What colour to paint garden furniture?

3 years ago

I have a couple of pieces of furniture I would like to paint but just not sure what colour. The table and chairs were left here and they have previously been varnished in dark brown. Will this need completely sanding back before painting over the top? I am wondering about a sagey green for the seat that is currently white. I think it looks a bit bright in it's current colour. And what is the best paint to use?

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User
Original Author

3 years ago

I havent managed to paint the chairs yet but have hidden the yellow one from sight for now. I couldnt bare to see it there any longer ;-) (Sorry ED) I will paint them same colour as table the next time I have a spare moment. I've added a splash of colour to my vase... and I think that might be a safer option!!

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Comments (30)

Sonia
3 years ago
I saw on a gardening Facebook group someone had painted their shed in Cuprinol’s Dusky Gem which is grey with a hint of lavender in it. Very pretty. Failing that the Cuprinol greens are lovely such as Willow or Wild Thyme (which I’d used on my raised pond). May be worth going on their website to find out how to prepare the furniture for painting?
Sonia
3 years ago
This is Willow.
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I agree that painting the furniture seems a shame. Hand-painted timber finishes left outside are rarely low maintenance and usually show deterioration more prominently than natural finishes. Depending on the type of wood and its condition, you may be able to sand through the greyed surface back to the richer original colour and then apply a seal. Generally, the lighter and more transparent the seal, the more frequently it will need to be reapplied - in a sunny spot perhaps every month or so. Many such seals are not recommended for external use since they don't protect against UV rays. More obscuring wood-coloured varnishes can last much longer, but many look heavy and reapplication often needs much more preparation than a light oil finish. If the wood is a durable one such as teak or iroko, natural oils can inhibit adhesion of paints and varnishes. I've had quite a durable mahogany balcony railing for over 20 years. I originally sanded and oiled it every few months. Now that I've found attractions in its natural grey finish, I just scrub or lightly sand it periodically to keep it from looking scruffy rather than fighting a losing battle against ultra-violet light.
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Sharon Ní Choileáin
3 years ago
Ronseal willow is also great. It's a sage green colour.
Daisy England
3 years ago
The Cuprinol range is lovely. So easy to put on but you do need an unsanded finish to apply it to. It doesn’t adhere to a smooth finish. That might make you rethink seats. I have silver copse and iris on my fence.
E D
3 years ago
With a view like that, who cares about the furniture colour!... 😂👌

Actually, come to think of it, the view makes it even more important to choose a good colour! 😊
E D
3 years ago
Maybe not an obvious choice, but I quite fancy red.
rachelmidlands
3 years ago
Hi Gerty. You have that fabulous yellow shed don’t you? Great views btw. Depends on what paint you want to use but a light sand should help paint adhere and prep instructions are usually online. Some of the RHS garden furniture has a lovely sage green, no idea what it’s called or what they use tho.

I like E D’s idea for red! 😀

RHS sage...ish green
Patrina
3 years ago
Cuprinol Dusky Gem is a lovely colour. My summer house has been painted that colour for the past a few years.
User
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks all. Defo given me some food for thought. Now to see if I can actually get into B and Q to get some paint.
nmlondon
3 years ago
PS it is actually FreshRosemary, not Sage and it is very bright rather than soft muted colour.
nmlondon
3 years ago
@E D Hi, do you know what is that outdoor red paint on chairs or those are "getty images"? Im struggling to find Vermilion colour unless it is from Fenwick&Tilbrook, The Little Greene and other rather pricey (and very good, just too good for a pergola) paints.
PRO
Sara Slade Interiors
3 years ago
A dark navy colour would look beautiful.
E D
3 years ago
@nmlondon Sorry no idea about exact colours/paints. All three are different though.

I just googled ‘bright red garden furniture’.
User
Original Author
3 years ago
OK. Done. I went for F+B Railings which is a dark navy almost black. I'm loving it so far!!
E D
3 years ago
You don’t mess about, Gerty. 😄

Looking good!
User
Original Author
3 years ago
Chairs the same colour... or a contrast???
E D
3 years ago
Red! 😄
User
Original Author
3 years ago
I loved those red chairs. I just thought my furniture was a bit clunky for red. Not sure what my OH would say either. The yellow playhouse is bad enough for him:-)
Sonia
3 years ago
That beautifully reflects those dark plants on the hill. Lovely! 👍
E D
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I’ve always loved black and yellow colour combination. Yellow chairs with railing table would be quite a statement.

And maybe you still have yellow paint left over?

That may get OH over the line...
ali270
3 years ago
Look at B&Q’s in house garden paint . I found it much better than Cuprinol , which drips and splashes . The B&Q version covers much better , does not have to be recoated within eight hours and lasts much longer . If you are doing for greenish colours , their “ Bonsai “ is lovely shade .
User
Original Author
3 years ago
I took the plunge on the yellow and did one chair. Not sure if it's my scene?? I dont really want it to look like the local playgroup! What does everyone think... yay or nay!
E D
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I say yay. 😊

It really mirrors the surroundings/view.

How does it look from further away?

Would you consider doing the railings in Railings?

You could consider a good size outdoor rug for under the table to add an ‘adult’ flavour.

And... a bottle of wine and glasses on top. 😊
PRO
Sara Slade Interiors
3 years ago
I love the table! Not too keen on the yellow personally, although whilst the rapeseed is there it compliments it nicely.
Sonia
3 years ago
Looks great and amazingly matches the landscape even more! 👍👍👍
1111x
3 years ago
What a stunning view you have! 🥰 I personally wouldn’t do the yellow as it sort of cheapens it a little bit, how about black chairs with some yellow flowers or candles in laterns? Xx
PRO
OnePlan
3 years ago
Good choice!
E D
3 years ago
Wot? No yellow? 💔

Haha.

At least you seem to be going for yellow railings (on your other thread)...

😂
BizzyLizzy
3 years ago
Do each chair in a different bright colour! At least one of them should be in that fabulous red. 👍