The right prep and product depends entirely on what your furniture is made of.
Quick answer: Bare wood needs an oil-based primer plus paint or stain; metal needs a rust-inhibiting primer and paint; polyresin rarely needs anything beyond an occasional spray paint made for plastic. See the breakdown below.
Outdoor furniture adds beauty and comfort to nearly any space, but it spends much of its life exposed to rain, wind-blown debris, and the sun's damaging UV rays. Many materials — wood, metal, plastic — benefit from painting or staining, whether for protection or just to refresh the look.
Paint & Stain by Material
| Material | Prep | Product to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Bare wood | Clean, sand lightly | Oil-based primer/sealer, then latex paint — or an oil- or water-based stain |
| Previously painted wood (stripping) | Strip old finish | Latex primer/sealer, then latex paint |
| Metal (wrought iron, etc.) | Clean and scrape off rust/corrosion | Rust-inhibiting primer, then rust-inhibiting paint |
| Polyresin / plastic | Clean and dry | Spray paint made specifically for plastic (rarely needed) |
Wood
Wooden outdoor furniture ranges from practically weatherproof woods like teak and shorea to more affordable, often domestically grown woods — like pine — that benefit in both looks and durability from staining or painting.
When painting bare wood, prime it first with a good oil-based primer/sealer. For painted surfaces you're stripping, a latex primer/sealer works. Once the primer has dried, apply a coat of good latex paint with a brush or sprayer; a second coat after proper drying time adds looks and durability.
For staining, choose oil-based or water-based. Oil-based stains seep into the wood and won't raise the grain, but have a strong smell. Water-based stains are more environmentally friendly and easier to clean up with soap and water. Apply one coat, adding more if you want to darken the color (sand lightly between coats), and finish with a wood sealer and protectant. For the full comparison, see Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Stains and Types of Stains & Sealers. If you're tempted to reach for polyurethane, read why we don't recommend it outdoors first. Finishing a table? Follow our picnic table guide.
Metal
Sturdy outdoor metal furniture can stand up to a lot, but it's not impervious to the elements. If you have wrought iron or other rust-prone metal furniture, repainting helps preserve it and makes it look new again. Clean thoroughly and scrape off any rust or corrosion, then apply a rust-inhibiting primer, let it dry, and follow with a rust-inhibiting paint in your color of choice. Spraying tends to give more even coverage than a brush.
Polyresin / Plastic
Most polyresin furniture never needs painting and won't crack, chip, or split. If you want to refresh a piece anyway, clean it, let it dry fully, and apply a spray paint made specifically for plastic. A second coat after the first dries gives the best results.
Need supplies? Shop stains, sealers, and furniture care products for every material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint wrought iron outdoor furniture myself?
Yes. Clean and scrape off rust, apply a rust-inhibiting primer, let it dry, then apply a rust-inhibiting paint. Spraying tends to give more even coverage.
Does polyresin patio furniture need to be painted?
Usually not — it won't crack, chip, or split on its own. If you want a refresh, use a spray paint made for plastic.
What primer should I use on bare wood outdoor furniture?
A good oil-based primer/sealer for bare wood; a latex primer/sealer if you're stripping and repainting a previously finished piece.
