To Paint or Not to Paint...

THAT is the question.  I've been looking for another project and I think I've found it!  The inside of the house is pretty much done for now so I'm moving to the outside.  In the front of the house I always do monochromatic colors of flowers, chairs, etc.  In the back I decorate with all kinds of colors.  Multicolored tablecloth, chairs and flowers.  I love color. 

My chairs have seen better days because they are totally exposed to the elements.  I've thought about buying cushions to spice them up, but then the cushion would just get dirty. 

Then I found these ideas from BHG for painting patio furniture!  They are so colorful and bright.

Love love the polka dots and daisies below!

 

I have a beverage tub like this.  I think this would be a lot of fun to paint.

 

The cool blue stripes below go great with the pool.

 

So I've painted designs on wooden furniture for indoors.  My question is would this sort of thing work on chairs like this??:

 

According to BHG you use acrylic paint then seal with a varnish.  I've heard of plastic paint too.  Anyone ever painted outdoor furniture before?  Mine would be in the sun and rain so I'm wondering if the designs would fade and/or come off.  The chairs are not expensive so I'm thinking it will be fun to try it and if they get messed up it won't be a huge loss!  Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!

Comments

[Donna]

I have used the plastic paint on a table that I was ready to throw in the trash. I turned out beautiful! I have not not tried it on mesh chairs though. You will definetly have to seal it with a couple of coats.

Can't wait to see the end result!

[Satsuki]

I've heard of sealing with polyurothane (might not have spelled that right). I know I have to buy it to seal some tin cans I'll make into planters. Otherwise they rust when I add water.

[Myraim @ Entertaining w/ Style]

I really like the idea of painting the outdoor chairs. I added orange cushions to mine and after about 3 weeks they were completely faded by the sun, lol. I would assume that as long as the paint was for outdoors it would hold up to the elements. If not....just pick a new color and do it again!