Type of Paint

• Most paints are designed to color surfaces with pores or grain, like wood or drywall. However, the plastic resin chairs have neither of those features, and their smooth surfaces will reject most paints. With no spaces into which it can absorb, the paint just sits on the surface and transfers onto the next object that comes along: your hand, your pants or whatever comes into contact with the chair. For this project, you need to use a plastic-specific paint. Krylon, a spray paint company, produces one made for plastic; other companies such as 3M also produce resin paints. Review the label to ensure the product specifies that it works for use on plastic or resin.
  
  

Preparation

• The first step to a good paint project is to clean the resin surface. Any dirt, dust or stains on the resin chair will show through the paint layers. Use a solvent-based cleaner like ammonia or mineral spirits to clean the surface. If the chair is new and has not gone under any wear and tear, rub the chair down with paint thinner as well to roughen the surface a bit for better acceptance of the paint. If you want, you can lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, which may help the paint a little, but it won't have the same level of effect as sanding wood before painting.
  
  

Procedure

• If you are using spray paint, shake it well for at least two minutes to fully prepare the product. Brush-applied paints often require stirring in a similar fashion. Apply a thin layer of paint; multiple thin layers are better than a single thick layer because the thin layers will dry more uniformly and create a flatter appearance. Let one coat dry before applying the next, and keep applying coats until the project is complete. The number of coats you need will vary by your paint product as well as your desired color; the more coats you apply, the darker the color.
  
  

Safety

• Always clean and paint resin chairs outdoors or in a well-ventilated area like a garage. The fumes produced by ammonia, paint thinner and the paint itself can cause irritation or illness if inhaled directly for too long. Use masking tape, drop cloths or protective plastic sheeting to cover surrounding areas to avoid over-spray or drips from the paint decorating areas you don't want to paint. Follow specific product instructions regarding drying time so that you know when it is safe to handle the chairs.