How to Paint Adirondack Chairs

The Adirondack chair was designed by Thomas Lee in 1903. He was on vacation in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in Newport, New York and needed chairs for his summer home. He designed the original chair with eleven pieces of wood that were cut from a single board. The back and seat were straight, set at a slant to sit comfortably on the area's steep mountain inclines. The wide armrests are a hallmark of the Adirondack chair, which has become a staple of outdoor furniture. Follow the proper steps to apply a good finish, and your painted Adirondack chair will not need a new coat for another one to three years.

Wood primer
Water-based enamel paint
1 1/2-inch paint brush
2 1/2-inch paint brush

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a wood finish product with a mold inhibitor if you live in a wet climate. If you live in a hot climate, choose one with UV protection.
- 2
  Clean your chair with a pressure washer or with a soft brush and a good wood cleaner.
- 3
  Allow the Adirondack chair to dry completely, after rinsing thoroughly.
- 4
  Place the clean chair in a work area that is protected from the elements. Prime it with wood primer, using a 2 1/2-inch paint brush. Use a 1 1/2-inch brush for good coverage between slats, legs and tight spots. Moisture can easily wick into the wood if it is not thoroughly protected. Allow the primer to dry completely.
- 5
  Paint the Adirondack chair with an exterior enamel, using a 2 1/2-inch paint brush. Again, get good coverage between slats, legs and tight spots by using a 1 1/2-inch brush. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the chair from the protected work area.

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