Best Paint for Outdoor Wood Furniture

Choosing the best paint for outdoor wood furniture can be a daunting task. Many people think they just need to buy some paint and slap it on their furniture.

But you need to consider many factors when deciding what type of paint would be best.

This guide will explore the best paints for exterior wood, plus a few tips on painting outdoor furniture. We will also discuss how to properly prep your wood before painting outdoors.

Our Top Picks

Best Paint for Outdoor Wood Furniture

1. Rust-Oleum 1974502 – Best Overall Paint for Outdoor Wood Furniture
2. KILZ Exterior Siding – Best Oil-Based Paint for Outdoor Wood
3. Montage Signature – Best Low-Sheen Paint for Outdoor Furniture
4. KILZ Interior/Exterior – Best Acrylic Exterior Furniture Paint
5. Rust-Oleum 249090-6 PK – Best Multi-Purpose Paint for Outdoor Furniture
6. FolkArt Outdoor Paint – Best Multi-Surface Paint for Outdoor Furniture
7. Majic Paints 8-9400-2 – Best White Paint For Outdoor Furniture
8. Rust-Oleum 1990502 – Best Latex Based Paint for Outdoor Wood
9. DecoArt DASK276 – Best Weatherproof Acrylic Paint for Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor Furniture Paint Reviews

Based on our research, here are the 10 best outdoor paints for wood. We’ve got you covered whether you’re applying fresh paint or repainting outdoor furniture.

1. Best Overall Paint for Outdoor Wood Furniture – Rust-Oleum 1974502 Painter’s Touch

Rust-Oleum painter’s touch is a multi-purpose brush-on paint you can use if you are painting outdoor wood furniture. It dries quickly, leaves a smooth, glossy surface, and is durable. It outlasts most exterior paints.

You can use it on outdoor furniture, metal furniture, plaster, masonry, unglazed ceramic crafts, wicker, shelving, and toys. The ultra-premium paint resists chipping and fading.

Use an exterior primer on the wood or metal before painting for exceptional results. 

The Painter’s Touch features “double cover” innovation, which means your finish will not be subjected to constant wear, tear, and chipping.

This formulation gives your outdoor structures a new, clean look while replenishing worn-out surfaces.

What’s spectacular about this water-based polyurethane is that it only requires one or two coats for long-lasting protection.

It’s safe, has a pleasant odor, and does not harm your health.

What We Liked Most

• It’s ideal for exterior and interior surfaces
• It dries quickly
• It’s durable

What Could Be Improved

• You can’t use it in high-traffic areas

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2. Best Oil-Based Patio Furniture Paint – KILZ Exterior Siding

Our second-best outdoor furniture paint is the KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint.

It is perfect for repainting outdoor wood furniture as it contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm animals and crops.

With this paint, fading, cracking, and scuffing your wooden surfaces will be a thing of the past. In addition, it’s beginner-friendly, so you can use it even if you are not a professional painter.

Don’t worry if your home is prone to mold or algae attacks. You’ll be able to get rid of them once you have your outdoor furniture painted with this product.

When painting wood patio furniture with Kilz Exterior, you won’t have to worry about quantity because it only takes two coats to offer a quality finish. Even better, the finish will not scratch or chip easily and holds to the elements exceptionally well.

Coverage differs based on wood porosity. So, how many square feet can 5 gallons of paint cover? On smooth, porous surfaces, one gallon covers 200 Sq. Ft.  On smooth, non-porous surfaces, one gallon will cover up to 500 sq. ft.

Applying these estimates, a 5-gallon bucket of paint can generally cover between 1,000 and 2,500 square feet, depending on the surface’s porosity and texture.

The paint conceals minor flaws excellently. It has a fine “metallic” quality that nearly makes it glow. The solid color looks great on any wood project.

When you paint it on wood, it truly becomes a part of it and gives the outdoor bench maximum protection.

What We Liked Most

• You can use it on various surfaces.
• It is not prone to peeling, cracking, or chipping.
• It has superb resistance to the weather.

What Could Be Improved

• In the case of back brushing, the paint will not be uniform.

