Painting your garden furniture is a quick and easy way to update your external space. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your outdoor dining area or want to create a relaxing bolthole, paint can utterly transform your furniture (and your garden). But with so many different colours to choose from, how can you pick the right one for you?
If you’re looking for the right colour paint for your garden furniture, we’re here to help. At Frenchic, we stock more than 160 different shades of paint, from cool neutrals to bold jewel tones, with over 40 perfect for outdoor use. That means we know a thing or two about the best colours for your indoor and outdoor projects.
In this guide, we'll cover the best paint for garden furniture, how to choose the right shade for your style, and which Frenchic Al Fresco colours work best on wood, metal and plastic. Whether you want to revamp garden furniture with a classic neutral or go bold with a jewel tone, we've got you covered.
What is the best paint for garden furniture?
The best paint for garden furniture shouldn’t just look good – it also needs to be highly durable. Your garden furniture has to put up with a lot over the years, from changing seasons and extreme temperatures to rainstorms and sunshine. Over time, this can seriously limit the lifespan of your favourite pieces.
The elements wreak havoc on your furniture, causing it to ‘weather’. This is a process that can leave your beautiful furniture looking worn-out and tired, with a grey or greenish tinge. The solution? High-quality garden furniture paint!
Our weatherproof Al Fresco chalk and mineral paint is perfect for interior and exterior use. It works on wood, metal, uPVC, plastic and composites. That means you can use the same paint for all of your garden furniture, making it quick and easy to coordinate your look (or mix things up!).
Below, we’ve summed up some of the reasons why our Al Fresco paint is the best paint for your garden furniture:
- Say goodbye to multiple products – Al Fresco is self-sealing, self-priming and self-levelling, so no faffy primer or top coat is required.
- Water-based and eco-friendly with minimal VOCs.
- EN 71-3 certified, meaning this paint is child-safe, so it’s an excellent choice for painting playground equipment or garden toys.
- Virtually odour-free, the Al Fresco range promises a superior coverage without that unpleasant, strong painty smell to factor in.
- Because it’s weather-proof, durable and resistant to harmful UV rays, Al Fresco paint can significantly extend the lifespan of your garden furniture.
Best paint by furniture material: wood, metal & plastic
The best paint for your garden furniture depends partly on what it's made of. The good news is that Al Fresco works beautifully on all the most common garden furniture materials. Here's what you need to know for each.
Wooden garden furniture
Al Fresco gives exceptional results on garden tables, chairs, benches and planters. After cleaning, give the surface a light sand if it's flaking or rough, wipe clean, and apply directly. No primer needed. A minimum of two coats is recommended for a solid, even finish.
Metal garden furniture
For metal garden furniture (including cast iron, steel and aluminium) Al Fresco is an excellent choice. It's UV-resistant and weatherproof, so it holds up on metal surfaces that expand and contract with temperature changes. Remove any rust or loose paint before applying, and work in thin layers.
Plastic & uPVC garden furniture
Yes, you can paint plastic garden furniture. Al Fresco bonds well to uPVC and most rigid plastics. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any chalky residue or grime, give it a very light scuff with fine sandpaper to help adhesion, and apply two thin coats. It's one of the most effective ways to revamp plastic garden furniture without replacing it.
Not sure which finish to go for? All Al Fresco shades come in the same chalk and mineral formula. There's no separate version for different materials. One tin, one formula, but for practically every surface in your garden.
What colour paint is right for me?
The right colour paint for your garden furniture will ultimately depend on your personal tastes. While some people like to keep things neutral, others prefer bold and beautiful shades that will make a statement or liven things up in their garden.
Whichever side of the (garden) fence you’re on, we’ve put together a handy guide to some of our most popular Al Fresco shades.
Below, you'll find our Al Fresco colours organised by mood, from soft grey garden furniture paint and calming neutrals to bold jewel tones and classic black. Every shade is available to order direct from the Al Fresco collection or from your nearest Frenchic stockist.
Grey
If you've scrolled through Instagram or flicked through a homes and gardens magazine lately, you're bound to have noticed that grey garden furniture paint is having a moment. This classic colour has been in vogue for some time – and thanks to its versatility as an outdoor furniture paint colour, this chic shade isn't going anywhere soon.
But if you’re tempted to bring this trend to your own backyard, which goes-with-everything grey should you choose? From the lovely lilac undertones of Stormy to the charcoal grey of Smudge, we’ve created a spectrum of grey shades that make it easy for you to find your favourite.
Pink
Millennial pink, soft rose, mink – whatever you like to call it, it’s clear that Dusky Blush is bang on trend. This muted pink shade has transformed everything from our technology to our clothing and homewares, and at Frenchic, we think it looks just as beautiful in the great outdoors.
Dusky Blush will give your garden furniture a fresh, contemporary feel. It’s also an easy way to embrace the popular pink and green colour combination, as you can take advantage of the natural greenery in your garden!
Classic neutrals
Neutral colours will never go out of style. Whether you want your garden furniture to look good whatever the weather, or simply want to provide a neutral backdrop to the colours that occur naturally in your garden, our Al Fresco range contains a selection of classic shades like Wise Old Sage or Duckling.
