Garden benches are useful because of their versatility of use and placement in and outside the home. But what if you bought one and now regret the color, or the wood grain doesn't match with your deck? Or maybe you just are looking for a change. Painting garden benches is easy and worthwhile, provided it's done correctly. Here's how to paint wooden, metal and resin benches.
Wooden Garden Benches
To start with, you are going to need to remove any paint that's peeling using a stiff wire brush, and remove all other bumpy varnish or paint using medium grain sandpaper. Next, you will want to wipe off sawdust using a damp rag and clean off the entire surface using soap and water. A clean surface will help paint better stick.
Once dry, you can start to paint your wooden garden bench. Apply a coat of primer to the wood and allow to dry completely before proceeding. If your wood has lots of discolored spots or knotholes, you can use a special primer that also works to remove stains. Either way, the drying process may take up to a day.
Next, apply a coat of exterior paint or paint that is meant specifically for outdoor wood furniture. Make sure that you get every visible surface and that paint is even and free of clumps and drip spots. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat.
Benefit of painting wood: protects heartwood from rotting and also locks in preservative oils.
Metal Garden Benches
For painting metal, you will also need to clean the surface. Clean off dirt and rust spots using a wire brush and/or sandpaper. If there is strong staining of any kind, use a solvent like bleach or chlorine mixed with water to remove spots.
First,
you will want to coat the garden bench with a latex, rust-resistant primer. This will also protect the metal from corroding. You can also look for primers that contain anti-mildew agents if you live in a particularly humid or moist area. If you will be using custom paint colors, you may want to tint your primer so as to use less paint applications. Primers and paints take longer to dry on metal than they do wood, so wait at least 24 hours before applying the next layer.
Apply one to two coats of metal-safe paints, allowing each coat to dry fully in between. Remember, paint may differ by material, so some paint for wood will not work to paint metal with.
Benefit of painting metal: protects against rust.
Resin Garden Benches
Painting resin garden benches is possibly the easiest of all because of the nature of the material. Resin is easy to clean, sticks well to certain paint and won't corrode like metal. For plastic furniture, you can use Krylon spray paints. These best adhere to plastic and are easy to apply.
For all painting jobs, but spray painting in particular, work outside in a well ventilated area. It's safer and will also save your home from possible spills and messes. To begin, clean off old resin garden benches with an ammonia solution, and clean new furniture with paint remover.
Next, you will need to protect all non-plastic materials on the bench from getting painted. Cover metal hardware and other pieces using masking tape. To begin painting, spray in thin coats for better control. You can apply up to four coats of spray paint, making sure once again to allow each coat to dry.
Benefit of painting resin: makes dull furniture shiny again, strengthens the surface of the material.
Author Resource:-
Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Garden Benches and Stone Garden Benches.
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