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3. Best Low-Sheen Exterior Furniture Paint – Montage Signature Interior/Exterior

The Montage Signature has some brilliant features that make it the best paint for outdoor wood furniture. It’s brilliant to use it for panting bare wood.

It’s an excellent paint for patio furniture for a good reason. The exterior paint is environmentally friendly and does not contain any pollutants.

So, it is ideal for professional painting on exterior and interior surfaces. If you are looking for trim and baseboard paint, ceilings, walls, and patio furniture, montage interior/ exterior paint could be appropriate for your project.

It is available in various finishes, including low-sheen (matte finish) and semi-gloss. Another outstanding feature of this finish is its smooth coverage and protection.

You’ll love this formulation as it’s unlike any other paint finish you’ve used. It is a scourable paint that provides smooth and uniform finishes irrespective of the tool used for application or the surface condition.

This paint is versatile enough, so you can use it on commercial projects and small residential buildings. This formula also serves as a sealant for outdoor wood furniture and guards against humidity, mildew, and mold.

The formula comes with a very extended warranty that lasts up to ten freaking years, which is reason enough to buy it for your projects. Furthermore, it prioritizes quality over quantity.

Apply the paint using a high-quality brush for a super smooth finish.

What We Liked Most

• A low-sheen finish
• You can easily remove marks without affecting the paint.
• Manufactured using eco-friendly and pollutant-free materials.
• You won’t struggle with brush marks
• It has a smooth coverage

What Could Be Improved

• It takes 2-3 coats to achieve full coverage.

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4. Best Acrylic Exterior Furniture Paint– KILZ Interior/Exterior

If you want superior coverage on the exterior surfaces around your home, Kilz exterior could be the answer.

It includes all you need for your DIY woodworking paint projects. You can use this paint on wood, nonferrous metal, masonry, and architectural plastics.

You can use this formula effectively to get professional results even if you are not a pro. Just ensure to lightly sand the surface before applying the top coat.

One gallon will cover 200-300 square feet if applied to a rough surface. But if you’re using it on a smooth surface, one gallon will cover 300-400 square feet.

You can use a nylon/ polyester brush, airless sprayer, or high-quality roller to apply the paint.

This premium paint is mildew resistant, so it’s perfect for areas prone to moisture.

This formula is resistant to fading, cracking, scratching, peeling, and weather damage, so you can rest assured knowing your paint job will last.

What We Liked Most

• It does not require priming
• You can use it on various surfaces
• It goes on exceptionally well and provides excellent coverage

What Could Be Improved

• It takes longer to dry

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5. Best spray Paint for Outdoor Wood Furniture – Rust-Oleum 249090-6 PK Painter’s Touch

If you are looking for paint that can give your surfaces a glossy finish, Rust-Oleum 249090-6 PK Painter’s Touch is a perfect choice.

You can use it on interior and outdoor wood furniture and other surfaces such as unglazed ceramic, plaster, metal, bare wood, plastic, and masonry.

This oil-based formula has a low odor, so it won’t produce an upsetting smell when using it. In addition, it is resistant to chips and offers long-lasting protection.

The oil finish dries in twenty short minutes, and one can cover up to 12 square feet. It conceals imperfections,  goes on smoothly, and offers a new glossy appearance even if the surface has seen better days. 

If you are looking for plastic outdoor furniture, it’s advisable to get paint specifically designed for plastic.

Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover spray paint will provide outstanding coverage to help you finish your project faster. It gives every surface a tough, aesthetically pleasing finish.

Thanks to the comfy spray tip and a wider finger pad, you won’t get fatigued from spray painting outdoor wood furniture for hours on end.

Its comfortable any angle spray effortlessly applies, leaving a rich, deep color that highlights the furniture’s natural grain.

What We Liked Most

• It dries faster
• It has superior coverage
• It has a comfort spray tip to reduce finger fatigue.

What Could Be Improved

• The valve might clog. If it happens, twist and pull off the tip and clean with mineral spirits.

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6. Best Multi-Surface Paint for Outdoor Furniture – FolkArt Outdoor Paint in Assorted Colors

Folkart multi-surface acrylic paint has a lovely satin finish when dry. These prestige paints are also suitable for indoor and outdoor projects when cured.

