9 Best Paint for Plywood Outside & Shed Floor [2023 Reviews]

With the coat of paint, you can transform a plywood surface into a piece of art. Plywood is a layered and compressed wood made of pine and cedar mixture. It contains pores and can easily soak the wrong paint, making it quite challenging to do any treatment.

So, you might have understood that using any paint on plywood will not deliver the best result. In order to get the best outcome, you have no other choice except to use the best paint for plywood outside, shed floor, or other surfaces.

We compiled a list of the right exterior and interior paints out there for painting plywood walls, shed floor, ceiling & cabinets. Also, we shared the FAQ section, and other necessary information to make your investment worthy.

Keep scrolling down.

Top 9 Plywood Paint & Primer with Features:

What Kind of Paint is the Best for Painting Plywood?

You can use different paints on your plywood surface. The most used paints are Standard Latex Paint, Primer, Spray Paint, and Epoxy Paint. Give a closer look below to learn more about these paints.

a) Standard Latex Paint:

Characteristically, standard latex paints are long-lasting because of their water-based acrylic formula. At the same time, the cleaning and disposal process is also effortless with this paint type.

Due to their superior flexibility, latex paints are much more popular compared to oil-based paints. Similarly, they don’t chip or crack or damage over time and provide a smooth outcome on a rough-textured surface such as plywood. So, high-quality latex paints are the best for painting plywood. Read Also: 8 Best Paint for Basement Stairs 2021 [Reviews]

b) Latex Primer:

Primer is another paint that that is best for sealing any imperfection sand gives the plywood surface a “WOW” look. Even applying primer is also effortless, and regardless of your skill level, you will always get a professional-look finish.

More importantly, plywood soaks primer quickly compared to regular paints. As a result, you will require less regular paint since the plywood will be soaking less paint. Read Also: 7 Best Clear Coat Over Latex Paint [2021 Rviews]

c) Spray Paint:

When you require to paint an intricate or small piece of plywood, don’t look for anything else without spray paint. The fantastic benefit of spray paint is; it will allow you to apply an even paint coat without brush strokes. Moreover, it is available in a wide range of colors that finding your required color is quite convenient.

Also, after applying spray paint on plywood, you will not have a hard to clean your surroundings. The application process is easy, and the drying time is within 30 – 60 minutes.

d) Epoxy Paint:

Are you looking to add extra shine to your plywood surface? Then, epoxy paint is excellent if you want to do so. This paint is a combo of 2 liquid ingredients: hardener and epoxy resin. This combination creates a solvent-resistant and tough finish to apply over the plywood surface using a brush.

Epoxy paints are popular for their durability. You can also use it to seal floors made of concrete or other materials as well.

Best Paint for Plywood Outside, Ceiling & Wall: Top 9 Reviews:

The reviewed floor-specific paints will surely smooth out your plywood surface and give an elegant look.

1# Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Topside Paint:

The Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Topside Paint is the first choice on our list because of its oil-based formula and versatile performance. You can apply it on a wide range of surfaces like plywood, outdoor surfaces, metal, wood, and fiberglass surfaces without any trouble. Moreover, this coating helps the surfaces to perform at their best for enhanced durability and lesser repairs.

You will love to know that it dries to the touch, as little as 1 – 2 hours, and 100 sq. ft. is its coverage capacity. It withstands extreme weather and protects the surface from harmful UV rays. Similarly, it resists abrasion efficiently. The finish is so smooth and has superior gloss retention that it retains the surface elegance for a long time.

It is a thick yet flexible plywood paint that you can apply easily. By providing exceptional shine, this paint provides ultimate resistance to several common damages. Moreover, it can be used as an anti-fouling paint since it prevents marine buildup from the boat’s bottom. Overall, it is a tremendous and multi-purpose plywood paint that works well on a variety of surfaces. This paint is the best choice for painting plywood outside to get extreme durability.

The Benefits:

• It is UV damage-poof and corrosion resistant
• Keeps the underneath of the boat safe from barnacle and algae
• Efficient performer in different weather conditions
• To ensure safety, it adds an anti-slip grip to the coating
• It provides excellent leveling

The Drawbacks:

• It has a strong smell; keep your surrounding well-ventilated when painting

2# INSL-X CTS39229A-01 Tough Shield Floor & Patio Coating:

There are a lot of features that make this INSL-X CTS39229A-01 Tough Shield Floor & Plywood Paint ideal for interior and exterior use. It is an acrylic, waterborne plywood paint formulated in such a way so that you can get a durable finish with outstanding abrasion. The paint resists greases, oils, scrubbing, and detergents. Also, it fights back ponding water to give you many years of service.

