When spring or summer arrives, it's time to take the outdoor furniture out of storage. Many notice at this point that the furniture is no longer in the best condition: the paint has peeled, the surface has faded, or moisture has taken its toll. The good news is that by painting, you can easily renew the look of the furniture and at the same time protect it against the weather.

However, painting outdoor furniture is not the same as a refresh project for indoor furniture. Outdoors, surfaces face heavy wear: the sun fades, rain and snow stress the surface, and temperature fluctuations cause wear. Therefore, choosing the right furniture paint and a careful work process are key to success.

Why do outdoor furniture need special paint?

Interior paint simply does not withstand outdoor conditions. Outdoor furniture paints contain additives that:

• protect the surface from UV radiation and slow down fading

• prevent moisture absorption into the material

• prevent mold and algae growth

• make the surface easier to clean

When you choose paint suitable for outdoor use, you save time and effort because furniture does not need maintenance as often. Frenchic Paint's Al Fresco is the perfect choice for painting outdoor furniture.

Choosing paint for different materials

Wooden furniture

Wood is a beautiful and common material, but it lives and absorbs moisture easily. This makes it challenging, but properly painted, very durable.

• Frenchic Al Fresco works excellently for wooden furniture – it forms a durable, breathable, and matte surface that withstands rain and sun.

• A translucent effect is possible with darker or natural shades, such as Wise Old Sage (soft green) or Victory Lane (deep greenish blue).

👉 Example: An old garden bench can be restored by sanding, cleaning, and painting twice with Al Fresco paint. The result lasts well throughout the summer – and many years to come.

Metal furniture

Metal withstands time, but its weakness is rust. Without careful priming, paint will not stay on the surface.

• First remove all loose paint and rust with a wire brush or sandpaper.

• Frenchic Al Fresco adheres well to metal when the surface is cleaned.

• The result is hard and weather-resistant. Popular shades for metal include Blackjack (deep black) and Greyhound (gray).
  

👉 Example: An old metal coffee table with beautiful decorative details looks new when sanded clean of rust and treated twice with Al Fresco paint.

Plastic furniture

Many yards have plastic chairs or tables. Painting them can seem challenging, but Frenchic Al Fresco makes it possible.

• Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper before painting.

• Clean thoroughly so the paint adheres.

• Choose a shade that suits you, like Duckling (a beautiful light blue) or Steel Teal (petrol blue), to give plastic furniture a completely new look.

Steps for a successful outcome

1. Clean the furniture thoroughly. Dirt, grease, and mold prevent paint adhesion. Use a pressure washer or detergent if necessary.

2. Let it dry. Never paint a damp surface.

3. Sand the surface. Remove old loose paint and make the surface even.

4. Paint thin layers. 2–3 thin layers of Al Fresco give a better result than one thick layer.

5. Let it dry calmly. Frenchic's paint dries quickly, but full curing takes a few days.

6. Enjoy ease of maintenance. Al Fresco does not require wax or varnish on top, so the work is finished immediately after drying.

Practical tips for the painter

• Paint in the shade – direct sunlight dries the paint too quickly and can cause cracking.

• Considering the weather – choose a dry and warm day for painting, but avoid conditions that are too humid or cold.

• Proper tools – use high-quality brushes and rollers.

• Maintenance going forward – wash and clean the furniture in spring and autumn, and do a light maintenance painting if necessary. Store your painted furniture protected from the weather during winter. 

Most common mistakes in painting outdoor furniture

1. Using indoor paint outdoors → the surface will not hold up and will peel, the color may fade quickly in the sun.

2. Painting indoor furniture for outdoor use → indoor furniture is usually made from materials and glues suitable for indoor use. Also, the seams and joints of furniture differ between indoor and outdoor pieces. Indoor furniture does not withstand weather and moisture changes outdoors. 

3. Forgetting preparation → dirt, grease, or rust ruins the paint's adhesion.

4. Too thick layers → the paint dries unevenly and cracks.

5. Rushing drying → if the furniture is used too soon, the surface scratches easily.

Frenchic Al Fresco – beauty and durability for outdoor furniture

Painting outdoor furniture is an affordable and effective way to extend the furniture's lifespan and refresh the look of your yard. When you choose a product suitable for outdoor use, such as the Frenchic Al Fresco series, you get a beautiful matte finish that withstands rain, sun, and temperature fluctuations.

From Frenchic's extensive outdoor furniture paints color selection, you can find options ranging from subtle neutrals to bold bright shades, so everyone can find a suitable option for their style. With the right preparation and the ease of use of Al Fresco, the result is beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain – the furniture will delight for many summers to come.