It’s starting to get extra sunny during your outdoor morning coffee sits. This means it’s time to bust out the patio umbrella from your garage.
After taking it out, it doesn’t seem as vibrant as it used to be since its last use.
Whether it’s from years of sun exposure or accumulated dust, your patio umbrella could use a much-needed touch-up.
Luckily, all it takes is a clean-up and spray paint application to get the job done. Stick around to learn more about what to do with your faded patio umbrella.
Why Is Your Patio Umbrella Fading?
Your patio umbrella has been baking in the sun for hours on end. Excessive sunlight exposure can cause its color to gradually fade, especially if it’s a dark shade.
Sunlight breaks down your umbrella’s dye molecules. If you also iron the material, it can cause it to fade faster.
Can You Paint a Patio Umbrella?
If your patio umbrella is starting to look a little drab and lifeless, you can paint it to restore its former vibrant shade.
Paint manufacturers have created a formula specialized for patio umbrellas that’ll keep you from having to buy a new canopy.
One of the best methods you can use is spray painting the fabric. It offers a clean and UV-resistant finish.
How Do You Spray Paint a Patio Umbrella?
Spray painting your patio umbrella is the best way to bring it back to life. Fortunately, the method is simple, and you won’t need much professional help. Here’s how to start.
Step 1: Take Out the Umbrella Fabric
Firstly, you want to wait for a day that’s not too sunny or rainy. Slightly cloudy weather is ideal so the paint doesn’t become chalky from the excess heat.
After picking the right day, dismantle the umbrella’s canopy by unscrewing the finial. Then, remove the fabric from its pockets.
Lay out a large tarp across your lawn where your umbrella’s fabric will be spread.
Step 2: Clean the Material
Once your fabric is laid out, vacuum it to get rid of loose dirt and debris. Afterward, wet it with your garden hose and prepare a soap and water cleaning solution.
Next, scrub the material thoroughly using a soft-bristled brush, focusing on the stained regions.
Leave the soap and water to soak for about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing the entire fabric with your hose. Ensure all the soap is washed off so the fabric doesn’t attract more dirt.
Finally, allow the patio umbrella to air dry fully.
Step 3: Cover the Ribs
After washing the umbrella fabric, stretch it out into its trims. This will ensure that you get an even layer when you spray paint.
Plus, you’ll be able to paint the underside and the top without having to wait for each to dry to move on to the next.
Besides that, grab a roll of painter’s tape and cover any plastic fittings, wooden ribs, or other parts you don’t want accidentally spray-painted in the process. It’ll help you get a clean finish.
Step 4: Apply a Paint Layer
You’ve got your spray paint and canvas ready, but before you shake that can, you’ll want to apply a primer.
The oil-based spray will make your paint adhere better to the canopy surface. Once that’s over, get your can and start spraying from the top or vent area.
Divide the umbrella into two square feet sections to get an even layer across the canopy. Rather than start from the vent and make your way to the edges, you can go from left to right.
Choose whichever is easier, considering you’ll be on a stepladder to reach this portion.
Keep the spray paint about 10 to 12 inches from your patio umbrella. Move steadily, and don’t stay in one section for too long.
Move onto the underside after finishing the top part of the umbrella. Don’t fret over patchy mistakes during the first layer.
Step 5: Apply a Second Layer
The second spray paint layer will usually cover any missed parts and even out your patches. Make sure the paint initially dries before starting on the second layer.
This could take anywhere between an hour or two, depending on your environment’s humidity levels.
Spray the second layer using a similar technique to the first. Keep your strokes even. Lastly, allow the final layer to dry for around 24 hours.
Step 6: Spray a Protectant
The final layer is set, but you might not yet be satisfied with its finish. Consequently, you can apply a third layer and leave it to dry for another day.
Once all the paint layers are dry, grab a spray fabric protectant. It’ll provide an effective barrier against future fading. Plus, you can look for the waterproofing variety for extra protection.
Step 7: Reassemble the Patio Umbrella
Your patio umbrella should be dry to the touch before reassembling. Remove the painter’s tape and connect the canopy back to its frame and original shape.
Can You Create Artwork on Your Patio Umbrella?
You’ve spray-painted your patio umbrella, reassembled it, and placed it back in your outdoor space. Upon a second glance, you might feel like it could use an extra bold element.
This is where your next DIY project comes in. You can customize your patio umbrella with various designs and shapes. It’ll be especially easy if you’re not too shabby with free-hand work.
If you want to add a beachy feel to your earthy or pastel-toned umbrella, I suggest adding a couple of stripes along the edges.
To do so, lay out your umbrella once more. Keep it fitted to its wooden or metal ribs so it’s easier to draw the lines.
Next, grab a paintbrush with white fabric dye paint. Create two smooth lines across the umbrella’s circumference.
The fabric will absorb the paint after each stroke, so you’ll need to consistently reapply the lines until you’re left with two bright lines.
They don’t have to be perfectly straight since you’re going for a more laid-back vibe.
Alternatively, stencils can also be an exceptional and cleaner option. You can make a simple circle cutout to create a polka dot effect on your umbrella with spray paint.
Can You Use Regular Paint on a Patio Umbrella?
Don’t reach for the regular paint and a roller brush. You can’t do a patio umbrella paint job with this kind of paint.
The liquid will absorb into your umbrella’s fabric and create a stiff finish. Plus, it’ll feel impossible to get an even coat across the material, even with the smoothest brush.
Overall, you’re better off grabbing the spray paint and making your life easier.
Can You Spray Paint a Patio Umbrella?
You can spray paint a patio umbrella. It’s the preferred method of returning your shade’s original bright or dark shade.
The good news is that they come in a large variety of colors and shades to choose from, whether you’re searching for a specific muted amber or a vivid popsicle orange shade.
Can You Dye a Patio Umbrella?
If you don’t want to spray paint your patio umbrella, you can opt for a fabric dye paint job instead.
Now, you might not see the same seamless results from spray painting, especially if your umbrella’s fabric is made of polyester.
Final Thoughts
What do you do with a faded umbrella? In short, you can give it a thorough clean to start fresh. Next, grab your spray paints and get to work.
Get in an even two to three layers, and your patio umbrella will look as good as new. You don’t have to stop there, though!
Incorporate cohesive design elements into your fabric, including two minimalist lines across the edge or a traditional polka dot design. A stencil can really help you unleash your creative ideas onto the umbrella.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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