You can use wood, terra cotta, canvas, glass, fabric,  and ceramics. You can even use it on the top shelf of a dishwasher.

Clean-up is just a breeze with Folkart multi-surface acrylic paint. Simply use soap and water to clean up while still wet.

This colorful, multi-surface acrylic paint line is the ultimate addition to every art supply collection, thanks to its convenient size. This art and craft paint for wood is available in a 16 oz bottle.

It is ready to use on wood and metal furniture right out of the can, requiring no mixing and only minor surface preparation.

Because it adheres naturally to both matte and glossy surfaces, you don’t need pre-sanding or priming.

FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint comes in various beautiful colors ideal for crafters and decorative painters.

Each color in this collection of high-quality acrylic paints has caramel, smooth consistency, and excellent coverage.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, you will appreciate the flexibility of this acrylic paint as an aspect of your arts and crafts materials. 

With this excellent multi-surface acrylic paint, you can do everything from intricate detail work to stenciling to give your DIY projects a new look.

What We Liked Most

• You can use it on multiple surfaces.
• It’s affordable
• It’s beginner-friendly.

What Could Be Improved

• It’s not durable on a fountain and other water features.

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7. Best White Paint for Patio Furniture – Majic Paints 8-9400-2

If you are looking for exterior white paints that do not require sanding or priming, look no further, as Majic Paints 8-9400-2 could be your best option. This white paint is suitable for all your DIY projects.  

It works well when painting outdoor metal furniture, cabinets, doors, plastics, masonry, and copper.  It has excellent color retention than other exterior paints and dries to an elegant smooth satin finish.

The white paint is relatively easy to apply, and you do not have to break a sweat priming and sanding the surface to enhance paint adhesion. 

Contrary to chalk paint, which you can use on wood only, you can use  Majic Diamond Hard RePurpose paint on any interior or exterior surface, making it ideal for any project.

It has superior adhesion to almost any interior or exterior surface and a resilient, long-lasting finish.

The paint is a water-based formula that provides added security and convenience in a product that outperforms regular oil-based paints in most situations.

What We Liked Most

• It has excellent color retention
• It has superior adhesion
• You can use it on different items
• It’s easy to apply

What Could Be Improved

• It’s not ideal for areas prone to wetness

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8. Best Latex Based – Rust-Oleum 1990502

If you’re searching for the best outdoor furniture paint with a lot of flexibility, try Rust-Touch Oleum’s Painter’s latex-based paint.  This exterior latex paint option has numerous uses. That’s why it made it to our list of the best paint for outdoor furniture.

The Painter’s Touch features “double cover” technology, which means your finish will not be subjected to consistent wear, tear, and chipping.  You can use this latex paint on vinyl siding as it outlives most exterior paints.

This exterior latex paint gives outdoor structures a soft shine while replenishing worn-out surfaces. What’s even more spectacular about this formula is that it only requires one or two coats to get the job done.

It’s a low-odor formula that is safe and simple to clean with soap and water. You don’t need to sand it if you’re applying it to rough surfaces such as metals.

It’s a quick-drying formula, and you can repaint in 30 minutes after the first coat.

The latex paint formula has outstanding coverage of 120 sq ft and dries to the touch in thirty minutes, enabling you to complete projects quickly.

What We Liked Most

• You can use the formula on both interior and exterior surfaces.
• It dries fast so you can finish your work and move on to other things
• The formula has a simple application procedure.
• It is more durable than most of its counterparts in the market.

What Could Be Improved

• It’s not ideal for high foot traffic areas.

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9. Weatherproof paint for outdoor furniture – DecoArt DASK276 Patio Paint

You can use this product to create vibrant colors and patterns on any surface without risking the health of your children, pets, or anything else that might get in contact with it.

DecoArt has put together a kit that includes six different colors which are great for painting outdoor tables, chairs, glasses, umbrellas.

It’s also quick and straightforward to apply. Clean up with just soap and water is such a breeze with these paints. Sprout Green, Blue Bahama,  Geranium Red, Sunshine Yellow,  Petunia Purple, and Wrought Iron Black are the six colors included in the Patio Paint Sample Pack.

