Hi everyone! It’s Ashley from At Home with Ashley! Chalk Mineral Paint is so easy to use. I love to paint it on any furniture I’m redoing, and even accessories too. One question I get over and over again is – Can you paint patio furniture that will be outdoors with Chalk Mineral Paint?
Yes, you can use Chalk Mineral Paint to paint all outdoor furniture. A few years ago, I painted my outdoor bistro set with Dixie Belle’s Fluff Chalk Mineral Paint and it’s held up great since then! The painted table and chairs in my picture have been outside for two summers and two winters now, and look as good as new! Here are some things to take into consideration if you want to use Chalk Mineral Paint on outdoor furniture.
Materials List:
How To Paint Outdoor Patio Furniture With Chalk Mineral Paint and Have It Last:
Step 1: Prep the Surface of Your Outdoor Furniture
First of all, make sure to do proper prep, especially if there is any flaking paint. Remove any loose paint with a wire brush so that the new paint won’t just flake off too.
With outdoor furniture, it’s a great idea to pressure wash the furniture first. Because this outdoor set had sat in the rain and sun for months, the stain partially came off with pressure washing. Plus it’s such an easy and fast way to get everything clean.
Step 2: Clean Outdoor Furniture Properly and Thoroughly
You’ll also want to give the furniture a really good cleaning! If there’s any grime or dirt on it, the paint won’t stick as well, and the outdoor elements may make it so the paint peels off on those spots. To clean my furniture before I paint it, I use White Lightning. Use a rag dipped in the solution to clean the entire surface of the furniture you’ll be painting. Wipe the piece clean with a damp rag to remove any residue. Let dry prior to painting.
Step 3: Select Your Color(s) of Chalk Mineral Paint
Whenever I’m painting furniture with Chalk Mineral Paint, I always do a minimum of 2 thin coats. The same will be true with outdoor furniture.
I used the color Sea Glass chalk mineral paint on the outdoor chairs I’ve been working on. I was originally going to sand it all the way to the wood to get a wood finish, but after a few hours of sanding and not being anywhere close to a smooth wood finish, I decided to paint instead.
Step 4: The Most Important Step for Outdoor Furniture – Seal It with a Top Coat
Honestly, the number one step to take with this project is the top coat. After painting the furniture the color of your choice, make sure to cover it in a few thin coats of Gator Hide to really protect it and seal it. If you’re painting a light color of furniture, make SURE to go thin with the Gator Hide because it can yellow if it’s applied too thickly. This step will protect the painted item from rain damage as it is a water repellant. Apply the Gator Hide with a brush or blue sponge. Let the furniture dry 48 hours before placing something on top. Use in a well ventilated area.
To read more insightful tips on painting outdoor furniture, head on over to At Home with Ashley here!
I read that you shouldn’t use White Lightning on metal to clean before painting. Is this true?
Thanks!
Hi Babs! You can use White Lightning on metal ?
Can I use Gator Hide on top of aerosol paint? I am painting an outdoor wooden Muskoka chair using aerosols and would like to give it extra protection. Thanks!
Hi Stephanie! We do not test our products with other brands, but you could try it if you’d like ? Perhaps test it out on an inconspicuous spot on your chair.
I recently fell in LOVE with your all-in-one Silk paint. I want to paint my older, slightly dinged up Brown Jordan powder-coated outdoor chaise, chair & ottoman. I’ll be going from a dark brown to something lighter, maybe tan. Assuming I pressure wash and clean it with White Lightening before starting, is Silk all I’ll need? I have Boss, Slick Stick and Gator Hyde but don’t want to waste time or product if those aren’t necessary.
Hi Heather! Yes, we’d recommend using Slick Stick just to be safe. Gator Hide will add additional protection from rain.