Is your outdoor furniture looking a little lackluster? Do your patio cushions seem faded and worn from years in the sun and rain? Don’t despair – you can give your outdoor space a fresh new look without buying expensive replacement cushions. Painting your existing cushion covers is an affordable, easy way to update the style and extend the life of your outdoor furniture. With some basic supplies and a few coats of spray or brushed-on paint, you can transform dull, dingy cushions into bright, vibrant statements.
You’ll learn about the best type of paint to use, proper preparation steps, how to achieve a smooth painted finish, and ways to care for your newly painted cushions. We’ll also share the benefits of this budget-friendly DIY project along with a few potential downsides to consider. With some creativity and a couple days of work, you can revive your patio and yard with a fresh new color scheme and custom painted cushions.
Supplies You’ll Need to Get Started
Before diving into a DIY painted cushion project, it’s important to gather the right materials. Selecting quality paint and supplies will ensure your painted covers stand up well to sun, rain, and regular use. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need:
- Exterior paint – latex porch and floor paint or spray paint made for outdoor fabrics work best
- Fabric painting medium if using latex paint
- Foam rollers, paint brushes, and/or paint sprayer
- Drop cloths – canvas or plastic sheets to protect surrounding areas
- Sandpaper – 120-150 grit recommended
- Clean rags, sponges, mild detergent for prep
For latex paint, opt for a high quality, flexible paint designed for exterior porches, floors, and patio furniture. Mix this paint with a fabric medium designed to keep the paint flexible and breathable on fabric. Without it, the paint may crack. For spray painting, Rust-Oleum Sun Proof Spray Paint offers UV resistance, adhesion to fabrics, and withstanding outdoor abuse.
Prepping Your Cushions for Painting
Once you’ve gathered your paint supplies, it’s time to prep the cushions for painting. Proper prep lays the groundwork for getting the best end results. Follow these key steps:
1. Remove and Wash Slipcovers
If your cushion covers are removable, launder them prior to starting your project. Follow the care instructions, using mild detergent and warm water. This eliminates dirt, debris, and mildew. For cushions without removable covers, use a garden hose to give them a thorough rinsing.
2. Lightly Sand Cushion Surface
Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to lightly “scuff up” the outer fabric layer of each cushion. This helps the paint adhere properly. Avoid aggressively sanding through the material. Just a light once-over to remove shine is plenty.
3. Allow Cushions to Fully Dry
Whether machine washed or hose rinsed, let your cushions dry completely before painting. Any moisture left behind will hinder paint application. Set cushions in the sun or use fans to speed drying time.
Following these simple prep steps ensures no dirt, mildew, or water stands between your paint and achieving the perfect bond with the cushion fabric.
Painting Your Outdoor Cushion Covers
Now comes the fun part – it’s finally time to break out the paint! Use these tips for flawless cushion painting technique:
Work Outside in a Well-Ventilated Area
Paint fumes and overspray are two good reasons to work outdoors when painting cushions. Cover nearby plants and objects with drop cloths if spray painting.
Apply in Thin, Even Coats
Thinner paint coats offer better adhesion than thick, heavy applications. For spray paint, hold the can 6-10 inches from the cushion. With roller or brush painting, resist the urge to overload the paint. Two to three thin coats are better than one thick one.
Allow Proper Dry Time Between Coats
Rushing the paint drying and curing stages can ruin the end result. Consult the manufacturer’s recommended dry time between coats – usually 1-2 hours. Let the final coat cure at least 24 hours before using cushions.
Use Spray Paint or Roller for Best Results
While brushes work for painting cushions, sprayers and rollers provide more even coverage. Foam rollers apply paint smoothly without leaving obvious brush strokes.
Applying multiple thin coats, allowing proper dry time, and using the right tools leads to durable, resilient painted cushion covers able to withstand sunlight, rain, dirt, and daily use.
Benefits of Painting Outdoor Cushions
Ready to upgrade your space with painted cushions but need some motivation? Consider these incentives:
Cost Savings Over Replacement
Quality outdoor cushions cost $50-200 each. Painting revives worn ones at a fraction of replacement cost. With just paint, brushes, and a weekend of work, you can save big.
