Garden bench

Hi Kathy

If it is wood or metal you can paint but if it has a lot of chipping or paint peeling off you would need to scrape that off or sand it off first.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/15-tips-for-painting-outdoor-furniture/

Hi Kathy, if its outside in the elements I would definitely make sure and clean it thoroughly first before proceeding. After that make sure and get an outdoor oil based paint and you should have a color that lasts as long as possible!

I'd sand it just to remove any coating or build up on it, then wipe down to clean well, then you can paint or stain!

Here's a link for garden benches (wood and metal) that have been exposed to weathering:

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-restore-a-garden-bench

Is the oak bench covered in poly or is it all natural? If it's all natural, then you can just go ahead and paint. But if it has a sealer on it, you'll have to sand or use a product like Oil Bond. https://amzn.to/3txGVYb

Since it has been outside, it will need to be cleaned before it can be painted. If it has been painted before, you will want to make sure no loose paint is anywhere on the bench. I would prime with a good primer like Kilz Original and then paint with an exterior paint.

Hi! Cleaning is step one. Sanding off the old finish will give you a more absorbent surface to work with. Oak is an interesting wood to work with. A whitewash or color wash will let you keep the the wood grain but perk it up. Whatever finish you decide to use, seal it with an exterior sealer that will protect your work. Do light coats and use steel wool in between coats. I was taught in a furniture class years ago to use the fine grade steel wool to lightly go over the surface. You will get a fine dust that needs to be wiped off. By the 4th coat, you will have a durable finish that looks amazing. When you pick your sealer, check the finish it gives you. I personally like satin finish on wood, but it's just a preference. Good luck!

these Hometalk projects might give you some ideas

https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=wooden%20bench

Spruce up that old metal garden bench

https://www.garden-gazebo-uk.com/spruce-up-that-old-metal-garden-bench/

This shows how to revive an outdoor wooden bench: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1Meszu5W_k

I would treat it like any other wood makeover. Clean it, sand it and then paint it. I would recommend speaking to a rep at your local paint store. They could set you up with an appropriate product. You might want a colored stain instead of a paint. it might weather better, etc.

You would need to sand it down before you can paint it.

You could use outdoor spray paint