How to Paint a Multi Colored Bench

Check out how to paint a bench with a multi colored pattern inspired by Mexican textiles.

In honor of Sherwin-Williams National Painting Week, I finally decided to put a bench just inside our apartment door for shoe storage and for better organization of bags and keys, which inevitably end up somewhere else in our home.

The simple bench I found was perfect for the space, but it was drab, unpainted wood. I knew I wanted to paint it using different colors to create a colorful, cheerful design, so I went around my house on a scavenger hunt for color inspiration. I found a multicolor scarf that I bought on a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico and knew the second I saw it that it would be perfect for this project.

Before. This is how my bench used to look before adding all that color.

Rather than spend hours in the paint store trying to match the scarf colors to paint samples, I downloaded the ColorSnap® app from Sherwin-Williams on my smartphone and went to work. Creating inspirational color palettes quickly and easily are the biggest advantages of the application

How to make a paint color palette from an item you love:

1. Download the ColorSnap® app.

2. Register. That way, you can receive news and save color palettes and favorite colors.

3. Upload or take a picture of the object that inspires you.

4. A color palette will appear instantly. You can use these colors or search for more by moving the little circles with your fingers until you find the perfect colors for your project.

How to use the ColorSnap® app from Sherwin-Williams to make a color palette from an item you love

That's exactly how I created this fun, happy looking palette with bold colors!

After heading to our local Sherwin-Williams store for the paint and other project materials, it was time to start having fun.

All the materials for this colorful DIY Project Inspired By Mexican Textiles

MATERIALS:

• 1 Quart of Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint. Color: Indigo (SW 6531). Sheen: Semi-gloss

• 1 Quart of Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint. Color: Exuberant Pink (SW 6840). Sheen: Semi-gloss

• 1 Quart of Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint. Color: Starboard (SW 6755). Sheen: Semi-gloss

• 1 Quart of Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint. Color: Nasturtium (SW 6899). Sheen: Semi-gloss

• 1 Quart of Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint. Color: Fireworks (SW 6867). Sheen: Semi-gloss

• 1 Quart Multi-Purpose Latex Primer/Sealer

• 1 4” Contractor Series® Microfiber Mini Rollers (2 pack)

• 1 Contractor Series® Mini Roller Plastic Trays

• 1 Contractor Series® Mini Roller Frame

• 2 Brushes 1 ½ "(Premium XL Polyester Angle Sash Brush)

• 1 Cover Plastic (Mil 9 'x 12' Plastic Drop Cloth) like this one here

• Sandpaper (3M ™ Pro Grade No Slip Grip ™) 220 Very Fine. Similar to this one

• 1 Scotch-Blue™ Painter's Tape for Multi-Surfaces #2090 (1” or 2”)

• Pencil and ruler

How to paint a bench with a multi colorful pattern:

1. Protect your workspace.

It’s important to cover the floor with a plastic cover like the one I used (Mil 9 'x 12' Plastic Drop Cloth) so you can paint freely without worrying about getting paint all over the place.

2. Sand before primer. 

If your piece of furniture is already painted or has a previous finish, I recommend sanding first. You can remove knicks, dirt and create a softer and smoother surface. Makes sure to wipe down your bench after sanding and let dry. Then apply primer to cover any imperfections.

3. Apply the primer. 

I used the Multi-Purpose Latex Primer, which works on any surface. Since the bench had a natural finish, I only applied one coat of primer.

4. Apply a color base. 

I used Indigo blue (SW 6531). Since the color is dark I applied four coats of paint and waited at least an hour between each coat.

To achieve that homogeneous and vibrant finish, I used the rollers (4” Contractor Series® Microfiber Mini Rollers) that Sherwin-Williams recommended. For the corners and legs, I used a brush (Premium XL Polyester Angle Sash Brush).

I recommend using a semi-gloss paint finish for furniture as it’s easier to clean and protects the surface from liquids, grease, and dust.

5. Measure and mark.

To recreate that same colorful and textile look, like my scarf that inspired this project, I decided to create a pattern with lines of various colors.

I measured approximately three centimeters and I marked the lines using the Scotch-Blue tape. The areas where you add the tape will stay navy blue, and the other areas will be painted in different colors.

6. It's time to add all the colors. 

Using a pencil, write the name of each color before you start painting to be able to plan your design and start this process as soon as possible.

Apply two or three coats of each color. I recommend waiting at least 30 minutes between coats or until the paint has completely dried.

When you finish is going to look something like the picture below. It looks messy, but wait until you remove the painters tape!

7. Remove the tape. Let the paint dry a couple of hours and remove the tape carefully and slowly,, without pulling the tape too hard or too quick.

When you’re done you will have your colorful bench ready to use!

Now, when I come home, I have a beautiful piece of furniture to place loose items on.

I can sit down, take off my shoes and leave my grocery bags on the bench. It works great, but more importantly, it looks just as I had imagined.

You can recreate this pattern in walls too, or other small pieces of furniture like bed frames and chairs. I hope you love the ideas as much as I do!