How to Paint Patio Cushions & Refresh Outdoor Furniture for Summer

Summer is the perfect season to breathe new life into tired patio furniture. In this blog post, Leah Cook of Sandpaper and Wax Design takes us on a sunny journey from drab to dreamy—transforming secondhand wicker chairs and faded fabric cushions into a Palm Beach-inspired paradise using Amy Howard at Home products.

Whether you're working with sun-bleached upholstery or outdated wicker pieces, this tutorial will show you how to revive them with style and durability in mind.

Give Your Cushions a Second Life

Upholstery can be costly, but if your outdoor furniture still has good bones, there’s no need to send it to the landfill. Leah’s transformation begins with a Habitat for Humanity find—a well-loved chair that needed serious TLC. Her solution? Painting the fabric with a specially mixed formula designed for performance and longevity.

Products You'll Need:

• Clean Slate

• Miracle Paint (Palmer Pink)

• One Step Paint (Credenza) 

• One Step Paint (Weybridge White)

• Hog Hair Brush 

• Chip Brush

Step 1: Prep Your Furniture and Fabric

Before painting, it's important to start with a clean surface.

For Wicker or Rattan Furniture:

1. Clean thoroughly with Clean Slate to remove all dirt, oils, and residue.

2. Let it dry completely before painting.

For Fabric Cushions:

1. Remove the cushion covers (if possible) and wash them to eliminate oils or stains.

2. Let them dry thoroughly.

3. Lightly mist the fabric with water using a spray bottle before applying any paint. This helps the mixture absorb evenly.

Step 2: Paint Your Wicker Furniture

Leah used One Hour Enamel in:

• 🟢 Credenza – a gorgeous blue-green shade

• ⚪ Weybridge White – a soft, clean white

To apply:

1. Thin the enamel paint for spraying: use 4 oz of water per quart.

2. Use a paint sprayer to apply 2–3 thin coats. Let each coat dry thoroughly.

3. Touch up hard-to-reach areas with a small artist brush.

💡 Tip: One Hour Enamel provides a strong, weather-resistant finish perfect for outdoor use.

Step 3: Mix the Paint for Fabric

Leah’s magic mixture creates a soft, flexible fabric finish that won’t crack.

In a container, mix:

• 2 parts One Step Paint

• 1 part fabric softener (preferably free & clear)

• 1 part water

Stir well. The mixture will thicken slightly—this is normal! Let it sit for a minute to settle before painting.

Step 4: Apply Paint to Cushions

1. Use a synthetic brush to apply the paint mixture to the fabric.

2. Use cross-hatch strokes (side-to-side, then top-to-bottom) for even coverage.

3. Apply thin coats to avoid stiffness. Let each coat dry 6–8 hours before adding another.

4. Optional: After the first coat, lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the texture, then remove dust with a tack cloth.

💡 Tip: For light paint colors over dark or patterned fabrics, you may need 2–3 coats for full coverage.

Step 5: Add Pattern or Design (Optional)

For a custom look, Leah used cabana stripes and suggested fun options like:

• Painter's tape for crisp lines

• Amy Howard Mesh Stencils

• Gel Art Ink for bold, lasting designs

Let your base coat dry completely before taping or stenciling to avoid peeling or smudging.

Step 6: Seal the Fabric

To protect your painted cushions:

1. Use Amy Howard’s Mind Your Own Beeswax and a round brush to apply a light coat.

2. Once tacky, buff gently with a cloth.

This creates a stain-resistant, water-repellent finish—perfect for family use and outdoor exposure.

Final Reveal: Palm Beach Style on a Budget

Leah’s transformed pieces—once bound for the trash—are now elegant, custom additions to her patio. The result? A high-end look with a fraction of the cost.

Whether you're updating faded cushions, painting thrifted wicker, or adding a pattern to plain outdoor pillows, this technique is an easy, eco-friendly way to refresh your space.