How do I paint an unfinished weathered wooden outside bench ?

Maria
by Maria

I have an unfinished exterior bench, it’s been polyurethaned 5 years ago, but that’s worn off. It’s roughened from the SW sun and low humidity. I have bright blue paint from a wooden gate.


  11 answers
  • Hi Maria - Not a bench... but we found these vintage Adirondack chairs that were from the 1930's, and restored them into gorgeous pieces of outdoor furniture. You can see the transformation here (and they have even been featured by Hometalk!). Hope this helps with some inspiration. Hugs, Holly

    https://pinkfortitude.com/adirondack-chair/

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 08, 2020

    Hello there,

    If you would like to use your paint, it depends on what type of paint it is. If it is a gloss paint, you will need to rub or sand the bench down to a smooth finish. Paint it with a Primer, then an Undercoat and then TWO coats of top coat Gloss paint. This will need to be checked out and repainted maybe every year! If you don't want all that work, then maybe sand and use a preserving Garden paint or a Garden stain. Lots to choose from these days at DIY's. Enjoy your Project!

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Jun 08, 2020

    You could paint it with that just sand beforehand. I am assuming it is outdoor paint if it was from an older project from a wooden gate. You could seal it with a marine varnish for extra protection. Good luck, sounds like a fun project.

    • See 1 previous
    • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Jun 08, 2020

      You can apply it just like any other poly. There isn't anything too special with application. Depending on how thick you want it, you may have to apply up to 3 coats. Good luck!

  • Lucky Home Today Lucky Home Today on Jun 08, 2020

    I would sand it and apply a stain. Or if you like the blue paint, mix it well and apply.

  • You can paint it no problem but you will have to sand all the old polyurethane off first. You will also need to seal the paint with exterior polyurethane.

  • Gk Gk on Jun 08, 2020

    Exterior paint works well for an outside bench.

  • Give it a light sanding to smooth it and then use your blue gate paint. Exterior paint should work just fine. It may take 2-3 coats to give it good coverage since it's been outside for a while.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jun 08, 2020

    I would sand it down as best as you can. Then apply a primer and your blue paint.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 05, 2021

    Hello Maria,

    If it were my bench, I would rub down any rough areas and apply a Wood Preserver as used for Fence Panels etc. If you decide to use a Gloss paint you will need to Prime the bench after rubbing it down smooth, then apply Undercoat and then 2 coats of Top coat gloss paint.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 07, 2021

    Hi Maria, you will need to sand down the rough stuff, then apply you blue paint, let dry completely before applying a second coat, it should look wonderful!