How to Paint a Bench with MudPaint Clay Paint

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

A painted bench in an entry area is a lovely addition to any home.  For the kids, guests, pets, a bench is a useable decorative element to your space.  And, like updating or painting a chair planter, a combo chair/bench, or just a simple chair, it’s incredibly practical for everyday use! Painting them doesn’t take long with MudPaint and it is easy to do.  MudPaint is eco-friendly, LEED-compliant and it’s unique, clay-based formula with natural earthen materials requires little prep work and no waxing for a smooth coat.

Benches are tough, durable and get loads of use around our house, thats for sure! Follow these steps:

1. First, it’s important – particularly if it’s an old piece with lots of grit and grime to clean the surface well.
2. A light sanding with one of our Rad Pad Sanding pads is recommended. If you are painting over peeling paint, scrape AND sand to smooth.
3. If there are holes, fill them with wood filler and then sand smooth.
4. A primer is not needed on most surfaces. However, if a smooth or slick surface, painting a lighter color, painting over a stain or wood with red undertones, or if painting a wood that is known to bleed, a primer is recommended. 
5. Be sure the surface is free of dust.
6. Clean with a wet rag and allow to dry completely.  
7. Before using paint, shake can vigorously and stir thoroughly.  
8. Apply the first coat of MudPaint with a brush, working in the direction of the grain of the wood.  
9. For a more distressed, aged and weathered look, paint any which way.
10. Most surfaces need only a single coat as our coverage and adhesion is quite remarkable!
11. If applying a second coat, allow to dry, and then lightly sand between coats.
12. Allow to dry completely before sanding if distressing.  
13. To add a stencil, allow the paint to dry and then stencil with a lighter MudPaint color!
14. Finally, as benches are used a ton, we recommend a good application or two of our Matte Finish Clear Coat. Or, if looking for a higher sheen with a touch more gloss, a coat of our Finishing Wax applied with our Wax Brush is a great option. (And click here for tips on how to clean your wax brush after use — they can last for years if cleaned well!)