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Best Paint For Outdoor Wood Crafts: Make the Great Outdoors Your Canvas!

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Best Paint For Outdoor Wood Crafts

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!

best paint for outdoor wood crafts

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!

best 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 is an excellent paint for outdoor wood crafts, and it not only has a good application, it comes in some nice colors too. I have used it for patio furniture and other stuff. It seems to be a popular choice.

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 PaintValspar Paint + Primer Gloss Premium Enamel Spray PaintValspar 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!

outdoor-wood-crafts-paint

Brush On Craft Paint For Outdoor Wood Crafts

Got a small scale wood craft in the making? We recommend Plaid Outdoor which is a great choice for its durability and weather resistance. It’s also non toxic, water based and comes in a variety of nice colors. And yes, it is the close cousin of the little multipurpose paints I use for my home crafts.

FolkArt Outdoor Paint in Assorted Colors 8 oz, 6250 LawnFolkArt Outdoor Paint in Assorted Colors 8 oz, 6250 LawnFolkArt 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, 6267 CoalFolkArt Outdoor Paint in Assorted Colors 8 oz, 6267 CoalFolkArt Outdoor Paint in Assorted Colors 8 oz, 6246 GeraniumFolkArt Outdoor Paint in Assorted Colors 8 oz, 6246 GeraniumFolkArt 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 other techniques, like creating a distressed look which is very popular today with rustic wood crafts.

DecoArt Americana Outdoor Living 8oz AdirondackDecoArt Americana Outdoor Living 8oz AdirondackDecoArt 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!

Did You Miss Something?

  • Best Paint For Outdoor Wood Crafts
  • Why You Need A Good Outdoor Wood Craft Paint
  • Primer or Preservative Is Used In Wood Crafts
  • My Favs For Painting On Wood Outdoors!
  • Second Best: Valspar For Outdoor Wood Craft Projects
  • Brush On Craft Paint For Outdoor Wood Crafts
  • Americana Decor Outdoor Exterior

Creative Commons Image Attribution: Image by Fraser Mummary


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About Jennifer

Hi all, I'm just a humble arts and crafts blogger who also enjoys aquariums, goofball comedies, and sushi. In addition to art I am also owned by 3 pampered cats.

Comments

  1. Kate says

    2019-07-23 at 08:08

    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 🙂

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      2019-07-23 at 21:49

      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.

      Reply

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