Last updated on June 21st, 2021
Furniture can make any outdoor space look like the ideal place to spend your evenings or weekend. But, outdoor furniture is exposed to weather elements and sooner or later they start wearing out. It is cheaper to maintain than replace these sets and when you think maintenance, painting hits the mind. Paint is one of the ways to make your furniture look new without the massive price tag. If you go for the top ten best paint for outdoor wood furniture, you may never have to go through this process for a long time to come.
But, like with any other shopping experience, finding the right paint to do a job that lasts may not be that easy. In this review, we will give you a list of our top ten best paints for outdoor furniture. We will then go a step further and give you a simplified buyer’s guide of what to look out for. If this is what you are looking for, let’s get things moving.
- Cuprinol Ducksback 5-Year Waterproof for Sheds and Fences, 5L
The Cuprinol Ducksback outdoor paint has a unique formula that is enriched with wax and water repellent. It offers outstanding protection from rain, water, and moisture. The wax has water-repellent properties, so water rolls off the painted surface. Although it is recommended for fences, it still does an excellent job on outdoor wooden furniture.
The paint is quite easy to apply. It also dries up quickly. You can have that protective showerproof finish on your outdoor wooden furniture within an hour.
The manufacturer recommends applying two to three coats of paint along the wood’s grain for the perfect finish. It takes approximately two hours for the first coat to dry to touch. You can apply the second coat within two to four hours of the first one. You can recoat your wood furniture project after two to three days.
The paint has a couple of user-friendly features. It is odorless for starters, so you do not have to put up with pungent fumes while working. It is also low on toxins like VOCs hence safe for use around plants and pets. You can even use it to paint and protect your outdoor wooden planters.
Pros
- Fair price
- Commendable leak-proof packaging
- Low odor for user comfort
- Extreme water protection
- Available in four color options
Cons
- Little limited options.
If you need to do a quick paint job, this Rust-Oleum best paint for outdoor wood furniture is ideal. Even though it is oil-based spray paint, it dries in just 20 minutes.
The quick-dry allows you to see what you’ve done and make adjustments. Your overall project time will also be much shorter than if you used a mixing paint.
The only issue we found with this paint, which comes with most, is that it may pool if you aren’t careful. Make sure you spay from a distance and don’t spray a single spot for too long.
There is also the issue of finger fatigue. As a rule of thumb, spray paints may not be ideal for projects that are too big because of the discomfort the spraying may bring to the hands.
The paint may also peel if you do not prepare the wood properly. Since it’s not that cheap, the preparations may increase your cost project immensely.
Rust-Oleum Painterʼs Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray comes in a six-pack.
Pros
- The coverage is good
- Easy to use
- Durable when the surface is well-prepped
- Versatile (can be used on other surfaces like plastic and metal)
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive
- Finger fatigue when spraying for a long time.
- KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint, 1 Gallon
The KILZ paint is formulated to improve exterior wood surfaces’ outlook and offer them protection against outdoor elements. The paint features outstanding adhesive properties that allow it to stick to both sanded and rough wooden surfaces.
The paint features an oil-based formula. Oil-based paints are generally characterized by rich color and exceptional durability. The KILZ paint is formulated to resist cracking, peeling, and blistering.
You can use a roller, a sprayer, or a paintbrush to apply this paint. It goes smoothly, so both professional painters and first-time do-it-yourselfers will have an easy time using it. The surface of your outdoor wooden furniture needs to be prepped beforehand. You can use a primer if you want to, but it is not necessary.
The paint has commendable coverage. One gallon covers between 200-500 square feet depending on the level of porosity of the surface. The smoother the surface to be painted is, the less paint is used up.
The paint dries to touch in two to three hours. You will need to wait between six to eight hours before recoating. According to user reviews, a single coat is enough to achieve an eye-popping finish. It has more of a matt/ flat finish.
Pros
- Requires just one coat, which means less work
- Has durability features
- Easy to use
- Saves you money on buying a primer
Cons
- Has no sheen or gloss.
- Prestige Paint E500-T-SW7066 Exterior Paint and Primer in One, 1 Gallon
The Prestige E500 paint is 100% acrylic latex paint. Acrylic paints retain their color and sheen longer than oil-based and water-based paints. They also possess thermal properties that allow them to expand and contract with the wood in response to temperature changes.
