FAQ: Can I paint wooden garden furniture?
Frequently Asked Questions with answers:
- You can paint wooden garden furniture as long as it is in good condition.
- Use weather-resistant, durable paint, such as the Al Fresco series.
- Clean and sand before starting.
- Paint in warm, dry weather, but not in direct sunlight.
- Only paint furniture that you can store protected from the weather during the winter.
Just remember to use paint that is easy to apply, weather-resistant, and durable. Frenchic's Al Fresco color range is ideal because it is designed for outdoor use. Our paints are also EN 71-3 certified safe for children's furniture.
The painting instructions for a successful result are ultimately very simple:
- Wash and clean the surface to be painted carefully and let it dry.
- Sand thoroughly and wipe off the sanding dust.
- Paint at least twice, on a dry and clean surface, with carefully mixed paint.
- Let dry according to the instructions.
What kinds of outdoor furniture cannot be painted? And how do I store my painted terrace furniture during the winter?
Do not attempt to paint furniture that is not in suitable condition—for example, if the surface is badly damaged by the sun or the wooden parts are very old, grooved, rotten, and brittle.
Wooden garden furniture that has been regularly treated with oil-based protectants can also be challenging to paint. The same applies to new, intact teak. The oils in the wood make it difficult for the paint to adhere effectively, so always be especially careful with both pretreatment and paint application.
If you cannot store painted furniture protected from the weather during the winter, be prepared for maintenance painting in the spring.
Only paint furniture that you can store protected from the weather during the winter. The best storage place for painted furniture is a ventilated, cool, and dry space with room to store furniture without stacking.
Prepare, clean, and sand
Scrub the furniture clean with Sugar Soap detergent and rinse. Treat any algae, mold, or moss with your own product.
Scrape off and sand clean all previous peeling or damaged coatings. Sand all surfaces to remove any sun damage and create a good surface for the paint to adhere to.
Repair any rotten areas and ensure that the joints are tight.
Make sure the wood is completely dry before starting to apply the paint. Even if the surface looks dry, leave at least 24 hours between pretreatment (or rain) in good conditions. In humid conditions, leave a longer time.
How do I paint my garden furniture with Al Fresco paints?
Paint when the weather is dry and the temperature is 10-32 °C, continuously for at least 48 hours. Do not paint in direct sunlight, as the paint will dry too quickly.
When applying paint, be careful. Make sure you get full coverage between the slats and any weak spots, such as joints and seams, where moisture can enter the wood. (see the number of paint layers and coverage on the paint can)
Note the instructions on the paint can regarding the minimum time between paint layers, as painting too early may result in the paint not curing effectively, which can affect the long-term durability of the paint.
Where can I find more instructions for outdoor painting?
Learn more about the details of painting garden furniture in our blog: Maalataan Ulkona.
