You can upcycle resin furniture by cleaning it thoroughly, repairing cracks, keying the surface with sandpaper and then applying a finish made for the job and for outdoor use. Whether that means painting a faded plastic chair, coating a tired table with epoxy, or turning a broken piece into a planter stand, the work is mostly preparation. This guide walks you through each stage, shows where Australian conditions change the advice, and tells you honestly when a piece has reached the end of its useful life.

TL;DR

• “Resin furniture” covers two things: moulded plastic or resin wicker pieces, and wood or tables finished with epoxy resin. The prep and finish differ for each.
• Preparation decides the result: clean, dry, sanded surfaces free of dust, grease and mould.
• Outdoors in Australia, UV is the real enemy. Use outdoor-rated products with UV protection, and expect to maintain the finish.
• Wear a proper dust mask and eye protection when sanding, and never blow dust away with compressed air.
• If the structure is cracked or brittle, repurpose it or recycle it, and replace it with something built to last.

Table of Contents

• What upcycling resin furniture actually means
• Identify what you have first
• Preparation: where upcycles succeed or fail
• Upcycling resin furniture with paint
• Upcycling with epoxy resin
• Making the finish last outdoors in Australia
• Cleaning and maintaining upcycled resin pieces
• Creative ways to repurpose worn resin furniture
• When to let go: reuse, recycle or replace
• Our perspective: renew what you can, buy well when you can’t
• Renewing your outdoor space with Keter
• FAQ
• Sources

What upcycling resin furniture actually means

Upcycling means giving a piece you would otherwise throw out a new purpose or a new look. For resin furniture, that usually falls into three jobs:

1. Repair: filling cracks, re-gluing joints, reinforcing a weak leg or seat.
2. Recolour or recoat: painting a faded moulded chair, or sealing and coating a surface.
3. Repurpose: using the parts for something new, such as a plant stand, a low side table or a kids’ seat.

Repair and coating products for resin chairs are sold for garden chairs, rattan chairs and bar stools, including stools made from composite wood, plastic or metal. So the range of pieces you can renew is wider than most people expect.

The other meaning of the phrase is pouring or brushing epoxy resin onto old timber furniture, which is where most of the popular DIY videos focus. Think a scratched coffee table with a glossy new top, or an old side table with a river-style inlay. We cover that too, because the preparation rules overlap.

Which pieces are worth renewing

Before you spend a weekend on a piece, check it honestly:

• Worth it: structurally sound chairs and tables that are just faded, stained, scuffed or chalky on the surface.
• Maybe: pieces with a hairline crack or a loose joint that you can reinforce from underneath.
• Not worth it: brittle plastic that snaps when flexed, split legs that carry weight, or woven resin wicker where the strands are unravelling across the whole frame.

A simple test: press down firmly on the seat and rock the frame. If it flexes alarmingly or you hear cracking, a coat of paint will not fix it. Safety comes before looks, especially with chairs that adults sit on.

Identify what you have first

Material changes everything. A quick check saves a lot of frustration.

Type	How to spot it	Best upcycle approach
Moulded plastic or resin chair	One-piece shape, smooth or lightly textured, often with a recycling number underneath	Clean, abrade lightly, prime with a plastic-suitable primer, then paint
Resin wicker (woven look)	Woven strands over a metal or plastic frame	Gentle clean, spot-repair loose ends, spray paint in light coats if recolouring
Timber table you want to coat in epoxy	Wood grain, possible cracks, knots	Sand, seal, then pour or brush epoxy
Composite or mixed material	Wood-look plastic, metal legs	Treat each material separately, abrade smooth surfaces and test a hidden patch

If you are unsure what a plastic is, test a hidden spot before committing. Some plastics are slick and simply refuse paint unless the surface is properly keyed and primed.

Preparation: where upcycles succeed or fail

Every adhesive, paint and epoxy needs a clean, keyed surface to grip. It is the least exciting step and the one that matters most.

Step 1: Clean thoroughly

Wash with warm water and a mild detergent, scrubbing crevices with a soft brush. Rinse and let the piece dry fully, ideally in the shade. Remove mould and mildew first, because paint or epoxy over spores will lift and fail. Grease, sunscreen and food residue are common culprits on outdoor tables, so give those areas a second wash.