The paint features a two-in-one formula that allows it to function both as a primer and topcoat paint. However, to achieve optimum results with the best paint for outdoor wood furniture you need to prepare the surface thoroughly by removing dirt and debris and sanding all glossy surfaces.
The paint goes on smoothly and does an excellent job of covering imperfections on weathered wooden outdoor furniture. It also has commendable coverage; one gallon covers approximately 400 square feet. The paint can be applied using either a paintbrush or a roller. You can also thin it sparingly with water and apply using a spray gun if you prefer.
It takes one to two hours for the paint to dry to touch, depending on prevailing weather conditions. You will have to wait overnight to recoat the painted surface. The paint delivers a semi-gloss finish that lies somewhere between a high gloss and a satin finish. For maintenance, the finish cleans up well with just soap and warm water.
Pros
- Quick dry
- Requires low maintenance
- Low on harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) concentration
- Functions both as a primer and as paint
Cons
- Limited color options.
- Rust-Oleum 3104 1 Quart Chisel Perma-White Exterior Satin
When it comes to protecting your wooden outdoor furniture from the elements, this Rust-Oleum paint is up to the task. The paint has a host of features that will preserve your wood furniture’s structural integrity for years.
The paint is formulated to protect wooden surfaces from mold and mildew for up to five years. It can also resist cracking, fading, peeling, and blistering for up to 15 years. Not only do you get to protect your outdoor furniture from damage, but you also keep it from turning into an eyesore.
The paint is self-priming; it adheres to wood surfaces without the need to either sand the surface or use a primer. Self-priming paints fill the porous surfaces on rough wood and have the adhesion to grip glossy surfaces. The paint needs to dry for at least two hours before recoating.
The Rust-Oleum Perma-White paint also delivers on the aesthetics front. It resists fading and dirt. It also provides great hide by concealing the imperfections on your outdoor wooden furniture surface.
While the paint is available in white, it can be tinted to a few color options. It is tintable to off-white, some pastel colors, and medium earth tone colors. The paint delivers a durable satin finish that is easy to clean with soap and water.
Pros
- Tintable to a variety of desired color options
- Low maintenance
- Includes a 15-year warranty
- Protects from water, mold, and mildew
- No priming or sanding required on the wood surface
Cons
- Pricy; on quart costs almost as much a gallon
- Rust-Oleum 1976730- Touch Latex for Painters
The Rust-Oleum ultra cover premium latex paint is formulated to provide long-lasting protection to your outdoor wood furniture. It is chip-resistant, so it will also keep your furniture looking new. The paint features a water-based acrylic formula. Acrylic paints have exceptional adhesion properties, while water-based paints are easy to apply, clean, and have a good hide.
The paint is odor-free, ensuring your comfort as you paint. You do not have to rush your project to get away from toxic paint fumes. It, however, requires surface prepping before it can be applied. Prepping involves sanding the wood surface with a 180-200 grid sandpaper them washing it with a degreaser.
Once the surface is prepped, the paint goes on smoothly. The paint has commendable coverage; this one-quart container covers up to 120 square feet.
The paint dries up exceptionally fast. It dries to touch in just 30 minutes. The quick-dry feature is a bonus if you have limited time to spend on the painting project. It is also a welcome feature for people who live in cold-weather regions where the paint takes forever to dry.
Pros
- Dries up fast
- Has a satin finish that is easy to maintain
- Covers well
- Odor-free
Cons
- Complaints of pooling and dripping on the wooden surface
- Cuprinol CUGSWIL5L 5 Litre Garden Shades Paint
Cuprinol CUGSWIL5L is the best paint for outdoor wood furniture that is specifically created for garden furniture. The paint offers both protection and a dash of color to wooden garden furniture and wood structures. According to the manufacturer, it offers weatherproof protection for up to six years.
The paint has a special pigment that brings out both its color and the wood’s natural grain. It is available in two color options; wild thyme and mint. Both colors are subtle yet eye-catching; they will get you tons of compliments. The paint also has an elegant matt finish with a delicate balance of color and wood’s natural texture.
The manufacturer recommends applying this paint using either a brush or a spray can. They also recommend applying two coats for the best finish. The paint dries to touch in approximately one hour.
Another noteworthy feature of this paint is its coverage; it covers pretty well. Note, however, the application tool influences the coverage. Going by the manufacturer’s analysis, a paintbrush has more coverage than a spray gun.
