A picnic table holds the promise of outdoor meals with family and friends during the warm weather months. It adds beauty to your backyard garden or lawn. Unfortunately, an uncoated or unpainted picnic table will eventually decay from constant exposure to sunlight, rainfall, and other elements. Therefore, you must decide what color to paint or stain your picnic table.
So, what color should the picnic table be? Some people might opt for a classic wood picnic table, while others might choose a brightly colored one. There are pros and cons to both choices. A wooden picnic table is more traditional and may better match the aesthetic of your backyard or garden. However, it will require more maintenance than a brightly colored one. A brightly colored picnic table is easier to maintain, but it may not always match the rest of your backyard furniture.
This blog post discusses everything you need to know about what color to paint or stain your picnic table! Read on to learn more.
Why Is It Important to Paint Your Picnic Table?
Your picnic table is constantly exposed to different weather elements, which can take a toll on its appearance. You can help protect your picnic table from the sun, rain, and other destructive elements by painting or staining it. This will help it last longer, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Furthermore, a coat of paint or stain can also help improve the look of your picnic table. A fresh coat of paint or stain can give it new life if you have an old, weathered picnic table. You can even use paint or stain to change the color of your picnic table if you want to refresh your backyard décor.
Remember that you will need a good-looking picnic table every time you have guests over for an outdoor meal. Therefore, it’s essential to take the time to choose the right color for your needs. The following sections will discuss how to choose the best color for your picnic table.
What Are Picnic Table Color Your Options?
When it comes to choosing a color for your picnic table, you have several options. You can choose a classic wood stain, brightly colored paint, or even go for a two-tone effect. Each option has pros and cons, discussed in more detail below.
1. Classic Wood Stain
A classic wood stain is a good choice if you want a more traditional look for your picnic table. It can also help complement the look of your other backyard furniture.
However, remember that a wood stain will require more maintenance than paint. You will need to reapply it every few years to keep your picnic table looking its best.
2. Brightly Colored Paint
A brightly colored paint can give your picnic table a fun and festive look. It’s also a good choice if you want an easy-to-maintain picnic table.
However, brightly colored paint may not always match the rest of your backyard furniture. If you choose this option, be sure to pick a color that complements the other pieces in your backyard.
3. Semi-transparent Stain
If left untreated, the powerful ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause natural wood to lose its natural color, turn gray and start displaying unpleasant cracks.
If you don’t act as soon as you notice the first signs of wear, you’ll soon find yourself needing to replace the entire picnic table.
A semi-transparent stain will help protect your picnic table from the harmful effects of the sun while still allowing the wood’s natural grain and beauty to shine through.
Furthermore, a lightly pigmented exterior wood stain will play a critical role in enhancing your wood table’s true color while shielding the UV rays from causing further damage.
A semi-transparent won’t obscure a wooden picnic table’s natural texture and grain and are available in many wood-tone hues that blend perfectly with any outdoor environment.
In fact, a good-quality semi-transparent stain can last up to three years without re-staining.
4. Two-Tone Effect
A two-tone effect can add interest and style to your picnic table. To achieve this look, you will need to paint the top of your picnic table one color and the bottom another. This is a good choice if you want a unique look for your backyard décor.
With this type of finish, you must be careful when choosing your colors. Make sure the colors you choose complement each other and match the rest of your backyard furniture.
5. Clear Sealants
A clear sealant can help protect your picnic table from harsh elements while allowing the natural beauty to shine through the wood. This is a good choice if you want an easy-to-maintain picnic table.
But keep in mind that a clear sealant will need to be reapplied every few years to keep your picnic table looking its best.
What Are the Best Picnic Table Colors?
The best color for your picnic table depends on your personal preferences and the look you want to achieve.
A classic wood stain is a good choice if you want a more traditional look. For something more fun and festive, go for brightly colored paint. If you want a unique look, try a two-tone effect. And for easy maintenance, choose a clear sealant.
The primary factor you need to consider in your choice of colors is how the hue will work with your surrounding environment.
If you have a lot of other brightly colored furniture in your backyard, brightly colored paint may not be the best choice. Likewise, if you want your picnic table to stand out from the rest of your backyard décor, a two-tone effect may be what you need.
Take time to evaluate your options and choose the color that will best complement your backyard décor. With a little bit of planning, you can find the perfect color for your picnic table.
Staining vs Painting: Which One Should You Do?
Sometimes, choosing between staining and painting your picnic table can be tough. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide which one is right for you, here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each:
Staining
If you want to protect your picnic table from the harmful effects of the sun, staining is the better option. A good-quality semi-transparent stain can last for up to three years without the need to re-stain.
Below are some pros and cons of staining your picnic table instead of painting.
Pros:
- Allows the wood’s natural beauty to shine through
- Protects the wood from the harmful effects of the sun
- It does not require as much maintenance as painting
Cons:
- It may need to be re-stained every few years
- It does not offer as much protection from tough weather elements as painting
Painting
Painting is the better option if you want to achieve a more unique look for your picnic table. With painting, you have a wide range of colors to choose from.
You can also create a two-tone effect by painting the top and bottom of your picnic table different colors.
Below are some pros and cons of painting your picnic table instead of staining.
Pros
- A wide range of colors to choose from
- Can create a unique two-tone effect
- Offers more protection from outdoor elements than staining
Cons
- May require more maintenance than staining.
- The paint may chip or fade over time.
Which Option Should You Choose?
The best way to decide between staining and painting your picnic table is to consider your personal preferences and the look you want to achieve.
Staining is the better option if you want an easy-to-maintain picnic table that still looks good.
Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to evaluate your options and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Can I Paint My Picnic Table Myself?
Fortunately, painting a picnic table is not a difficult task. With a little bit of time and effort, you can achieve professional results.
If you are planning to paint your picnic table yourself, below are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Choose the right type of paint
When painting a picnic table, it is essential to use high-quality exterior paint. This type of paint is specifically designed to withstand the elements and will not fade or chip as easily as regular interior paint.
2. Prepare the surface
Before painting your picnic table, it is essential to clean and sand the surface. This will help the paint adhere better and give you a smooth, even finish.
3. Use painter’s tape
To avoid paint drips and smudges, it is crucial to use painter’s tape around the edges of your picnic table. This will help to create clean, sharp lines.
4. Apply multiple coats
For best results, it is important to apply multiple coats of paint. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat.
5. Choose the right type of brush
When painting a picnic table, it is best to use a synthetic bristle brush. These types of brushes are specifically designed for use with exterior paint and will not shed bristles like natural bristle brushes.
Conclusion
Whether you stain or paint your picnic table, choosing the right colour is essential. We’ve outlined some of the best options for you, but feel free to get creative with your own color combinations.
If you decide to take on this project yourself, be sure to follow our tips for painting a picnic table so that you achieve a beautiful and long-lasting finish.
Last update on 2023-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