You can thin the colors to get the shade you want, even if you are not a pro. If you have taken up a hobby and you do not want to break your bank on paint, buying this product will be a good step in the right direction. 

The smaller bottles will be ideal for your project. The colors will dry authentic to the colors they were when wet.

They may darken a little bit, but you’ll be pleased with the results on your patio furniture, which will be precisely what you are hoping for. 

What We Liked Most

• You get gorgeous colors
• They dry up fast
• The paints are affordable
• The colors mix well

What Could Be Improved

• The paint will not work well on plastic. 

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Paint for Patio Furniture Comparison Table

Education: Tips for Painting Exterior/Outdoor Furniture

Whether you’re painting metal, patio furniture, or plastic, use the tips below to offer your DIY task a professional appearance.

Assess Your Furniture

Examine your furniture and determine if painting or sealing it is necessary in the first place.  You can repair an unsteady chair or scratches and dents.

But if a chair is rotten or a table’s plastic leg is broken, even the best paint for outdoor wood chairs won’t salvage the situation.

Read Also: Is Acacia Wood Good for Outdoors?

Ensure all the Rust is Gone if You are Working With Metal 

You can’t stain over rust. Get rid of rust first before applying the paint. Sand off the rust using an oscillating tool or sander if you do not want to use chemicals.

Select the Color of Exterior Paint

If you want to paint outdoor wood furniture, the possibilities are limitless. A straightforward way to pick a color for painting comfortable lawn chairs for elderly or tables is to choose something that complements the exterior of your home.

Use the color wheel technique if you’re uncertain about paint color combinations that could be ideal for your project:  Go for colors that are directly opposite each other.

Remove Peeling Paint

Remove loose paint when you are painting wood or metal. Use sandpaper and a little elbow grease for this job.

If you’re painting outdoor furniture with spray paint, you do not have to use an exterior primer. Traditional spray paints work magic when painting wicker and wood.  You can use spray paint on outdoor plastic furniture. 

Always use the proper tools to get superb results

Tiny brushes and paint rollers are preferable when painting any type of furniture. If your brush is caked with dried paint,  soak it in brush cleaner to bring it back to life.

For a tabletop, a paint roller might be your best option.

Consider the weather

You may require more weather protection from external elements when painting your outdoor furniture based on your location.

Some paints have a UV inhibitor for wood and are excellent at resisting moisture.

Note. Humidity will determine the drying time for some stains and paints. So, paint patio furniture when there’s no rain forecast for the next couple of days.

Consider using rust protection paint when painting metal. Staining is another alternative that makes furniture resistant to the elements.

Select a Finish

When you want to paint outdoor wood furniture, it doesn’t make a difference in the finish you use— be it gloss, satin, or eggshell.

However, use paint designed exclusively for wood to ensure that the paint bonds properly to the surface when painting your wooden items.

Related: Best black furniture paint

Use Canvas Drop Cloths or Painter’s Tape to Avoid Creating a Mess  

To avoid making a mess while painting, have all of your materials prepped before you begin. For example, remove all furniture or planters from the working area to avoid paint splatters.

Use canvas drop cloths to protect the patio, deck, or garage floor from paint. You can also use painter’s tape to seal off any surface you do not want stained or painted.

Determine the Coats of Paint you Should Use

There are no complex rules. It depends on your preferences.  But the basic rule is to apply two coats of paint. 

This rule, however, varies depending on the color, the quality of the paint, whether or not the primer was used, and the type of surface you are working on.

Apply thin coats as they’ll dry faster and let you apply another coat stress-free. If you’re working on a wood surface, follow the direction of the wood grain.

How to Paint Outdoor Wood Furniture

Depending on the state of your furniture and the type of paint you have chosen, there are several things that you must consider before painting patio furniture.

Materials and supplies 

Some of the materials and supplies you need to paint outdoor wood furniture include;

• High-quality exterior/outdoor furniture paint.
• Zinsser oil-based primer.
• White water-based primer.
• Exterior semi-gloss paint.
• Exterior polyurethane in semi-gloss.
• Water, soap, and scrub brush.
• Rags for cleaning.
• Paintbrush.
• Paint scraper.
• Belt sander.
• Fine-grit sanding sponge
• Sandpaper, scrapper.
• Disposable chip brush and paintbrushes.
• Powerwasher.
• Paint sprayer (Here is my favorite paint spray gun for furniture painting)
• A cloth or cardboard to protect your floor.

