Backyard painting projects

Suki
by Suki

Hi- I need help on the following painting projects. What kind of paint should I use for metal decor? Do I use primer before I repaint and sealer after I repaint? On my wood decor (Tranquility), do I sand it first then prime, apply sealer after painting? What kind of paint do I use? For my patio set, what kind of paint do I use? Thank you! I'm new to this. I will need your help.

  14 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Apr 08, 2021

    Hi Suki. The first step would be getting your project ready to take your primer and paint. I would suggest renting a power sprayer to get then AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE. And then at least lightly sanding all of them down. This will give you the best chance of your paint lasting as long as possible.

    I would use the same paint on all of it actually. Acrylic (water based) paints usually recommended for wood just don't last outside. I would look for an oil based outdoor paint made by a brand such as Rustoleum and the same kind of primer as well. Its stinky and expensive but it will last the longest. They also make oil based sealants you can consider covering everything with as well.

  • Prep is the key. Clean them well and then use a primer and paint made for outdoors

  • Janice Janice on Apr 08, 2021

    A good power wash on all of the items would be a good start, ailing that a good scrubbing with a scrub brush, soapy water, and a good rinse. When completely dry, use either a good spray primer or paint on primer, and then paint rated for the outdoors. To make the work you've completed last, yu might consider a clear sealer ... also rated as being manufactured for outdoor use such as a marine sealer.

  • For metal, clean it well, address any rust then prime and use an alkyd or oil based paint. No need to seal. For wood, again clean and repair then prime and use an outdoor rated water based paint. You can seal if you’d like. Just make sure everything is rated for exterior.

  • Em Em on Apr 08, 2021

    When selecting paint ask at the paint counter. They will direct you to choices of types of paint for each project. Metal paint is different than wood. Always clean first. Primer IF necessary, paint then seal.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Apr 08, 2021

    this if for painting metal art : https://www.facebook.com/DIY-Paint-1564213070464445/videos/painting-metal-wall-art-for-outdoors/339153437048074/


    you can use paint that has a primer in it and use a sealer too if you like


    any sealer is always applied after painting not before whether it is wood or metal


    is your patio set metal or wood? hard to tell by the photo


    this is for the wood outdoor furniture: https://www.anikasdiylife.com/painting-outdoor-wood/


    Rustelouem makes a lot of spray paints for outdoor furniture I would check out their products found at HOme Depot type stores

  • Mogie Mogie on Apr 08, 2021

    I spray painted my metal and yes even some plastic furniture. This is a good opportunity to bring in or add accent of pops of color.

    If you want to play is safe and go with a black, white or gray they can be brightened with colorful accent pillows.

    But take into consideration your color pallet and what look you are going for before choosing a color.

  • Dee Dee on Apr 08, 2021

    First clean everything really well. Hose down and let dry completely. You do not want to be painting anything damp it will not hold up. For metal nothing beats Rustoleum. They have a primer now that you do not have to sand. You can seal anything metal with Lacquer, but that is really not necessary. As for your wood, If it were me I would keep the colors neutral. Black gray or browns.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Apr 08, 2021

    To start with give the furniture a good power washing, if you don't have a power washer, then you can rent one from Lowes or Home Depot.

    For your metal items, clean off the rust with a stiff bristled wire brush, prime and then paint. If you choose to spray paint it, then do in light layers, letting each layer dry, this will avoid runs. You would want an exterior paint so it can stand up to the weather, a sealer would help but not really required.

    For wood, sand, prime, and paint using an exterior paint also. This needs to be sealed.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Apr 08, 2021

    Hello. After proper prep and cleaning a reliable spray paint might be suggested

    I recommend Rustoleum universal.

    This spray paint is complete with primer in the universal formulation. It has a different sort of applicator spray top for your comfort.


    If you are going to use regular spray paint can ( not universal) I also would recommend he Rustoleum comfort grip. To do my patio set I think I used eight or nine cans of spray paint and the comfort grip makes a big job effortless and less tiring.


    I this mesh patio set below and I am so pleased with the transformation. The quality of my old furniture is so much better than what’s for sale in bigbox hardware stores now. I hope this helps.


  • Use spray paint for metal. Clean really well and use spray paint primer for metal

  • Annie Annie on Apr 12, 2021

    As long as the metal is clean and dry, just a good metal paint like tremclad will be just fine....

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 13, 2021

    Hello, take a wire brush and brush off any rust or rough spots, make sure it is clean and dry, from there you can use Rustoleum paint to make these look beautiful!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZzTN2aUyQw


    For the wood, do a light sanding and chalk paint, seal with a matte spray on clear coat