The paint features a waterproof formula, so it is quite easy to clean. It is also just as easy to clean your painting tools once you are done. Recommended cleaning directions are included on the can’s label.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Quick-dry time
- User-friendly consistency that makes painting a breeze
- Has a water-repellent finish
Cons
- Limited color options
- Cuprinol CUPGWPRECO4L 4L Ultimate Garden Wood Preserver
According to user reviews, many customers rank this as one of the best paint for outdoor wood furniture exclusively because of its exceptional quality. It offers supreme protection to wood garden furniture.
The paint features a water-based formula with waxes and resins than weatherproof wooden surfaces. It has active ingredients that permeate deep into the wood to prevent it from rotting, decay, and blue stains. Its formula also includes UV filters that prevent the painted surface from fading.
The paint is formulated to offer five years of protection from the elements.
It has a rather thin consistency, but it covers surprisingly well. The wood surface texture influences the area covered by a liter (roughly 0.25 gallons) of paint. The estimated coverage is approximately five square meters per liter (54 square feet per 0.25 gallon) on a smooth surface. On a rough surface, the estimated coverage is three to four meters per liter (32-43 square feet per 0.25 gallon).
You will need to apply two coats for a satisfactory finish. Dry time ranges from two to six hours, depending on wood texture and prevailing weather conditions. Rough wood takes significantly longer to dry up because of its porosity.
The paint is available in six color options.
Pros
- Provides UV protection
- Protects against rotting and mold
- Protects wood for up to five years
- User-friendly consistency that covers well
Cons
- A few complaints that the color finish is good but not what users expected
- Ronseal RSLWPPBWS750 Weatherproof Exterior Wood Paint, 750ml
The Ronseal exterior wood paint features advanced weatherproof technology that protects wood surfaces for up to ten years. The manufacturer also includes a lifetime guarantee if you maintain your outdoor wood furniture with Ronseal wood paint.
The paint is resistant to peeling, cracking, and blistering. It is also flexible hence it can withstand the expansion and contraction of wood with prevailing temperature changes.
The manufacturer recommends applying this paint using a paintbrush. It is drip-resistant, so its application should be easy. The paint adheres pretty well to both bare and previously painted wood surfaces.
The paint goes on smoothly and is easy to brush and even out. You will need to apply two coats to achieve a desirable finish. It dries to touch within an hour. The estimated coverage for one liter of this paint is 13 square meters or approximately 140 square feet.
The paint delivers a pure brilliant white satin finish. Being a water-based paint, it is easy to clean and maintain. A satin finish also enhances the natural grain of wood while hiding any imperfections present on the wood.
Pros
- Maintains luster for a long time
- Offers weatherproof protection for up to 10 years
- Has a water-based formula for easy maintenance
- Ideal for use on both raw and polished wood
Cons
- Has a rather runny consistency.
- Krylon K05625007 COLORmaxx Brush on Paint, Quart, White
The Krylon Colormaxx acrylic latex paint has superb adhesion for wood surfaces. It is formulated to provide exceptional durability to wood surfaces. The paint will lengthen the lifespan of your wooden outdoor furniture significantly.
The paint may appear lumpy when you prop its lid open. If that is the case, just give it a quick stir, and the lumps will even out.
The paint goes smoothly onto the painted surfaces. It also dries to touch in an hour tops, which is pretty fast. It features a unique formulation that gives a bright color finish while also preserving the wood’s grain and texture. The paint is also odorless, giving you a humble time as you work on your project.
If you want variety, this paint is an excellent option. It is available in all three finishes; high gloss, satin, and matt/flat. It is also available in three different sizes and five color options.
The paint is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. If you want to create an indoor-outdoor living atmosphere, you can use this paint to unify the spaces. Using the same color tone, both indoors and outdoors, creates a singular theme.
Pros
- Available in multiple colors and finishes
- Easy to clean brushes after use
- Preserves wood gain
- Dries up quickly
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Does not coat well and requires multiple coats of paint.
Buyers Guide for the Best Paint for Outdoor Wood Furniture.
When painting wood furniture, there are things you need to consider. You may buy paint that is of good quality, but it ends up disappointing. Not because the paint is bad, but because you have different expectations from what it has to offer.
So here’s what to consider.
- The type of finish
The four main wood finishes; gloss, satinwood, eggshell, and matt.
