Since it came upon the summer scene some years ago, plastic furniture seems to have all, and it has taken over the patios and porches of America. Plastic patio furniture is inexpensive, lightweight, easy to stack, easy to keep clean and is almost indestructible. It is also rather boring. Should you care to gussie it up a bit, here are a few suggestions.
Decorate with Rub-Ons
- There is a wide variety of rub-ons out there with some even recommended for outdoor use. Some are referred to as transfers instead of rub-ons. Some use water as well as rubbing to transfer the design. Others require only rubbing. In all cases, read the directions for that particular brand, and you'll find they provide for an easy project.
- For the most part, white furniture makes the best background for the rub-ons, but the rub-ons may also be used on dark green and/or blue, as well.
- All the furniture should be coated with a waterproof coating. Decoupage mediums and polymer mediums will work, but Liquid Laminate is perhaps less noticeable when it extends beyond the rub-on.
Paper Napkins
- The old standby paper napkins and/or decorative paper hand towels can also be used to decorate the patio chairs and tables.
- Peel off only the top layer of the napkin to use.
- Apply a generous coating of the Liquid Laminate to the plastic, press the napkin into place, and coat it with another layer of the laminate. Note: White plastic is preferred as a background because the dark colors show through the napkin.
Tissue Paper
- Tissue paper cut-outs can be used in the same manner as the napkins, however, because the tissue is a bit heavier, it is essential that the paper be thoroughly soaked with the laminate in it's initial application. If not, the paper will show up when dry, and it is impossible to fix it later.
- If you have not tried tissue paper cut-outs before, it is not necessary to cut exactly to the pattern. A border can be left around the pattern, but this, too must be thoroughly soaked.
Stamping Tissue
If you are unable to find tissue paper with the design you want, you can stamp your own on white tissue. Be sure to emboss, then cut out and apply as you would any printed tissue paper pattern.
Draw Your Own
Use one of the painting pens that are available that can be used on plastic, and make up your own design, pattern or words to decorate your outdoor furniture.
Resources rub-on transfers - Loew-Cornell
Indoor/Outdoor Accents and Tilescapes transfers are available
Loew-Cornell Inc.
Website:
www.loew-cornell.com
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