How to paint an indoor/outdoor rug.
By DIY Maven
All home improvement stores sell big indoor/outdoor rugs. They’re cheap and they’re not attractive–dare I say ugly? Well, here’s a way to make one of those utilitarian things look fabulous.
What you need:
One indoor/outdoor rug. Mine is an Ozite, 6' x 8' rug in bark. It cost 12 bucks and I had a 2 dollar rebate. If this size is too big, you can cut them down with a scissors to any size or shape you desire–probably even puzzle pieces.
Paint that will work in outdoor applications. I used RustOleum, indoor/outdoor, American Accents Midnight Blue in satin. One pint (about $2.65) was just enough to complete my project.
A small paint roller and paint tray
2" wide masking or painter’s tape–or whatever width tape you fancy
Newspaper
What you do:
Tape out a design on your rug. I applied tape two inches from the edge to reveal a border. Whatever design you choose for the interior of your rug, I’d highly suggest including a border as this will give a ‘bound’ look to your rug.
Tuck newspaper around the perimeter of your rug, and, using your roller, apply your paint to your taped-off area.
Let paint dry and–I LOVE this part–remove the tape.
I’ve tarted up these kinds of rugs before; they hold up really well to the elements and, when rained upon, dry as quickly as those fancy (and expensive) outdoor rugs. The paint, if you use the right kind, holds up equally well. In sunny spots, it will fade slightly. Great for decks, balconies, patios and porches; these rugs are so inexpensive and easy to decorate, you might want to make several.
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» All commentsDIY Maven
Jacki--probably, but painted pile of the long variety might not look as good as a dense pile like on these outdoor rugs.
Jacki
Can you just paint an indoor rug by taping off and adding the paint?
DIY Maven
ModHomeEcTeacher
How would this work inside under a kitchen table? Since I'm re-doing my kitchen decor, I;m thinking about a custom area rug.
DIY Maven
Hi pbrown. I haven't tried a shampooer on my rug, but I have actually vacuumed it with a vacuum that has a beater bar. (It's the best way for removing cottonwood tree fluff!) Since the rug is weatherproof and because the beater bar didn't do any damage to it or the paint, I'm guessing a shampooer wouldn't cause any damage either.
pbrown
this a great idea but i was wondering if anyone had tried to clean one of these with a carpet shampooer. i have dogs that seek out mud and carpet cleaning is a must. hope i hear from someone soon so i can start on this project. thank you in advance for any advice.
DIY Maven
That's GREAT!!
petesmom
DIY Maven
Hey petesmom. Sounds like you did everything I would suggest, so I did a little bit more investigation. Basically, I e-mailed my sister who lives in NY. She's familiar with the rug and the project. Anyway, she said she has seen them at Walmart. She doesn't know if they were the Ozite brand or not, but they were similar enough. And I know I've seen them at Home Depot. However, even if you can't find that particular brand, any non-woven indoor/outdoor rug will do. These kinds of rugs are generally rolled up in tubes and displayed in a box, like this--Ozite brand or not.
For comparison's sake, the Ozite is very light weight, the nap is VERY flat. And anything similar to the Ozite will be equally inexpensive as well--I'd say between 15 and 20 bucks. Good luck!!
petesmom
I am new to this site. I am very interested in this project, but have a question. Where to buy Ozite? I have checked: Auto supply stores, a local hardware, carpet store, Home Depot, Walmart. Either I do not know what I am doing, or it is not available in this state (NY). I called the company, and was told to check Home Depot & Walmart. Every sales person has said they never heard of it. I will not go into the carpet store salesman's remarks. Thank you
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