Asked on May 03, 2015

Can I paint this outdoor rug to freshen it up? If so, what's the best

Robyn Wynn
by Robyn Wynn
This rug is an outdoor one & is on our pool deck. Can it be painted for outdoor use & if so, what method do I use? It was originally a bright yellow.
  8 answers
  • Becky Hedgcock Becky Hedgcock on May 04, 2015
    I have painted rugs. I used exterior paint, a small roller to paint.
  • Gail@Purple Hues and Me Gail@Purple Hues and Me on May 04, 2015
    Look into the product, Simply Spray Fabric Paint for Upholstery. It refreshes faded fabrics including carpets, auto interiors, umbrellas, etc. It also stays soft, UV protectant. You can find it at most craft stores and using a coupon would make it a great bargain.
  • Sauve Sauve on May 04, 2015
    Yes you can paint it. I don't know anything about Simply Spray Fabric Paint that was suggested by Gail@Purple Hues and Me, but I used exterior paint. The rugs I did in the past I paint designs on so I usually purchased several different colors in pints or test sizes once I had determined what the design would be. It is easy enough if you keep the design simple and use either a stencil or tape. If your rug is not waterproof you will want to seal all exposed areas. When I used such a rug I painted two different designs to each side. If your rug is absorbent make sure it is completely dry before you begin and you may want to us a couple of base coats of gesso before starting with the paint. With gesso you will use much less paint for the effect and the paint will adhere better.
    • Carmen Carmen on May 04, 2015
      Thank you Gail and Sauve! I've been shopping around for an aqua area rug (moved to Florida last year) and couldn't find the right one. This sounds like the solution!
  • Robyn Wynn Robyn Wynn on May 04, 2015
    Thank you all for your help & suggestions!
  • Hi You could also use a chalk paint, I have painted indoor carpet and upholstery with this amazing paint. You would need to seal it with a polyurethane waterproof type product.
  • Sammokka Sammokka on May 06, 2015
    Yes you can; I have painted many rugs and I even did the other side in a different color for a quick change. You can also decorate the rug with a pattern; it looks great. Have fun painting; so relaxing.
    • Robyn Wynn Robyn Wynn on May 06, 2015
      That is a great idea Sammokka!! I may just do this myself for variety! Thank you!
  • Front Porch Ideas Front Porch Ideas on May 06, 2015
    We wrote a post about painting a rug for our porch. We did it last year and it still looks great. http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/paint-a-porch-rug.html
  • Naomi Naomi on Apr 14, 2020

    Hi, does any exterior paint work on outside rugs?