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.
This looks great!! Exactly what I need! Can you tell me more about the paint?
Is it a house paint like a latex paint or a fabric paint?
I’ve seen those new carpet paints too.
My carpet is a smoke grey. Should I plan on two coats?
I done this project. I am very happy with it but I will say I found it very hard to paint. I used 1 quart of regular paint. Thoughts on maybe what I did wrong? I thought maybe I painted on the wrong side of the rug???
Rugs like this can absorb a lot of paint, so one quart probably isn’t out of the question. It all depends upon the application process. As far as the front and back, the front is the nubbier side, which will abosorb more paint than the back as the back has a stiff, almost melted nylon feel. Applying with a small roller is probably the best, as it’s faster and will keep the paint’s application more even.
As for TYPES of paint, yeah, any kind of exterior house paint will do. Probably leftover interior as well–although I haven’t tried that. I used an indoor/outdoor all-around Rustoleum.
Thank you for responding. I do have several spots that I need to clean up where I got careless. I need to make the rug heavier as it slides quite a bit. I do have a rubber mat under it. I am going to try this again. It was fun.
Hi there, where did you get your rug?
I’ve been looking all over but cannot find one.
Thanks!
I’ve just set up a potting bench on the patio under my deck, and I’ve been trying to figure out a way to keep it, if not complete dry, then at least not soaked when it rains. I thought about a waterproof rug overhead on the deck, but it’s an odd sized space between the chimney and the railing. It’s great to know there’s a kind I can cut to size, pimp out, and back with a thick piece of plastic to give my potting bench a little shelter. Thanks for the tip!
Love all your projects
Did you paint your rug a solid color before you added lines?
I did a Noah’s ark rug for grandson room it turned out so cute I don’t know what I did with it, didn’t take a picture which I regret
I used painters cloth
Hey Jean! Thank you! We just painted the blue lines. The base color of the rug was already that tan color.