Best Paint for Picnic Table: Top Options for Long-Lasting Results

Picnic tables are a staple of outdoor gatherings, whether it’s a family barbecue, a summer party, or a day at the park. They’re durable, versatile, and perfect for enjoying a meal or playing games with friends and family.

However, constant exposure to the elements can be tough on picnic tables, causing them to fade, crack, and peel over time. That’s where the right paint comes in.

In the following sections, we’ll break down our top picks and what makes them stand out, so you can choose the perfect paint for your picnic table and enjoy it for years to come.

Best Paints for Picnic Tables

If you’re looking to give your old picnic table a fresh new look, you’ll need the right paint that can withstand the elements and foot traffic.

We’ve researched and tested the best paints available in the market that will not only provide a vibrant finish but also protect your picnic table from fading, peeling, and chipping. Here are our top picks for the best paints for picnic tables.

Best Long-Lasting: Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Brush Paint

If you’re looking for a versatile paint that can be used on a variety of surfaces, Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Brush Enamel Paint is a great option. It provides a smooth, durable finish on both interior and exterior items, and resists chipping and fading.

Key Features

• Versatile paint suitable for wood, metal, plaster, masonry, and unglazed ceramic surfaces
• Provides a smooth and durable finish
• Resists chipping and fading
• Water-based acrylic formula with low odor
• Long-lasting protection
• Covers up to 120 sq ft
• Dries to touch in just 30 minutes
• Gloss finish for a fresh new look
• Easy to apply, goes on smoothly
• Excellent hide
• Convenient container size

Pros

• The water-based acrylic formula is low odor and provides long-lasting protection.
• The paint covers up to 120 sq ft and dries to touch in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick projects.
• The gloss finish provides a fresh new look for surfaces, goes on smoothly, and provides excellent hide.

Cons

• Prior to application, surfaces need to be sanded with 180/200 grit sandpaper, washed with a degreaser, and allowed to dry.
• While the durability is decent, touch-ups may be necessary yearly for outdoor use.
• The price may be a little high for the quality, but the size of the container is convenient.

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Brush Enamel Paint is perfect for those looking for a versatile, easy-to-use paint. Whether you’re painting wood, metal, plaster, masonry, or unglazed ceramic, this paint will provide a smooth, durable finish that resists chipping and fading.

In addition to its versatility, the water-based acrylic formula is low odor and provides long-lasting protection. Plus, the paint covers up to 120 sq ft and dries to the touch in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick projects.

The gloss finish provides a fresh new look for surfaces, goes on smoothly, and provides excellent hide.

While the durability is decent, touch-ups may be necessary yearly for outdoor use. Prior to application, surfaces need to be sanded with 180/200 grit sandpaper, washed with a degreaser, and allowed to dry.

The price may be a little high for the quality, but the size of the container is convenient. Overall, Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Brush Enamel Paint is a great option for those looking for versatile, easy-to-use paint.

Best Durable: Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint

If you’re looking for a durable paint to refinish and protect your outdoor hardwood furniture, Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint is a great choice. Its water-based formula is 4X thicker than other outdoor furniture paints, providing deeper color and solid hide, and it dries to the touch in just 2-4 hours.

Key Features

• Durable paint for outdoor hardwood furniture
• Provides unparalleled protection and appearance
• Extra thick water-based formula for deeper color and solid hide
• Dries to the touch in just 2-4 hours
• Extends the life of wood in harsh environments
• Ideal for refinishing and protecting exterior wood
• Easy to use
• Protects against weathering

Pros

• Provides unparalleled protection and appearance
• Extra durable paint extends the life of wood in harsh environments
• Perfect for refinishing and protecting exterior wood such as picnic tables, chairs, swing sets, and more

Cons

• Not recommended for use on composite decking, concrete, fiberglass, tile, or metal surfaces
• Only covers approximately 20 sq. ft. per quart – two coats recommended
• Limited color options – only available in Colonial Red

Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint is an innovative exterior wood coating that is ideal for keeping your outdoor furniture looking its best despite being exposed to the elements.

