Best Paint For Outdoor Wood Crafts
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Hi all, now I’m going to talk about the best paint to use for outdoor wood crafts! Woo woo, it looks like summer is on its way out, and boy I am glad. Now I can go outdoors again and not worry about getting bit by everything under the sun.
If you can relate then you’re probably thinking about making some fun stuff. You know what I mean, things for the outdoors that adorn your home and garden like rustic signs, decorative wood pallets, furniture or yard art. Yep I hear you!
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Why You Need A Good Outdoor Wood Craft Paint
Well, we are talking about something you do once that may be outside 24-7 where the elements are! Sometimes the weather is just not our friend when it comes to wood. There is the fierce sun, rain, wind, and other natural phenomena to think about that can damage out artwork outside so we have to really think carefully about the type of paint we choose.
Here in this image are a couple of wooden bird boxes I did artwork on a long time ago…I have no idea what type of paint I was using back then, but see how much the pretty bird designs have faded? That might not have happened if I had known about a much better type of paint for outdoor wood crafts!
This is something you really want to think about because with outdoor wood crafts, the kind of paint for simple home wood crafts is not totally going to cut the mustard. You need something tougher, and you may need multiple products, but I’ve got some suggestions for you if you want to keep things simple.
Primer or Preservative Is Used In Wood Crafts
Primer is a base paint coat that is made to preserve a surface , hide blemishes, or waterproof a surface before the big exciting paint job. These days you can get a traditional can or spray paint kind.
I think opting for the spray paint method is a good idea, especially if you’ve got more territory to cover and since you will already be outside anyway which is the best scenario for a diffusive product 🙂
If you’re going to the local hardware store in your area you’re probably familiar with the spray paint aisle. Notice something ? It looks like the main ingredients are being combined – paint AND primer. It’s no secret that we’d like to cut our work down a little by having two products in one.
Plus, you won’t have any messy brushes to clean either…just make sure you protect your work space, choose your colors and go to town!
My Favs For Painting On Wood Outdoors!
I like Rustoleum Paint and Primer
It has a nice trigger nozzle, so if you suffer from arthritis it will be easier to grip. Also , it has a great selection of colors and styles to choose from including metallics, pearly look and glossy finishes too!
Valspar Paint + Primer Gloss Premium Enamel Spray Paint
Second Best: Valspar For Outdoor Wood Craft Projects
You may know this brand from it’s interior latex line…well, even better there is also an excellent spray on that I’ve gotten and it’s never let me down yet. This paint and primer combo comes in lots of tasteful and attractive colors to suit different tastes so you don’t have to settle for one of a few boring or tacky colors.
What’s also cool is that in comes in three different finishes, matte, satin (my preference) and gloss which will help you further in choosing the right finish. The third thing I appreciate is the design of the spray nozzle part. It’s very ergonomic so I don’t suffer from finger fatigue, and the cap has a twist-around function that conceals the nozzle.
I like it so much better than those old style nozzles that sometimes clog up, and from time to time pop off altogether which is such a pain, and slows down my workflow.
Tip: When checking out paints, make sure the can says “Exterior” on the label so you know that you are getting something made for outdoor use!
Brush On Craft Paint For Outdoor Wood Crafts
Got a small scale wood craft in the making? We recommend Plaid Outdoor
FolkArt Outdoor Paint in Assorted Colors 8 oz, 6250 LawnFolkArt Outdoor Paint in Assorted Colors 8 oz, 6267 CoalFolkArt Outdoor Paint in Assorted Colors 8 oz, 6246 Geranium
You can dispense however much you need into a palette and in addition to creating a good base coat on wood you can also have fun with other applications like sponging, stenciling, or creating a rustic distressed look.
This is no doubt, the same kind of paint used in the highly popular art of rock painting, as well as other things that need to keep their look outside permanently.
DecoArt Americana Outdoor Living 8oz Adirondack
Americana Decor Outdoor Exterior
From the makers of that great all-purpose craft paint, is an offshoot made just for outdoor use. This one is larger in an 8 oz size and will provide great coverage for projects like wood signs, decorations, yard art and much more!
You will need to adjust for how much you need as the container is made to be dispensed at your need. There are a range of colors available including neutral shades and a few primary available if you check around.
It’s made to hold up to outside weather conditions without fading or chipping.
How much do you need? Consider what you’re planning sizewise….Two ounces to every square foot of surface to coat is recommended. With spray cans it varies, but if you shake the can periodically you can control the flow of paint better.
Have fun and best of luck in planning your next big craft in (or is that craft out?) with wood crafts!
Creative Commons Image Attribution: Image by Fraser Mummary
Hi! Finally someone who uses the things they promote haha good stuff thankyou for putting this up. Have you ever tried out “Patio paints” brush on acrylics? I just did a big garbage box in them hoping it will stay well, cheers 🙂
Thanks Kate! As they say, experience is the best teacher 🙂 Not sure if I’ve tried Patio paints, but I did see something the other day called “Curb Appeal” that I’m checking into.
Hello Jennifer,
I am working on a Christmas gift for my wife… one of those signs that folks hang at their campsite with their name and town of origin.
I have obtained a slab of wood from a neighbors cut down tree. Milled it so it’s 2″ thick. It still has all the bark around the edges.
I plan to use a router to do the lettering.
Do you have any suggestions for filling in the letters/design please? I will be hand painting and don’t plan on using spray paint because its too difficult to sand the end grain of the slab to remove the over-spray.
I appreciate your consideration.
Cheers,
Optimistic Chris
That sounds like a great gift idea! And kudos to you for keeping those wood slabs 😊
In all honesty I can’t say I have worked with a router before – so I don’t want to throw anything misleading out there.
anyway…I would use a small brush (like a fourth of an inch square bristle, or one of the rounds)and one of the outdoor finish paints that comes in the small size – they are not spray paint applications (I agree, spray paint might be pretty tricky here) Hope deep do you plan on making the lettering? Just curious.
Sounds like this will be a very interesting project 🎨😊
I have been asked to make 80-100 porch signs. I generally use cedar or pine picket fence. In the past I’ve used chalk paint on them. I was just wondering about using exterior paint on the fencing to cut down on cost and then use chalk paint for the stenciling. Do you have a recommendation or thoughts? What about priming and sealing? I definitely want to put out a quality product that will withstand the elements. Thanks for your time.
Wow, that’s a lot of signs! Good question…Chalk and chalk finish paint, as I understand, is very popular.The trouble, as I see it, with most chalk paint brands is that they are designed with furniture antiquing in mind which excludes exterior finishes (or at the least it’s hard to tell by labeling alone). I did come across one brand that seems good quality and rated well, known as
…it comes in an aerosol can -which means a quicker application-and about 20 colors. I would prime my surface, for finishing people are talking about wax, and this company makes a proprietary line of that too. Good luck to you!
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