Its capacity is quite impressive, 350 – 400 sq. ft. You will need to apply at least 2 coats to get a shiny and glossy finish. However, it is essential to give 3 – 4 hours of rest time between each coat. Another great thing is, you can use it on a previously painted surface. All you need to do is, ensure that the existing paint is cleaned and free of dirt and chalk. Sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper, then apply this paint.

The paint is pretty durable and stays on the surface for many days. It is easy to use, so that you won’t face any problem while applying. Only make sure that you are applying it when the temperature is more than 10°C. Also, use a larger roller between 12” – 18” for more prominent spaces to achieve a consistent finish. This is 100% acrylic satin, ideal for plywood shed floor and patios.

The Benefits:

• Best plywood paint for interior and outdoor use
• High coverage: 350 – 400 sq. ft.
• Easy to apply and durable
• Ensures rugged and long-lasting finish
• Resists greases, oils, etc. quite effectively

The Drawbacks:

• Unsuitable for high traffic areas

3# KILLZ Interior/Exterior Patio Latex Floor Paint:

If you are looking for efficient floor paint, the KILLZ Interior/Exterior Patio Latex Floor Paint is the answer for you. This is extremely durable, effortless to clean, and resistant to cracking, peeling, or scuffing in variable weather conditions. A mildew-resistant film is another worth-mentioning feature of this floor paint.

Don’t worry about thinking of using it for the exterior plywood deck, floor, porch, or other plywood surfaces. Due to its low-luster enamel-based formula, this offers excellent results on exterior surfaces and stays true to its color for many years. You will love to know that it offers an efficient result on previously painted or primed surfaces as well. Without any hesitation, you can use it on siding, trellises, or trim.

The drying time of this paint will impress you for sure. It dries to touch within 1 hour. And after 5 – 6 hours, recoating is convenient. Its coverage capacity is different based on the surface. For a rough surface, it covers 200 – 300 sq. ft. and for a smooth surface, 300 – 400 sq. ft. is its coverage capacity. When applying, for best results, one thing needs to keep in mind at temperatures between 50°F – 90°F.

The Benefits:

• Ideal for plywood and concrete porches, patios, shed floor, and walkways
• 100% acrylic and offers efficient result both in interior/exterior use
• Mildew resistant finish
• Resists cracking, peeling, fading, etc.
• High coverage capacity

The Drawbacks:

• A bit thick paint

4# PRESTIGE P-400-P-SW6000 Interior & Exterior Paint:

The PRESTIGE P-400-P-SW6000 Interior & exterior Plywood Paint is a 2-in-1 plywood paint; it can be used as a paint and prime both. As a result, you don’t need to use prime separately before painting a surface. While this option is on the affordable side, it offers all the necessary features required for painting on interior and exterior surfaces. It is formulated following industry-leading technology, making it one of the best paints for any type of plywood surface.

This 100% acrylic latex paint is easy to apply and clean. Many interior paints at this price range are challenging to clean, but the best thing is, you will never face hassle while cleaning this paint with soapy water. It is also low VOC-featured which will put a smile on your face undoubtedly. Its smooth application process makes plywood suitable for family and living rooms ceiling & wall, media rooms, dining, kitchen cabinets, hallway, and bedrooms.

Since it is acrylic latex paint, it offers optimum flexibility when applying. This high-grade paint for plywood allows you to create any design on a surface according to your preference. Moreover, 325 sq. ft. is a good enough coverage capacity at this price range. Furthermore, its full cure time is 4 hours. Be sure you will get an eye-catchy, impressive result with this PRESTIGE P-400-P-SW6000 Interior Paint.

The Benefits:

• Made of the following upgraded technology
• Quick-drying time
• excellent paint that works well on interior surfaces
• Affordable price range
• No need to apply any primer, primer is included

The Drawbacks:

• It is not an ideal option for larger areas

5# Rust-Oleum Corporation 271009 Advanced Synthetic Shellac Primer:

You may find odors and stains on surfaces due to several reasons such as pets, kids, water, weather, etc. Unfortunately, stopping them from creating odors is quite impossible. You will love to know that some paints are available with the odor-blocking feature. The Rust-Oleum Corporation 271009 Advanced Synthetic Shellac Primer is a well-known plywood paint that blocks odor proficiently.