Let’s explore each of them a little more.
- Gloss
There are two types of gloss finishes: the hi-gloss and the semi-gloss. The high gloss is super shiny and bright and may not be ideal for everyday furniture.
The semi-gloss is less bright but is still silky.
The thing about a gloss finish is that it can withstand a lot. It is easy to clean and can last for a long time.
It is ideal when you have children or if your furniture is handled by different sets of hands at a time. For instance, if you host multiple events in your garden regularly.
The only downside to having a gloss finish on your outdoor furniture is that it shows all the imperfections. Be it bumps, smudges, all those things will show through this finish.
It might not be a good idea to go for this when doing a DIY. Especially if you are just learning the rope of painting.
- Satin
Don’t let the name fool you; this looks more velvet than satin. From afar, you can confuse it with a gloss finish. But it’s a little less bright.
However, it still shares the durability aspect. It is also great for high traffic areas and furniture that passes through many hands.
The satin finish is also unforgiving and will show all your imperfections. But it is easy to clean, so all those perfect strokes will stay perfect for a long time to come.
- Eggshell
This is a durable finish, but as the name suggests, it doesn’t have much shine and looks like an eggshell. It has good coverage and is ideal for furniture that has lots of traffic.
It is better at hiding imperfections and can also be cleaned easily. You can use this for a few of your DIY projects and get away with it.
- Matt
This one has the least shine though it has the most pigment. The only downside to this one is that it is not easy to clean.
It is the best paint for outdoor wood furniture finish that is ideal for furniture which are rarely used. Or used by a mature group that will not have sticky fingers or is prone to spilling all the time.
Because of the pigment, it hides imperfections well and may be great for DIY projects as well.
- What look are you going for?
Another thing to consider when finding the best paint for outdoor furniture is what your aesthetic is. Some paint jobs may not carry the full coverage look as well as others may.
For instance, furniture with perfectly worn wood grains looks better with a stain. While smooth furniture may look better with a full coverage finish.
- Your budget
We can’t talk about much else without talking about the money. No matter what finish you want and what other factors you consider, you need to have a project budget.
Painting is not a one-step job. There are several other steps. Some best paints for outdoor wood furniture need priming, and some finishes may require sealants to make them more durable.
If you aren’t a DIY person, you’ll need to hire somebody to deal with the project. The more the steps are included, the more you’ll need to part with.
- How much time you have for the project
Different paints dry at different rates. So you may not use the same paint for an impromptu spruce up that you will use for furniture. You’ll use two seasons away.
Spray paints are great for paint jobs that need to dry fast. Oil-based paints need more time to dry so that they can maintain their integrity.
- How often do you use the furniture?
The frequency of use of furniture is another factor to consider. If you have furniture that many people use, it is better to go for a gloss finish rather than a matt one.
The type of finish you use will determine how long your furniture has a fresh look. It will also determine if you can easily clean it or if your only option will be touch-ups.
- The weather conditions in your area
The dominant weather condition plays an important role in the type of paint for outdoor furniture you use. If you live near the sea, there is bound to be a lot of humidity, which chews everything.
Weather conditions that facilitate a lot of wear and tear leave you with few options. Most of with involve durability and a finish that can withstand harsh weather.
- The size of the project
Some people have small outdoor furniture sets, while others have several sets depending on their uses. The project’s size will also determine the type of best paint for outdoor furniture you will use.
One reason for this is the price. One can of spray paint may not cost much, but there may be a problem when you have to use 100 cans.
In cases where you have lots of outdoor furniture, it may be better to go with a can paint that will cover a larger area.
The application process is also something to consider. Spraying 100 cans of paint can also come with finger fatigue that can be uncomfortable for days.
Getting a different type of paint and buying a sprayer may end up being more cost-effective and saving you your health as well.
Conclusion
A pop of color livens up your outdoor space. However, the best paint for outdoor wood furniture has more to offer than visual appeal. It protects the furniture from constant exposure to rain, humidity and moisture, sand, sunlight, mold, and mildew. It helps lengthen the lifespan of your outdoor furniture.
Shopping for the ideal outdoor wood paint can be tasking but worthwhile after your project is done. We have simplified your shopping by highlighting the best exterior wood paints with different colors, consistencies, and finishes. We hope they give a lease of new life to your outdoor furniture.
