How to Paint a Rug on Your Outdoor Deck

Determine the size and design for your outdoor painted rug. You can do almost anything with paint. Use vibrant colors and add a complementary color for the border. Consider a check pattern or stripes. Draw a detailed sketch of your rug.

Clean the deck with a garden hose set to the highest pressure setting. Remove all dust and debris from the deck. Allow the wood to dry completely.

Measure the space and use low-tack painter's tape to outline the perimeter of the rug. Step back and confirm that your drawing is accurate based on your drawing and on how it looks.

Sand the area inside the tape. Use a palm sander to make the job quicker. Remove any shine from a glossy topcoat with the sander. Use damp towels or a vacuum to remove the sanding dust.

Roll on deck paint using a 1/4-inch nap roller. Deck paint is available at most paint retailers. Use smooth, even strokes. Apply two to three coats of paint until you have complete coverage. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.

Add designs and accent colors to your rug. Let your creativity be your guide. Consult magazines and photos of actual rugs for inspiration and design ideas.

Roll on a coat of polyurethane to further protect the paint job. Polyurethane is available in matte, satin or gloss. All three types protect equally well. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely before moving furniture or allowing foot traffic on the rug.