This paint adds excellent value to your room. The incredible thing is, this B-I-N odor-blocking primer is available at a reasonable price. Providing excellent stain blocking for a full surface is another outstanding feature of this primer. Its drying time is faster, has low odor, blocks stain for new constructions and remodeling. Moreover, it is a great performer for water restoration and blocking fire.

The shellac version will let you paint over old varnish, plastic, etc. You can paint over finished furniture too. Since it doesn’t create a low odor, you will not face breathing problems when applying this paint. Additionally, it seals tannin, sap, and knots. After applying, you will get a smooth finish. All in all, buying this paint, you will not regret it.

The Benefits:

• Optimum stain blocking performance
• High hiding bright white
• It sticks to all surface
• The paint dries in 45 minutes
• Water-based plywood paint

The Drawbacks:

• A little bit thin and drippy

6# KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint:

The KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint protects your outdoor plywood surface and adds beauty to the structures. It is an all-purpose paint specially designed for exterior walls. The paint blocks blistering, cracking, peeling and ensures the longevity of the plywood wall surface. In order to confirm the versatility in different weather conditions, it comes with an oil/water-based formula.

It dries to the touch within 2 – 3 hours. Also, you have to ensure 6 – 8 hours of drying time between 2 coats. More importantly, this paint is so smooth that you don’t need to sand the surface within the coats. It is advisable to apply this paint using a polyester or nylon brush of 3/8” to ¾” or an airless paint sprayer. You will always get smooth and even paint on the plywood surface, for sure.

The most satisfying feature of this paint is, it is livestock safe. Many owners complain about their used paint that, after drying, the paint harms their livestock. But with this paint for plywood, you will never experience this problem. Once it is dried, this paint is entirely safe for livestock. So, if you want to brighten up your siding, fence, and barn in white, buy this paint and get an elegant surface.

The Benefits:

• Protects plywood surface from different elements
• Lead-free
• Coverage capacity: 200 & 500 sq. ft. for porous and non-porous surface, respectively
• All-purpose exterior paint
• Easy application method

The Drawbacks:

• Unavailability of prominent cons

7# RUST-OLEUM 1979502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint:

Another premium-quality paint from the manufacturer Rust-Oleum provides the expected result on multiple surfaces named wood, masonry, plastic, plywood, ceramic, and many more. The RUST-OLEUM 1979502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint is formulated following a water-based formula. Its durability and finish are pretty superb compared to other plywood paints.

In terms of design, the flexibility will please you. Not only plywood but also it covers other surfaces quite perfectly. Also, it is promised to deliver smooth and even finish all the time. This all-around plywood paint is an ideal solution for different home improvement projects including plywood cabinets and furniture. Another worth-mentioning feature is, it never fades away over time. This way, the painted surface will remain shiny and glossy for many years.

It would be best to apply this paint when the temperature level is approximately 25°C. The paint dries to the touch within half an hour. You can handle it after 1 hour and fully dry by 1 – 2 hours. Also, after 2 hours, providing a multi-coat will not be an issue. Only make sure to give the 2 hours to dry the paint between several coats. Besides, the paint provides an excellent hide to give you a durable finish.

The Benefits:

• Indoor and outdoor durability
• Ideal for metal, wood, and more
• Fast drying time
• Premium-quality latex paint
• Long-lasting

The Drawbacks:

• It doesn’t stick too well

8# Rust-Oleum 285140 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint:

The Rust-Oleum 285140 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint delivers an ultra-matte outcome with ultimate adhesion and finish. It transforms and restores furniture and surfaces with a smooth matte finish. Moreover, it provides 1-coat coverage on most plywood surfaces with little or no prep or priming. It can be painted or distressed, giving any project an elegant look.

The most exceptional feature that makes it different from other plywood paints is that priming is entirely unnecessary for most surfaces. For superior coverage, it can be used for surfaces such as bare wood and treated wood. The coating can be applied after 2 hours if a primer is used. In addition, the paint is specially formulated for indoor use. This paint comes in some beautiful colors. So to get your desire color, it’s best suited for applying on plywood shelves and interior plywood furniture.

This paint quality is excellent, and the coverage is higher than other paints. Additionally, this paint works marvelously for staining interior brick! This paint goes on easily and is even easier to distress. Dries very matte and fast, like most chalk paints. It is, however, comes at an affordable price range. The consistency of this paint is the best in its class. Moreover, it coats well, adheres well, no lines, etc.

