Over the harsh winter months and sunny summer days patio furniture that is left outside takes a beating. Let’s update your tired patio furniture. Don’t be intimidated by this project. Take it step by step and you will be thinking, why didn’t I do this earlier!

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

I’m kind of embarrassed to even be showing you my patio furniture. I mean it’s lacking personality, has obviously seen better days and quite honestly…it look neglected.  I couldn’t even bring myself to sit in it a few weeks ago during our first sprout of warm weather. So…what does a person do in a situation like this?  Chuck it?  NO WAY!!!  I guess I should have said …what would a DIY Diva do in a situation like this?  I thought to myself…”I loved it once so I can  love it again” and I came up with a plan to make my patio furniture enjoyable again!

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

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Update Outdoor Furniture Supplies:

Instructions for Patio Furniture Update:

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

These chairs have obviously seen better days. The sun and weather has definitely taken the life from what once was a gorgeous set. The first step to this Patio Furniture Makeover was to wipe everything clean with TSP (follow instructions on package).  Let dry and then rinse with fresh water.

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

The next step was to tape off the areas that I didn’t want to become green. So I used Frog Tape and taped off the fabric both on the front, back and underneath the chair.
Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

Next came the paint! This is always my favorite part! When using a spray can, make sure the first coat is super light so that it’s just tacky. This will ensure that there are no runs on whatever surface you are working with. The chairs I was working with on this project had a lot of curves and can cause runs very easily.

Diva Tip:  Always spray from the bottom up.  This also helps eliminate drips as well.

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

Once the frame is painted it was time to move onto the fabric. I wanted to create something super fun, bright and playful. But first…I need to fix a couple of spots on the fabric.

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

I have had these chairs for almost 10 years so they were bound to show a little wear & tear.  No worries…I have a solution.

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

 Bondo will do the trick.  Yes…that is a picture of it to the right and yes…I did just apply it with my finger. LOL

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

Let it dry and then lightly sand it until smooth.  Now it’s time to add paint.

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paintI used Amy Howard One-Step Paint in “Indian Summer” and a large wax brush to apply the paint to both sides of the fabric.  Let dry and then repeat.
Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paintThe next step was to add Frog Tape Chevron Shape Tape to the fabric. I absolutely love using the Chevron pattern by Frog Tape because it makes creating a Chevron pattern so easy. People always ask me how I get a perfect chevron pattern and I always share my secret…the tape makes the difference!

Once the Chevron Frog Tape was placed where I wanted it…I went back over the tape to make sure that the tape was adhered properly. If you look on the bottom of the chair you can see the piece of tape is raised. If it remains raised the paint will bleed under and the chevron pattern will not be executed. This is a very important step, be sure to take your time!

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

Diva Tip:  Here is a “trick of the trade”…Paint a coat of the Amy Howard “Indian Summer” over the edges of the Frog Tape Shape Tape to seal the edges before applying your next color…it works like a charm and there will be no bleed-through.

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

Using the large wax brush again, paint the “Ballet White” one step paint over the entire seat.  Let dry and Repeat one more time.

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

Carefully remove the chevron tape to expose the beautiful chevron pattern you have created…Voila!

Once the chair is completely dry, spray 2 coats of Rustoleum Clear Matte Sealer for UV protection.

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

Here is the chair sitting out in front of my shop…I love it so much I hate to take it home. LOL

I will grab you a picture of my “new to me” patio set once I get back from Kansas City Live and can finish the table and other chairs…I can’t wait to see it all together.

Is your patio furniture tired and worn? Don't throw your set away, update it! The perfect outdoor patio idea DIY to upcycle your set with paint! chalk paint

Update: My family used this set for the entire season and I was not able to store it inside so it stayed outside all winter. It is now spring and it has held up perfectly! My husband gave it a good washing and I put on a fresh coat of Rustoleum Clear Matte Sealer for UV protection to get it ready for this summer. By taking a moment to update the UV sealer each year this set is going to last at least another 10 years.

  

 

Each and everyone of you inspire me and I LOVE to see the work that you’ve created. Feel free to share with me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. And as always, be sure to follow Diva Of DIY on Pinterest and sign up for our FREE Newsletter to receive the latest projects delivered straight to your inbox!

 

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