Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Painting Plastic Patio Furniture--a trash to treasure makeover

This is a true story of trash to treasure. It was trash day and as I was out walking Tinker and Pumpkin, I saw this lovely chair next to the trash cans across the street. Now, in our city, they won't take anything that isn't in the trashcan itself. So it was fate! This patio chair was meant for me! I've painted lots of furniture, but this was a bit of an experiment to see if I could paint Plastic, PVC. So I dragged it home and decided to use paints I already had and see what happened. I'll let you know how it holds up!

Treasure After
Trashy Before


 This is the  patio chair after I scrubbed it with cleanser and a scrub brush.  My before picture doesn't show all the grunge that was on it.I figured the paint would stick because the surface was so rough from years of being in the sun. Don't a lot of us have those pvc patio chairs? They don't look so great after a few years, but they're still usable and they won't break down in a landfill for a zillion years.


 The seat part was especially rough, but that's what allowed it to hold the paint well.

Next, I got out the supplies. I already  had this orange exterior paint in a semi-gloss finish. It was made from a Ralph Lauren paint chip called 'Bitter Orange'. I love the shade of this! Do they even have Ralph Lauren paint anymore? Anyways, I set up and started painting.




 

 Painting chairs is deceptive! All those evil slats and pieces have four surfaces to paint. Also, you constantly have to watch for and clean up drips. I added a smaller brush to reach some of the parts better. I was a mess...







Here is it after the first coat of latex paint. Not bad, but it needed another coat after it dried overnight. I left it outside and hoped that it wouldn't be too damp that night. Where I live gets pretty soggy since it's so close to the ocean.
It survived overnight. So, on with the second coat!
Second verse same as the first, a little bit louder and a little bit worse. (Where did that come from? )
 Just seeing if you're paying attention! See how rough that seat is? That's where the paint grabs on the best!
 
 
When it was dry again, I gave it a spray with Krylon Crystal Clear. I concentrated on the arms, the seat back and some of the more slick surfaces. I think it came out really nice!!!
 
 
 
Pumpkin likes it too!
I'll have to see how it holds up outside. I guess if it chips, I'll just call it shabby chic, or chippy or vintage. It looks great in the backyard, giving a refreshing pop of color.
 
Have you tried painting plastic patio and lawn furniture?
Do you have a favorite trash to treasure story?
 
Have a Delightful Day!
 
Cindy
Find me sharing at these blogs....
PhotobucketUnder the Table and Dreaming
  Not Just A Housewife                                                                                                                    ReDoux

34 comments:

  1. So far so good! I love the orange in my backyard with my nasturtiums in bloom... Cindy @ sunsetcoasting.blogspot.com

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    1. Alicia, Thanks for stopping by Sunset Coast. I love my doggie too!!~Cindy

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  3. Very nice! Love the color (and Pumpkin), too!
    I'm visiting you today from DIY Showoff. I hope you get a chance to stop by my blog and leave a comment, too!
    ~ Megin of VMG206

    Burlap Ruffle Wreath

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  4. What a difference a coat of bright paint makes. Love the vibrant orange. Visiting from Masterpiece Monday and the still chilly midwest. Have a great week! ~Wanda

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  5. I use Valspar spray paint from Lowe's. It is easy and fast. I love this stuff.
    I like how yours turned out.

    Shelley

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    1. I love their new colors. I was just trying to use what I had.. super cheap that way!

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  6. It is so cute now! Love it. I know Krylon makes a paint that is suppose to stick to plastic. If it chips...you can try that.

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  7. Looks great! I love finding trash and making it a treasure! Great score!

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    1. Heather, thanks for checking it out here. Hope you'll come back for more ideas!

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  8. I love it! The color is great! I was just looking at similar chairs at Home Depot, don't remember the price but you can't beat free! Pumpkin is a doll!

    Visiting from The Scoop party! :)

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    1. Thanks Blondie! Love my Pumpkin (the color and the dog)!

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  9. GREAT find! I love your chair, the color is perfect and your pup is precious!!!
    Thanks so much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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    1. Thanks for having places to share. I know it's an effort and it's appreciated!

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  10. What a poppy update! I'm loving orange lately.

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    1. Must be something in the water, I'm drawn to orange lately also! Cindy

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  11. Yes, I have one of those in my back yard right now, and it is definitely in need of something. I love how gorgeous yours turned out. I love the orange. Great job. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me, you definitely have. Hugs, Marty

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    1. I had fun sharing and partying at Inspire Me. Thanks for visiting the Sunset Coast.

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  13. Great find. I have found all varieties of things for my patios just by trash picking. You really have no idea what you will find in the end.

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    1. Thanks James. You're lucky to have found some good things!

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  14. Oh how I love a good trash to treasure story. This just may be my new color to try - so pretty!

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    1. Ha! Of course you like this story. I'll have to check out your Curb Alert stories, too!

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  18. Comfy looking chairs; nice job on the paint!
    -Jack @ teak patio furniture

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  20. This is very colorful and painted furniture for using.
    Patio furniture
    thanks for sharing!!!

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  21. Awesome collections of plastic chairs, Thank you for sharing this valuable information, Now you can also buy various high quality plastic chairs and furniture online. You can buy Nilkamal Plastic Chairs direct from the supplier with large variety of chairs collections, with various offers and free delivery.

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Thank you for visiting the Sunset Coast! I really, really love your comments!