FAQ: Can I paint wooden garden furniture?

The most important Frequently Asked Questions with answers:

• You can paint wooden garden furniture as long as it is in good condition.
• Use weatherproof, durable paint.
• Clean and sand before starting.
• Paint in warm, dry weather, but not in direct sunlight.
• Only paint furniture that you can store away from the weather during the winter

Can I paint wooden garden furniture?

Yes, as long as they are in good condition!

Just remember to use paint that is easy to apply, weather resistant and durable. Frenchic's Al Fresco Inside/Outside paint range is ideal as it is designed for outdoor use. It is also EN 71-3 certified as safe for children's toys.

What kind of garden furniture can't be painted?

Do not try to paint furniture that is not in a suitable condition - for example, if its surface is badly damaged by the sun or the wooden parts are very old, grooved, rotten and damaged.

Wooden garden furniture that has been regularly treated with oil-based preservatives can also be challenging to paint. It can also be new, intact teak. The oils contained in the wood make it difficult for the paint to adhere effectively, so always be especially careful both in the pre-treatment and in the application of the paint.

Only paint furniture that you can store away from the weather during the winter.

Prepare, clean and grind

Scrub the furniture clean with Sugar Soap detergent and rinse. Treat possible algae, molds or mosses with your own product.

Scrape off and sand clean all previous flaking or poor coatings. Sand all surfaces to remove any sun damage and create a good surface for the paint to adhere to.

Repair any areas of rot and make sure the joints are tight.

Make sure the wood is completely dry before you start applying the paint. Even if the surface looks dry, allow 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, at least continuously for 48 hours. Do not paint in direct sunlight, because then the paint dries much too quickly.

When applying paint, be careful. Make sure you get full coverage (see the paint can for the number and coverage of paint layers) between the slats and any weak points, such as joints and seams, where moisture can enter the wood.

Pay attention to the instructions on the paint can about the minimum time between painting layers, because painting too soon can lead to the paint not necessarily hardening 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: Painting Outdoors.