Dazzle Me! is a true, bright white (think idyllic picket fences). This paint will brighten up your garden without adding new colours into the mix – perfect for complementing styled flowerbeds.
Bold and beautiful
Are muted tones not your style? If you want your garden furniture to pack a punch, check out our selection of bold, beautiful colours. Steel Teal is a jewel-like blue that complements everything from mid-century to contemporary styles. For something a little bit deeper, Kiss Me Sloely is a rich, sloe berry blue that’s bound to stand out in your garden.
Let’s not forget the boldest shade of all – black. Blackjack is a brilliant black garden furniture paint for indoor and outdoor use that allows you to create stand-out furniture without overpowering other colours. The chic, dark shade also provides a delightful backdrop for green foliage. It's one of the most popular coloured garden furniture paint choices for modern outdoor spaces – and it's easy to see why.
If you’re drawn to bold shades but feel a little apprehensive about using them inside your home, your garden furniture is the perfect place to experiment. Colour palettes are naturally more saturated outside, so while loud colours might seem a little overwhelming indoors, they’ll look beautiful next to bright flowerbeds, lush lawns, and buzzing wildlife.
How to paint garden furniture – a quick guide
One of the things that makes Al Fresco the best garden furniture paint for beginners and experienced decorators alike is how straightforward it is to apply. Because it's self-priming and self-sealing, you skip most of the usual prep steps. Here's all you need to do:
- Check the weather – Don’t use Al Fresco outdoors if, in the next 48 hours, the temperature is forecast to drop below 10°C, rain is expected, or there will be moisture in the air.
- Check the surface – Look for any areas that may be liable to absorb moisture through structural defects and repair these before painting. The surface must be completely dry throughout (not just on the outside) as any moisture retained within can cause the paint to crack over time.
- Clean the surface – Remove dirt, grease, algae and any flaking paint. A damp cloth and light scrub using Sugar Soap is usually enough for most garden furniture. If the surface has previously been treated with an oil or penetrating preservative, this will need removing before painting. Let it dry completely before painting.
- Sand – For wood with rough patches or old peeling paint, a light sand will help adhesion. For metal and plastic, a light sand is also recommended to help the paint key to the surface. Be sure to wipe away the dust after sanding.
- Apply your first coat – After stirring the paint, use a Frenchic oval or flat brush and work in the direction of the grain or weave. Al Fresco is self-levelling, so brush marks smooth out as it dries.
- Let it dry, then apply a second coat – Most projects are done in two coats. Leave each coat to dry fully before applying the next.
- That's it – No top coat, no sealing wax, no separate primer. Al Fresco is ready to face the elements once it's cured.
For visual guidance, take a look at our Frenchic TV video guides, we have step-by-step tutorials covering different surfaces and techniques.
Garden furniture painting inspiration
Sometimes the best way to choose a colour is to see it on real furniture. Our upcycling gallery is packed with before-and-after projects from the Frenchic community. Expect painted garden tables, bold metal chairs and more.
From grey painted garden furniture that blends seamlessly with natural surroundings, to vivid teal and black pieces that become the focal point of an outdoor space, there's no shortage of ideas to spark your next project.
You can also browse by colour to narrow things down, or search for projects by surface type to see exactly how Al Fresco performs on your furniture material.
Frequently asked questions about garden furniture paint
Can you use chalk paint on outdoor garden furniture?
Yes! Frenchic Al Fresco is a chalk and mineral paint that's specifically formulated for outdoor use. Unlike traditional chalk paints, it's weatherproof, UV-resistant and self-sealing, so it won't need a separate topcoat to protect it from the elements.
Can you use fence paint on garden furniture?
It's not recommended. Fence paints are typically water-thin, soak into timber and aren't designed for the smooth, decorative finish you'd want on furniture. A dedicated outdoor furniture paint like Al Fresco will give far better coverage, a more durable finish, and a much wider choice of colours.
Can you paint plastic garden furniture?
Yes. Al Fresco bonds well to rigid plastics and uPVC. Clean the surface thoroughly first and give it a very light scuff with fine sandpaper to improve adhesion. Two coats of Al Fresco will give you a solid, durable finish on plastic garden chairs, tables and planters.
What is the best paint for metal garden furniture?
Al Fresco is an excellent choice for metal garden furniture. It's UV-resistant, weatherproof and works on cast iron, steel and aluminium. Remove any rust or loose paint before you start, and apply in thin layers for the smoothest finish.
How many coats of paint does garden furniture need?
For most garden furniture projects, two coats of Al Fresco is sufficient for a solid, even, durable finish. Very dark or heavily weathered pieces may benefit from a third coat.
Find your perfect colour paint at Frenchic
Whether you’re painting wood, plastic, or metal, our Al Fresco range is the perfect paint for your garden furniture. Available in more than 40 shades, this chalk paint is hard-wearing but easy to apply – meaning you can upgrade your garden in next to no time.
Come rain or shine, your garden furniture will be ready for anything with Al Fresco Inside/Outside paint! To find out more, check out our handy Frenchic TV video guides for information on priming, painting, and perfecting your garden furniture.
Or, if you're a real colour aficionado, read our list of the top 100 quotes about colour to inspire your outdoor painting projects.