A Step-by-Step Procedure on Painting Outdoor Wood Furniture

Step 1: Preparation

Depending on the state of your furniture; new wood, painted surfaces, or old worn-out outdoor furniture – begin by preparing all the materials and supplies you will need for painting.

Choose a well-ventilated area, preferably an outdoor working space. Cover your floor with cardboard or cloth.

Wear your protective gear.

Step 2: Clean the Furniture

Give it a good cleaning for old outdoor furniture to get all the dust, dirt, and smudge out. For best results, use soap and water and a scrub brush to clean the entire piece of furniture and remove brush marks. Sanding dust enhances paint adhesion.

A power washer might come in handy at this point.

Strip away any existing paint and stains from your outdoor furniture. Use a paint scraper to remove loose paint. For a large piece of furniture, use a belt sander. 

Do not sand too intensely so as not to damage your furniture. Instead, use a fine-grit sanding sponge to sand around decoratively curved areas by hand.

If you choose a chemical stripping agent, use a paintbrush to apply the remover evenly on the surface. Give it 20-30 minutes but do not let it dry. Then, use a scraper to strip off the old paint. Be careful not to destroy the surface of the furniture. Leave the furniture to dry altogether.

Step 3: Fix and Make Basic Repairs

Take your time to fix and tighten any exposed screws. You can use wood putty to cover any dents, scratches, or holes on the wood furniture.

Step 4: Sand

Use medium or low grit sandpaper to clean any residue finish on the wood furniture. In addition, sanding will help you smooth out any imperfections on your wood. 

Sand in the direction of the wood grains.  A sanding sponge will give your furniture light sand and remove any old finish—sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid swirl marks.

Use a tuck cloth to remove sand residue from the furniture.

Step 5: Prime

Follow these two steps to apply a primer. First, apply a single coat of Zinsser oil-based primer using a disposable chip brush. Priming blocks old stains from sipping through. Second, apply two coats of white water-based primer.

Read more: Kilz vs Zinseer Primer Comparison

Remember to sand in the direction of the wood grain, with a fine sanding block between coats. Always use a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

Give the primer the recommended time in the instructions for it to dry.

Step 6: Apply your exterior wood furniture paint

Apply paint from the underside of the furniture first. Then, flip it over to paint the top side. 

Apply two coats of paint on the furniture. Be sure to follow the recommended drying time between your base coat and your topcoat.

Step 7: Final Finish

Apply two coats of semi-gloss exterior polyurethane as your protective coat. Sand lightly with a sanding sponge between coats. This technique works for metal furniture as well.

Now that you know how to paint outdoor wooden furniture, let’s look at how to pick the perfect exterior or garden furniture paint.

Best Paint for Outdoor Furniture: Factors to Consider

paint types for wood

Freshening up the exterior of your home with a new coat of paint can be a costly and time-consuming proposition.

And when it comes to outdoor furniture too, you want to make sure that you select the right paint types for the wood so that longevity is guaranteed as much as possible. Here’s how to pick out Outdoor Furniture Paint that will serve your needs perfectly.

Budget

When you go to the market to buy stain for your project, always ensure you stick to your financial plan. Go for a paint that is within your budget.

Compare your budget and the price of the formula that you need. Then, choose the best within your price range. Budgeting helps you avoid overspending on unnecessary stuff, which might hurt your finances.

Coverage

Another critical factor to consider before buying a formula is the size of the surface that you intend to paint. Consider the coverage area of the formula and the number of coats needed to cover the surface.

Large surfaces require paint with a wide coverage area. This information will help you get enough color to cover your desired surface fully.

Color

When choosing a color for your exterior structure, your preference will dominate. However, you must choose a paint color that complements and coordinates with your home and landscape.

“Patio or garden furniture paint colors are sensitive. Colors give the first impression and measure your creativity,” says Rhys Charles, founder of Lawnmower and Tractors.

