The best paint brushes for outdoor wooden furniture
As summer rolls in, it’s the perfect time to refresh your outdoor wooden furniture with a splash of colour or a crisp coat of varnish. Whether you’re reviving a well-loved garden bench or painting your shed, the key to a flawless finish starts with the right paintbrush.
At Harris, we know that every brush stroke matters. That’s why we’ve developed a range of high-performance paint brushes for outdoor wooden furniture, designed specifically for furniture painting projects, ensuring you get a smooth, professional finish every time.
Why use exterior wood paint brushes?
Exterior wood is exposed to the elements year-round, including rain, UV rays, and temperature swings, so it needs proper protection. Using the right brush helps:
- Apply protective finishes evenly
- Reduce drips and streaks
- Speed up coverage on rough surfaces
- Ensure longer-lasting results
Our Exterior Woodwork paint brushes range are built specifically for outdoor conditions, offering features like Guaranteed no bristle loss filament technology, fast coverage, and ergonomic handles for long sessions
The best Harris paint brushes for outdoor wooden furniture projects
For wooden benches, chairs, tables, planter boxes, garden storage units
Harris Seriously Good Shed & Fence Paint Brush – 2in and 5in
Use with: All shed, fence, and exterior furniture paints
Perfect for: Wooden benches, chairs, tables, and small garden structures
Choose the 2-inch exterior wood paint brush for smaller, detailed work and the 5-inch version for broader surfaces like bench slats or tabletop panels. Both feature Guaranteed no bristle loss, for smooth application and faster finishing.
Harris Seriously Good 4 Inch Decking Roller
Use with: Shed and fence paints
Perfect for: Undersides, seat backs, slatted chairs, storage chests
This roller has been specifically designed and engineered to give you seriously good results when painting exterior woodwork.
Tools for sheds, fences and large outdoor structures
Harris Seriously Good 4in Shed, Fence & Decking Roller Set
Use with: All shed and fence paints
Perfect for: Shed walls, garden fences, large wooden planters
Fast, even coverage with minimal splatter, this roller makes big outdoor projects less daunting. It’s ideal for rough timber and textured wood surfaces.
Harris Ultimate Shed & Fence Swan Neck Brush – 100mm or 120mm
Use with: Shed and fence paints
Perfect for: Undersides, seat backs, slatted chairs, storage chests
The unique swan neck shape paint brush is perfect for outdoor wooden furniture, as it allows better access to awkward angles and hard-to-reach spaces. This brush paints 40% faster, great for when you want to finish before the weather changes!
Top picks for decking and patio areas
Harris Seriously Good 5in Decking Paint Brush
Use with: All exterior wood care paints
Perfect for: Decking boards, wooden steps, pergolas
A wide, sturdy brush built to hold large amounts of paint, perfect for horizontal surfaces that need even coverage and extra durability.
Harris Seriously Good 2in Decking Paint Brush
Use with: Exterior decking oils, stains, and paints
Perfect for: Tricky corners, railings, smaller decking details
Use alongside the 5in brush for tight spaces and railings. Together, they ensure a complete and consistent finish.
Harris Seriously Good 4in Decking Roller
Use with: Shed and fence paints
Perfect for: Fast coverage on flat decking areas
Great for quick application with consistent thickness. Works well when paired with a brush for cutting in edges.
Additional exterior wood paint brushes and tools that you might find useful…
Seriously Good Wire Brush with Scraper: Preps rough wood and removes rust from metal fixtures.
Seriously Good Masking Tape (28mm): UV resistant and clean-removing after 30 days, perfect for neat lines.
Seriously Good Tarpaulin (25x18ft): Keep patios and grass paint-free during your project.
Ultimate Handyhold Large: A magnetic paintbrush holder that clips to your paint pot, no more brushes lost to the bottom!
FAQs: Everything you need to know about outdoor wood painting and finishing
Q: How do you weatherproof wood for outdoor furniture?
A: Use a brush to apply waterproof sealant, marine varnish, or outdoor-rated polyurethane after painting. These top coats form a moisture-resistant barrier and protect against UV damage.
Recommended harris products:
Harris Seriously Good 2in Shed & Fence Paint Brush: Great for applying protective finishes to smaller furniture pieces.
Harris Seriously Good 5in Shed & Fence Paint Brush: Ideal for wide surfaces like benches and tables.
Harris Essentials Block Brush 4in: A solid, multi-use option for applying sealers or varnish to sheds or large furniture.
Q: How do you make wood furniture safe for outdoors?
A: Apply outdoor lacquer or a wood hardener using a high-quality brush for even coverage. This not only seals the surface but also strengthens the wood over time.
Q: Do I need to sand before painting exterior wood?
A: Yes, sanding smooths the surface and helps the paint adhere better. Use a wire brush to remove flaking paint or rust beforehand.
Recommended Harris products:
Harris Seriously Good Wire Brush with Scraper: Perfect for removing flaking paint, rust, and preparing rough timber.
Harris Seriously Good Masking Tape 28mm: For protecting edges once the surface is prepped and ready to paint.
Q: What paint should I use on exterior wooden furniture?
A: Choose paints labeled for exterior use. These are weather-resistant and often include UV blockers to prevent fading.
Q: Can I use decking oil on benches or chairs?
A: Absolutely, decking oil offers a natural finish and great water resistance. Just be sure to use a brush like the Harris Seriously Good Decking Paint Brush to apply it evenly.
Whether it’s a charming shed, a cosy bench, or a full deck refresh, Harris has every tool you need to turn tired outdoor wood into beautiful, lasting features this spring and summer. With our Seriously Good and Ultimate ranges by your side, your summer DIY projects just got a whole lot easier, and a lot more satisfying. Discover our exterior wood paint brush and tool range.
