper, and sand the entire finish of your piece very lightly. Pay special attention to any rust spots, but take care not to sand too deeply or sand completely through the piece especially if it is metal. Use a soft cloth to gently brush away any residue left from sanding.

Prime the furniture well with a coat of oil-based primer using a soft roller or paintbrush. A foam brush is not recommended as it may leave bubbles in the finish. It is important to use the type of primer recommended for the material from which your table or chair is made. Allow this primer to dry thoroughly before painting with your blue or white paint. Some manufacturers recommend allowing the primer to dry overnight, so check the label for instructions.

Paint the white sections of your furniture. If you make a mistake with your white paint, it will be more easily covered with the blue paint to follow. If you change your mind about painting a certain section white or blue, you can easily correct it by simply painting over with the blue paint. Be creative in your design. A white table with dark blue chairs or adirondack chairs painted in a striped pattern will both stir up memories of casual ocean breezes.

Allow the white paint to dry completely before following with blue paint. You may want to tape a section of furniture with painter's tape to keep the blue paint from bleeding. Blue stripes, dots, or checks on a white background will all add a nautical feel, so be as creative as possible. It is easy to change if it doesn't work out for you.

Cover with a thin coat of polyurethane using a roller or brush. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely, which is normally around 12 hours. Add a second coat of polyurethane for added durability and shine. Although it may be tempting, do not use your newly decorated beach furniture or place it outdoors for 48 hours after adding the second coat of polyurethane to allow it to completely cure. This will aid in keeping nicks and dents from getting onto the finish. Add some tropical plants and a rattan mat, and place your new blue and white beach furniture in whatever setting you choose.