It’s easy to use and provides superior protection against weathering, ensuring that your furniture lasts for years to come.

This paint is perfect for refinishing and protecting exterior wood such as picnic tables, chairs, swing sets, and more. Its water-based formula is 4X thicker than other outdoor furniture paints, providing deeper color and solid hide, and it dries to the touch in just 2-4 hours.

With its extra durable paint, it extends the life of wood in the harshest environments and protects it from weathering.

However, it’s important to note that this paint should not be used on composite decking, concrete, fiberglass, tile, or metal surfaces. Additionally, it only covers approximately 20 sq. ft. per quart, so two coats are recommended for optimal coverage.

Lastly, it’s only available in Colonial Red, so if you’re looking for a different color, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Overall, if you’re looking for durable paint to refinish and protect your outdoor hardwood furniture, Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint is a great choice.

Best water-Based: Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint

If you’re looking for paint that can withstand harsh outdoor environments and keep your furniture looking great, Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint is worth considering.

Key Features

• Durable paint for outdoor wood furniture
• Provides unparalleled protection and appearance
• The water-based formula is 4X thicker than other outdoor furniture paint
• Deeper color and solid hide
• Extends the life of wood in harsh environments
• Protects from weathering
• Dries to the touch in 2-4 hours
• Suitable for refinishing and protecting picnic tables, chairs, swing sets, and more
• Covers approximately 20 sq. ft. per quart (two coats recommended)

Pros

• Provides unparalleled protection and appearance.
• The water-based formula is 4X thicker than other outdoor furniture paint to provide deeper color and solid hide.
• Extra durable paint extends the life of wood in the harshest environments and protects it from weathering.

Cons

• The paint is very thick and not easy to stir.
• It is too thick and left brush marks.
• The quality of the paint was not good to work with.

Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint is perfect for refinishing and protecting exterior wood such as picnic tables, chairs, swing sets, and more. It has a water-based formula that is 4X thicker than other outdoor furniture paint to provide deeper color and solid hide.

The extra durable paint extends the life of wood in the harshest environments and protects from weathering. It dries to the touch in 2-4 hours and covers approximately 20 sq. ft. per quart – two coats recommended.

However, the paint is very thick and not easy to stir, which makes it difficult to work with. It is too thick and left brush marks. The quality of the paint was not good to work with.

Despite these issues, if you’re looking for paint that can withstand harsh outdoor environments and keep your furniture looking great, Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint is worth considering.

Best Quality: Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint

If you’re looking for paint that can protect your outdoor furniture from the elements, then Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint by Rust-Oleum is a great choice.

Key Features

• Provides unparalleled protection and appearance
• Waterproofs and extends the life of wood in harsh environments
• Water-based formula that is 4X thicker than other outdoor furniture paint
• Deeper color and solid hide
• Dries to the touch in 2-4 hours
• Covers approximately 20 sq. ft. per quart
• Suitable for refinishing and protecting exterior wood
• Versatile and can be used on picnic tables, chairs, swing sets, and more

Pros

• Provides unparalleled protection and appearance
• Waterproofs and extends the life of wood in the harshest environments
• Dries to the touch in 2-4 hours and covers approximately 20 sq. ft. per quart

Cons

• Not suitable for use on composite decking, concrete, fiberglass, tile, or metal surfaces
• Only available in Colonial Red color
• May require two coats for the best results

This water-based formula is 4X thicker than other outdoor furniture paint, providing deeper color and solid hide. The extra durable paint extends the life of wood in the harshest environments and protects it from weathering.

Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint is perfect for refinishing and protecting exterior wood such as picnic tables, chairs, swing sets, and more. It can be used with any outdoor hardwood item to waterproof it and extend its life.

In conclusion, if you want paint that can protect your outdoor furniture from the elements, then Wolman Outdoor Furniture Paint is a great choice.

Best Overall: Rust-Oleum Milk Paint Finish

Rust-Oleum Milk Paint Finish is a versatile paint that highlights the beauty of furniture and décor pieces. It requires minimal prep and no top coat, making it easy to use for upcycling projects.