For exterior structures that receive direct sunlight, always choose a lighter color that reflects excess heat to prevent the systems from overheating.

For gold paint lovers, if you’re working with light-colored wood, you’ll want to choose metallic paint on furniture with a yellow undertone. This will help brighten the room and make it feel more expansive. For darker woods, choose a gold paint with an orange or red undertone.

VOCs

Volatile organic compounds in paints contain harmful toxins affecting humans, plants, animals, and aquatic life. Therefore, using such products will have serious health effects on you and other forms of life.

If you are looking forward to painting your outdoor wood structure, we recommend a low or Zero VOC formula. Such formulas are not only safe for you but also for the environment.

This means you should restrict outdoor paints for their use outside in case you’re concerned can you use weather shield paint indoors. Opt for interior paints that are explicitly formulated for indoor applications.

Drying time

Before buying any particular type of stain, carefully examine how long it takes to dry. Fast-drying paints are always the best.

If you intend to work on a short timeline, you should consider buying a fast-drying formula to allow you to finish your job faster. In addition, applying a second or extra coat is easy with a fast-drying formula.

Weather changes are highly unpredictable. Working with fast-drying paints reduces the risk of your color getting washed away by water if it rains unexpectedly.

Paints with fast drying time are always the best for outdoor projects.

Ease of application

Different paints have different methods of application. When painting outdoor wood furniture, consider a formula that has a flexible application method. Don’t buy a formula that’s not easy to use, especially if you’re a beginner.

We recommend buying products that are easy to apply and comfortable. If the product is easy to use, most likely, you will get the application right, hence a better outcome.

Resistance to the environment

Extreme environmental elements like rain and sunlight can significantly interfere with your outdoor wood surface quality.

For example, exposing your painted wood structure to elements like Water causes rotting. On the other hand, sunlight causes peeling, fading, and discoloration on your painted wood structure.

Before buying the best paint for outdoor rockers, tables, or chairs, ensure it provides enhanced protection against environmental elements.

Exterior Wood furniture Paint FAQs

Can I just paint over old paint?

No. Applying a new paint over the existing stain will ultimately peel off. Prep your wood surface first by Striping off the old color before applying fresh paint for best results.

Can I use spray paint on wood?

Yes. You can use spray paint on wood. Spray paint dries fast and is easy to apply. In addition, spray paint gives you a smooth and uniform finish.

Do you have to prime outdoor wood before painting?

Yes. You need to apply a primer before painting unfinished and bare exterior wood surfaces. A primer prevents the wood from soaking in stain by sealing the surface. It also provides a smooth surface for the final coat.

Does outdoor paint protect the wood and make it waterproof?

Yes. Exterior wood paints are well formulated to repel water. As a result, they create a stronger and more durable finish. Acrylic and water-based paints, for example, are long-lasting and resistant to extreme weather elements. The best paint to waterproof wood should provide a strong barrier against moisture, prevent mildew and mold growth, and resist fading and cracking.

How do you prepare exterior wood for painting?

First, you clean up the untreated wood furniture with water or a stripping agent. Let it dry. Fix up and do basic repairs. Next, sand the structure to prepare it for painting. Apply Kilz or Zinser primer, then paint it. What if the surface is already looking great with primer? Can I apply paint over Kilz? Find out here.

What kind of paint to use on outdoor wood furniture?

Water-based paint is the best overall choice. Oil-based paint protects against wear and tear. Acrylic paint is long-lasting, flexible, resistant to fading, and offers protection against elements.

You can find the paints from any local hardware store near you.

Is paint or stain better for exterior wood?

Paint lasts longer and provides the best protection for wood furniture but covers and hides the beauty of the wood. Stain protects and maintains the beauty of the wood, providing a natural look of wood.

What Paint to use on Outdoor Wood?

Aside from decoration, painting does a lot for your wood and other types of surfaces. These formulas shield the surface from damage caused by water and sunlight.

So, if you’re looking for color for your exterior structure, ensure you only buy the best products. KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint is our overall favorite and the best paint for outdoor wood furniture.

The formula provides comprehensive benefits such as protection, beauty, and ease of application to your surfaces.