Painted Canvas Area Rug

Transform a basic drop cloth into a one-of-a-kind outdoor area rug with these simple steps.
Outdoor Seating Area With Striped Purple Rug

Outdoor Seating Area With Purple Rug

This outdoor room has colorful, comfy furniture, marble-topped coffee table and multicolor striped rug. A curtain along one side provides privacy, giving an indoor feel.

Materials Needed:

  • drop cloth
  • painter's tape
  • porch and deck paint
  • paint roller
  • roller cover
  • paint pan
  • pan liner
  • paintbrush
  • floor sealer
  • plastic sheeting
  • iron or steamer
  • level
  • pencil
  • detail brush

Protect Floor Surface

Roll plastic sheeting out over work surface. To keep it in place, place heavy objects atop all four corners.

Lay Out Drop Cloth

Unroll drop cloth to determine its condition. Get rid of any wrinkles with iron or steamer. Once drop cloth is flat and wrinkle-free, lay on top of plastic sheeting, placing heavy objects on all four corners to keep from moving.

Mark Pattern

With drop cloth laid out on long flat surface, mark pattern using pencil and level.

Mark Pattern for Outdoor Rug With Pencil

Draw Rug Stripes With Pencil

With drop cloth laid out on long flat surface, mark pattern using pencil and level.

Apply Base Color

Insert pan liner into paint pan, then pour in base paint color. Add roller cover to paint roller, then dip into paint. Depending on preference, a paintbrush will work just as well. Apply base coat to larger, taped-off areas of drop cloth.

Painting Stripes on Outdoor Rug

Hand-Paint Deck Area Rug

Insert pan liner into paint pan, then pour in base paint color. Add roller cover to paint roller, then dip into paint. Depending on preference, a paintbrush will work just as well. Apply base coat to larger, taped-off areas of drop cloth.

Add Accent Colors

Once base color has dried, apply accent colors between taped-off areas using paint roller or paintbrush. If paint has bled past marked lines, touch up using detail brush.

Remove Tape and Seal

Once paint has dried, remove painter's tape, touching up any tears or rips along the way. Add pan liner to paint pan, pour sealer into pan liner, then dip roller into paint. Cover entire surface of drop cloth evenly.

Remove Painter's Tape From Rug

Remove Tape on Painted Deck Rug

Once paint has dried, remove painter's tape, touching up any tears or rips along the way. Add pan liner to paint pan, pour sealer into pan liner, then dip roller into paint. Cover entire surface of drop cloth evenly.

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