How can I paint an indoor futon to be suitable for outdoor use?

Wood that is not pressure treated or meant to be outdoors can be prone to weather related damages and rot.

Are you aware that your futon will likely weather and need yearly maintence and that the feet with contact with soil will eventually rot? If you are aware of the needs you can proceed with attempting an exterior paint application- just know its likely not a one time application and eventual breakdown of wood structure is likely to result.

Hi this is Peggy. I hope this helps you paint your futon for indoor or out door use.

www.glidden.com › inspiration › all-articles › how-to-prep-indoor-fur...

May 3, 2017 - Once you've found a piece, simply follow these simple steps to prep and paint it. Part 1: Prep. Step 1: Clean. Your surface should be as dust- and ...

Hi there, if your futon is wood and is in a protected space outdoors you can treat it to withstand the elements. Here's a handy tutorial to show you how to paint it using chalk paint- http://www.thewickerhouse.com/2019/07/a-futon-makeover-using-chalk-paint.html

Do you want to water proof the cushion or the frame and is the frame wood?

What is it made of?

ALRIGHT....FOLLOW THE STEP Ms.CPart 1: Prep

Step 1: Clean. Your surface should be as dust- and dirt-free as possible. We recommend a diluted solution of TSP or dish detergent to help it along.

Step 2: Repair. This step is only applicable if your piece has any damage that needs attention. In many cases, minor wear and damage can add character to an older piece, so it’s not always necessary to address. Glue down corners where the board is coming loose and patch holes with wood putty. If your piece is in good shape to start, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Sand*. After you have a clean, repaired surface to work with, a light sanding will help create a better bond for the finish you’re about to apply. Clean off any residual sawdust before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Select. Choose a paint that’s made for exterior use and suitable for doors, like

Step 5: Coat. Your goal here is to coat every surface that would be exposed to the elements. You don’t just want to cover it, you want to encapsulate as much as possible. The more protection you can provide the wood, the longer your piece will last outdoors.

Step 6: Cure. You probably know it takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days to dry, depending upon the type of finish and relative humidity. But you may not know that your paint needs far more time to fully cure. So while it may feel dry to the touch after a short period, you’ll want to give it the time it needs to completely settle onto your furniture. If at all possible, store your drying piece in the garage or shed for a few days to a few weeks for best results.

Step 7: Enhance. After your piece has cured, it’s a good time to add any other decoration or enhancement you would like, including further paint treatments and decorative trim.

Looks like AliceHarry did a good step by step and then don't forget to switch to outdoor cushions like this https://www.pinterest.com/pin/332281278730093701/

Assuming you have a metal frame futon:

1. Dust and vacuum the entire frame, use a soft bristled brush vacuum attachment.
2. Outside was with warm soapy water (blue dawn dish soap). Rinse with water and let air dry.
3. If any spots or areas appear rusty, remove the rust with sandpaper or a wire brush.
4. DIY stores have a marine based paint by Rustoleum. Select the color you prefer and paint it on in light coats. Let it dry between each coat, this will help eliminate drips.

This is the product description:

https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/marine-coatings/metal-primer/

Here's a post that might help - https://www.glidden.com/inspiration/all-articles/how-to-prep-indoor-furniture-for-outdoor-use

Make any repairs that are needed

Scuff with fine steel wool.

Clean with denatured alcohol.

Prime.

Paint with exterior or oil base enamel paint.

Here's an article that will prove helpful to ou, I hope!

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/outdoor-spaces/how-to-prep-and-refinish-indoor-furniture-to-use-outside

You will want to also add plastic feet to the bottom of the unit to keep from absorbing moisture into the bottom of the legs. I cut up an old resin/plastic cutting board and fastened pieces on the bottom. See light color at bottom of these tables I just built. You can also get rubber or plastic furniture leg cups.

Hello these links might be informative. Using the proper paint may help the project be sucessful. I hope this helps

https://refreshrestyle.com/how-to-spray-paint-upholstered-furniture/

https://www.younghouselove.com/you-did-what-now/

Fabric Paint Test | Apartment Therapy

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-project-test-lab-results-we-tried-3-fabric-paints-on-upholstery-and-heres-what-happened-218302