Key Features

• Versatile paint for highlighting the beauty of furniture and décor
• Creates a unique brushed effect to accent details
• Requires minimal prep and no top coat
• Low VOC and low odor formula
• Easy to clean with soap and water
• Durable paint with excellent adhesion
• One-step buildable coating
• Lightly textured matte finish
• Can be layered for a custom look

Pros

• Creates a unique brushed effect to accent details on furniture and décor.
• Low VOC, low odor formula cleans easily with soap and water.
• Durable paint features excellent adhesion in a one-step buildable coating.

Cons

• May require multiple coats or layering to achieve desired texture.
• A matte finish may not be suitable for all surfaces.
• Color may appear differently than expected in certain lighting.

Rust-Oleum Milk Paint Finish is perfect for those looking to upcycle furniture and décor pieces with a unique brushed effect. Its low VOC, low odor formula makes it easy to use and clean up.

The durable paint features excellent adhesion in a one-step buildable coating, making it easy to finish new, vintage, or antique items.

The lightly textured matte finish can be layered with different techniques for a custom look. However, it may require multiple coats or layering to achieve the desired texture. The matte finish may not be suitable for all surfaces, and the color may appear differently than expected in certain lighting.

Overall, Rust-Oleum Milk Paint Finish is a great option for those looking to upcycle furniture and décor pieces with a unique brushed effect.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best paint for your picnic table, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some features to look for and how to choose the right product:

Durability

The paint you choose should be durable and able to withstand outdoor elements such as rain, sun, and wind. Look for a paint that is specifically designed for outdoor use and has a high resistance to fading, chipping, and cracking.

Coverage

Coverage is an important factor to consider when choosing a paint for your picnic table. Look for a paint that offers good coverage with fewer coats. This will save you time and effort in the long run.

Color

Choose a color that complements your outdoor decor and style. Neutral colors such as brown, gray, or black are popular choices for picnic tables as they blend well with natural surroundings.

Finish

The finish of the paint can also play a role in its durability and appearance. Choose a paint with a gloss or semi-gloss finish for added protection against the elements and a sleek, polished look.

Application

Consider the ease of application when choosing a paint for your picnic table. Look for a paint that is easy to apply with a brush, roller, or spray gun, depending on your preference and skill level.

Cost

Finally, consider the cost of the paint. While it may be tempting to choose a cheaper option, investing in a high-quality paint will save you money in the long run by lasting longer and requiring fewer touch-ups.

In summary, when choosing the best paint for your picnic table, look for a durable, high-coverage, complementary color with a gloss or semi-gloss finish that is easy to apply and within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best finish for an outdoor picnic table?

The best finish for an outdoor picnic table is one that provides protection against the elements. Polyurethane or marine varnish is a good option as they are durable and can withstand exposure to UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes.

Can you paint a picnic table?

Yes, you can paint a picnic table. However, it is important to use paint that is specifically formulated for outdoor use. Look for paint that is weather-resistant and can withstand exposure to the elements.

How do you weatherproof a wooden picnic table?

To weatherproof a wooden picnic table, you can use a sealant or a weather-resistant finish. A sealant will help to protect the wood from moisture and prevent it from rotting. A weather-resistant finish, such as polyurethane or marine varnish, will provide a protective layer against UV rays and temperature changes.

What to do with an old picnic table?

If you have an old picnic table that is no longer in use, you can repurpose it in a number of ways. You can use it as a workbench in your garage or workshop, or turn it into a potting bench for your garden. Alternatively, you can donate it to a local community garden or school.

Is there a food-safe stain for picnic tables?

Yes, there are food-safe stains available for picnic tables. Look for stains that are specifically formulated for use on surfaces that come into contact with food, such as cutting boards and kitchen countertops.

Can you spray paint a picnic table?

Yes, you can spray-paint a picnic table. However, it is important to use paint that is specifically formulated for outdoor use. Look for paint that is weather-resistant and can withstand exposure to the elements. It is also recommended to use a primer before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly to the surface.