How to Spray-Paint an Outdoor Patio Chair a Fresh, New Color

Metal Chairs

• 1

  Remove the cushions or any fabric on the furniture. If the fabric or cushion can't be removed, cover it with plastic wrap.

• 2

  Wash any loose soil off with a general cleaner, and scrub the furniture with steel wool to remove any remaining paint and to roughen up the surface. The chair must be completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

• 3

  Spray a metal primer onto the paint. Work on a covered surface so the primer doesn't get everywhere. Use short, even strokes when spraying the primer. Let the primer dry completely. This can take a couple of days, depending on the primer. Check with the manufacturer's instructions.

• 4

  Paint the furniture with the spray paint designed for outdoor use on metal, such as an epoxy enamel paint. Use the desired color, and work in the same conditions as the primer. Let it dry for two days.

• 5

  Spray a clear, latex protective finish onto the furniture to seal and protect the surface. Use a product designed for metal and outdoor use. Let it dry completely before adding the cushions and using the furniture.

Plastic Chairs

• 6

  Scrub a plastic chair using water and nylon scrub pads. Continue scrubbing with fresh pads until the chair is as clean as possible.

• 7

  Set the chair on a plastic cover and in a well-ventilated location where the wind is still.

• 8

  Spray spray paint onto the chair using a smooth motion and short bursts of paint. Work about 6 inches from the surface. Continue spraying until the entire chair is covered. Use spray paint designed for plastic resin surfaces. Let the paint dry for two days.

• 9

  Protect the paint by coating it with a car wax or specially designed wax for plastic.

Wooden Furniture

• 10

  Scrape off old paint and any other debris using a wire brush.

• 11

  Sand the wood surface using a rough, 60-grit sandpaper. Brush off the dust.

• 12

  Paint on a wood primer designed for exterior use. Allow it to dry for 36 to 48 hours.

• 13

  Apply an exterior spray paint designed for wood. Allow it to dry for 36 hours.