Longer Furniture Life
Tossing faded cushions means throwing out the furniture too. Painting cushions extends the life of patio and deck sets by providing UV protection.
Match Any Decor
Paint opens the door to any color scheme. Tie your cushions into your home’s exterior in bold or subtle ways. Go bright and funky or soft and neutral – the options are endless.
Protection from Outdoor Elements
Paint forms a protective barrier against sun damage, rain, dirt, and mildew. Painted cushions withstand the elements better than bare fabric alone.
Easier to Clean
Painted cushions simply need mild soap and water to look like new. Bare fabric stains more easily and may retain odors.
With such advantages, it’s easy to see why a DIY painting project offers an attractive alternative to replacing tired outdoor cushions.
Potential Drawbacks to Keep in Mind
Painting cushion covers isn’t without a few compromises. Be aware of these possible downsides:
Painted Fabric May Feel Stiff
Depending on paint type, painted fabric loses some softness and flexibility. This improves over time but may never feel quite as supple as the original material.
It Requires A Lot of Paint
Completely covering cushions in several coats of paint uses far more than a typical indoor paint project. Factor this into material costs.
Mixed Reviews on Rust-Oleum Spray
While convenient to use, some DIYers report Rust-Oleum’s outdoor fabric spray paint chips, cracks, or peels. Test first before fully committing.
Occasional Touch-Ups May Be Needed
Like any painted surface outside, your cushion covers will need some maintenance. Plan on spot repairs after a year or two.
While not deal-breakers, being mindful of these potential compromises helps set realistic expectations for your newly painted cushions.
Caring for Your Painted Cushions
Once your cushion covers have a fresh coat of paint, a little extra care will keep them looking their best. Follow these maintenance tips:
Allow Paint to Fully Cure
Avoid using freshly painted cushions for at least 24 hours after the final coat. Curing paint needs this time to fully harden and become durable.
Handle Gently at First
The painted surface remains somewhat fragile until completely cured. Limit handling and stacking until the paint has hardened thoroughly.
Expect Some Fading Over Time
While painted cushions resist sun damage far better than bare fabric, some gradual fading is inevitable. Rotate cushions occasionally to evenly distribute exposure.
Touch Up Paint as Needed
Check for cracks or flaking semi-annually. Use leftover paint for an easy refresh when damage occurs.
Clean with Mild Detergent and Soft Brush
Avoid abrasive scrubbing on painted covers. Use gentle circular motions and mild soap and water for the best results.
With the right care and maintenance, your custom painted cushions can look great for years, saving money and preventing furniture waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mistakes should I avoid when painting cushions?
Rushing the project, skipping proper prep, applying paint too thickly, and stacking cushions too soon can all cause paint failures like chipping, cracking, and peeling. Take your time and follow all preparation and application steps for the most durable finish.
How long will painted outdoor fabric last?
When properly prepped and painted, cushion covers can last upwards of two years before needing touch-ups. Higher quality paints also increase longevity. Proper maintenance helps extend the life of painted covers.
Can I use regular house paint?
House paints don’t hold up as well on outdoor fabric as paints specifically engineered for flexibility, adhesion, and durability on fabrics. Opt for paint made for outdoor use.
Is primer necessary?
Most paints made for outdoor fabric include formulas that help them properly bond, eliminating the need for primer. Always check manufacturer instructions.
Is spray paint better than brushing?
Spraying often delivers the most smooth, consistent finish on cushions but has more overspray and requires masking off your work area. Brushing takes longer but minimizes mess.
Tired, faded outdoor cushions don’t have to lead to expensive replacement costs. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can give your patio furniture a brand new look by painting the cushion covers yourself. Follow the recommendations in this article for choosing the right paint and prepping properly. Apply multiple thin coats, allow proper drying time between them, and care for your finished cushions.
In a weekend, you can take dull, worn cushions from eyesore to eye-catching. The simple joy of spray painting can lead to an outdoor space you once again love spending time in. So gather your materials, pick a color, and get ready to reimagine your outdoor decor all through the power of paint!