The Benefits:

• One coat coverage
• Effortless application
• It can be applied on a variety of surfaces
• It dries to a chalky smooth finish.
• 150 sq. ft. coverage

The Drawbacks:

• It does have issues with bubbling.
• Only for interior

9# Krylon K05579007 Colormaxx Plywood Spray-Paints:

Do you want to get on-trend colors in a wide range of sheens? The Krylon K05579007 Colormaxx Spray-Paints provide a smooth application that also protects the surface from rust. In addition, it is equipped with an easy push big button, allowing you to apply paint at any angle without any trouble. At the same time, it helps you to complete a plywood painting project quickly and efficiently with its fast coverage feature.

Super-fast drying time, which is only 20 minutes or less, is a notable feature of this spray paint. Thus, you can apply in no time if you need another coat without being waiting for longer. Besides, it is so versatile that it can be used on metal, wood, wicker, plastic, ceramic, glass, fabric, craft foam, paper mache, rigid surfaces, and many more. In fact, it is suitable for exterior and interior plywood surfaces for being a solvent-based spray paint.

Additionally, it brings a new color to any furniture of your house. It can conveniently cover up to 25 sq. ft. Also, if you need to do recolor, buy this spray paint without hesitation. You will love to know that you don’t need to spend much to buy this spray paint, which means getting a variety of sheen will never be a dream with it. It is recommended to use it over a freshly painted surface.

The Benefits:

• True to its color
• The paint takes only 20 minutes to dry
• Easy to use spray paint with a big push button
• High coverage
• Versatile spray paint
• best spray paint for plywood art and craft project with paint primer combination

The Drawbacks:

• Flammable

Paint Used on Plywood for Different Painting Projects:

Before buying a paint, it would be best to know your painting project type, because the expected result is ensured when you choose the right paint according to your project.

For Plywood Shed Floor:

Pressure-treated plywood is commonly used on the shed floor, and everyone wants to spend a relaxing time in their shed. Buy oil-based or acrylic latex floor paint that will protect the shed floor from water, dust, chemicals, etc., and improve the lifespan.

For Plywood Outside:

Generally, we all want to use durable and reliable paint on the outside and ceiling. Outsides surfaces get exposed to sunlight and severe weather, thus, the surface wears and tears soon. Oil-based paint will protect the outside surface proficiently with its long-lasting characteristics.

For Ceiling:

Although painting ceilings too often is unnecessary, but you should apply durable paint to the ceiling too. Painting on the ceiling is a challenging task because of dripping. So, choose a paint such as standard latex paint that has high viscosity level. This way, less dripping will occur.

For Art & Craft:

Acrylic primer and paints work well for art and craft. Due to their water-based formula, detailed and glossy images can be done over wood, canvas, poster board, etc., without much hassle. but for the plywood art and craft items, it’s easy to use spray paint.

For Cabinet & Furniture:

Everyone wants to get an attractive-looking cabinet and furniture; using water-based paint is the best option. This paint type retains the true color of the plywood furniture. These paints last long for many days too. Since frequent cleaning of your cabinet and furniture is necessary, water-based latex paint lets you do so easily.

FAQs:

Question: How do you seal plywood to last longer?

Answer: Sealing plywood is effortless with the below steps.

• Use polyurethane sealer to coat the whole surface and let the coat dry.
• Once the coat is thoroughly dried, follow the sealer application process from the instruction manual.
• Finally, give the sealer rest for a minimum of 48 hours. Don’t touch it until it dries completely.

Question: Do you have to prime plywood before painting?

Answer: Similar to any other wood type, plywood also requires preparation before painting. In fact, the final output depends a lot on the quality of the primer. So, make sure to buy the best primer for your plywood surface.

Question: What is the best finish for plywood?

Answer: Paint is the best finish for exterior plywood surfaces. After applying paint, the plywood surface becomes durable and resists severe weather efficiently.

Question: How do you waterproof painted plywood?

Answer: Following several methods, you waterproof painted plywood.

• Epoxy resin
• Nano sealing
• Varnish
• Polyurethane paint
• Oil polish

Last Words:

Plywood painting will become the most challenging and tricky task if you don’t know where to begin. Hopefully, you are now well aware of buying the best paint for plywood outside and interior ceiling, floors, furniture with the above discussion.

One thing that needs to follow mandatorily is the safety precautions. Don’t forget to organize your workstation in a well-ventilated area. Also, wear safety gear like nitrile gloves, goggles, respirators, etc. Moreover, follow the application process as described in the paint’s instruction manual. Happy Painting!

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Rogers Weber

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