How to Paint Patio Cushions
Last week I debuted our awesome eclectic repurposed patio makeover (say that ten times fast!) and I promised to share a tutorial on how I painted those cushions! If you’re cool with my oh-so-casual summer hair, then carry on! I got all the deets for you here! Just to get you up to speed… I bought a couch from a local consignment store and theeeese were the cushions. I *almost* left them behind but then I remembered the power of paint! I’m SO glad I kept them because they fit the couch perfectly and now, thanks to a couple of days of watching paint dry, they are a vision in coordinated navy blue.
If you can believe it… here’s how they look now!
I made a video to show you how it all went down and honestly, I think that’s the easiest way to see how I did it, but… I’ll try to write it out with some screen grabs at the end of the post for those of you at work or unable to see the video!
Step 1
Mix one part water to one part fabric medium to one part paint.
Step 2
Spray cushions with water until they are fairly damp. Not puddles, but definitely saturated.
Step 3
Brush paint onto cushion making sure it soaks in. Be careful of drips, but don’t be afraid to apply liberally. (I know that sounds contradictory… basically, slap on as much paint as you want and then go back over at the end to clean up any excess/ drips.)
Step 4
When paint is dry, repeat steps 2 and 3.
Step 5 (Optional)
If you feel that your paint is too rough on the cushions, go over with some fine sandpaper between coats. I didn’t do this for the patio cushions because they are already a little ‘stiff’ and I didn’t mind the texture of the painted cushions. Also, I’m lazy and that saved some time.
That’s it! Can you BELIEVE how simple it is?? Even at Homegoods, patio cushions can cost $30 a piece! For a large 3-seat couch… that can get pricey FAST. I also love that this meant I could paint other cushions around the patio to coordinate the colors. Win-win.
If you’re interested in how that copper garden stool was made (and to see it back when it was shiny and new), here’s my post about that here!
Materials
(affiliate links included for your convenience)
• Latex paint (I used Behr latex in eggshell finish)
• Sand paper (optional)
Have you used Chalk Paint on fabric? (somehow I think you have)…is the process different as in do you still need the fabric medium? They look great!
🙂 I haven’t actually but my friend Rachel has… here’s the link to her YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX1yeuNOb3k
That’s really interesting and seems so simple. I’ll be curious to see how the paint holds up, too. Thanks for sharing this!
SO simple. I think the paint is penetrating the fabric so… I’m cautiously optimistic that it might hold up! I’ll keep you posted!
Wow- I didn’t realize you could paint fabric with latex paint. Where did you get the fabric medium? Great job, and directions, too!
Hi Karen! I bought some at our local Michael’s store… just in the paint section. And then I ordered the rest on Amazon. So easy and pretty inexpensive… maybe $4.50 a bottle?
How have the cushions held up since you painted them?
Hi! Sorry for the late response! They look good as new aside from things like the tree leaves getting all over them. 🙂 I will say, they don’t drain as easily as they did before… so I try to take them in if I *know* it’s going to be a big storm. Otherwise, I just have to leave them out in the sun a little longer than normal!
Do you know the color of paint you used? I love the color. My mother did this several years ago and hers still look great!!
Shoot. I don’t! If I think of it, I’ll try to check my paint stash. I’m TERRIBLE about keeping track of my paint. :/
Did you use exterior paint? I’m curious as to if it will stick to youif its on direct sun.
Gosh… I don’t remember, but it doesn’t stick to you even a little bit. It’s not tacky or shiny or sticky at all.
So mix for example 8 oz water,8 0z medium and 8 oz PaINT.IS that correct?
Exactly! It doesn’t need to be a science, but that’s a good ratio of color density to texture, etc. Good luck!
GREAT VIDEO! i’M ABOUT TO TRY THIS. dID 1 QUART GET YOU THROUGH ALL OF THE CUSHIONS?? i HAVE 4 SEAT CUSHIONS AND DON’T WANT TO OVERBUY!
Yes! That should be plenty… you water it down SO much that a little goes a long way! 🙂
Hi there! Cool project! Do you remember about how long each coat took to dry? I’m wondering how much time I should/would budget to do it.
Hi Nora! I did this in the bright summer sun, so not long. The earlier coats took longer because the paint was soaking into fabric… by the end, it’s just layering onto more paint than fabric!
hello, just had a question regarding the fabric holding up in the sun. did the paint crack or peel, or would this issue be completely eliminated by the fabric medium?
Not in the two summers these chairs were outside! Not even close to peeling and no signs of cracking. The fabric medium seems to make it a bit more supple, yes.
Hi charlotte, you did a beautiful job on the Patio cUshions. I followed the steps and painted my patio cushions for my deep seating set which included 2 chairs with ottomAns and couch. I have some scotchguard heavy duty water repellant. Do you think i need this or any kind of weather sealant on tHe cushions or they should be fine Without it? I didnt want to use it and damage paint. Thank you
Danielle