Step 2: Repair

Fill chips and gouges, glue loose joints, and reinforce cracks from the underside where it will not be seen. Let any repair cure fully before you move on.

Step 3: Sand or abrade

Technical guidance for epoxy bonding is consistent: surfaces should be clean, dry and sanded. ATL Composites advises abrading smooth, non-porous surfaces with 80-grit aluminium oxide paper. The reason is mechanical. Except when bonding to partially cured epoxy, epoxy adhesion relies on keying into the surface, and the surface needs to be free of contaminants.

In practice, that means a dull, evenly scratched surface with no shiny patches. Wipe away the dust with a clean damp cloth, then let it dry.

Step 4: Protect yourself while sanding

Sanding plastic and timber makes fine dust you do not want in your lungs. Cancer Council Australia’s occupational guidance on wood products recommends local exhaust ventilation or water suppression to control wood dust, and says not to clean up with compressed air. At home, that translates to:

• Sand outside or in a well-ventilated space.
• Wear a properly fitted dust mask and safety glasses.
• Damp-wipe or vacuum dust with a suitable vacuum rather than blowing it around.
• Check the product labels for respirator and glove requirements before you open any resin, hardener or solvent.

If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, talk to your GP before taking on heavy sanding or resin work.

Upcycling resin furniture with paint

Painting is the most forgiving route, and it suits faded moulded chairs and resin wicker best.

1. Clean and abrade as above.
2. Apply a primer designed to bond to plastic.
3. Use thin, even coats of paint made for outdoor plastics, allowing each coat to dry before the next.
4. Finish with a clear outdoor topcoat if the paint maker recommends one.

A few practical tips:

• Light coats beat heavy ones. Thick paint runs, cracks and peels at flex points like chair backs.
• Paint in mild weather. Avoid high humidity, cold and direct sun while applying, as outdoor resin guidance also notes for epoxy.
• Choose lighter or mid-tone colours. Dark paint absorbs more heat on a hot Australian afternoon, which can stress thin plastic.
• Expect touch-ups. Painted plastic is a refresh, not a factory finish. Seat edges wear first.

Upcycling with epoxy resin

Epoxy is a different job again. It suits timber and solid tabletops, and it can look striking, but it is less forgiving than paint.

Can you apply epoxy over wood or existing resin?

Yes, provided the surface is sound, clean and keyed. Over existing cured resin, abrade the surface so the new layer has something to grip. Over wood, sand to a consistent grit, remove dust and seal any end grain or knots that might release air bubbles into the pour.

One thing catches people out: epoxy deepens and darkens timber. Industrial Clear recommends testing a sample or sealing first if you want to preserve the look of the wood. Try a small offcut or the underside of the table before committing to the whole top.

A simple process

1. Level the piece. Epoxy self-levels, so a tilted table means a lopsided pour.
2. Tape or build a lip around the edges to contain the resin.
3. Seal the wood with a thin coat, which reduces bubbles.
4. Measure resin and hardener exactly as the maker states. Guessing the ratio is the most common cause of tacky, uncured surfaces.
5. Mix slowly and thoroughly, scraping the sides and base of the container.
6. Pour in thin layers and pop surface bubbles gently.
7. Cover to keep dust off and leave it to cure for the full time on the label.

What does an epoxy table cost to make?

That depends heavily on the size, the depth of the pour and the products you choose, so treat any single figure you see online with caution. Work it out from the coverage rate on the resin you actually buy and the area of your tabletop, then add sandpaper, tape, mixing containers, gloves and a respirator. Depth is the big multiplier, since deep pours use far more resin than a thin coat.

Making the finish last outdoors in Australia

This is where many upcycles disappoint. Strong UV, heat, rain and temperature swings work on any coating, and a finish meant for indoors will not cope.

Guidance from resin suppliers is consistent on a few points. Standard indoor epoxies degrade quickly outdoors, and outdoor-rated formulations with UV stabilisers resist yellowing better. That source also recommends a dedicated UV-resistant topcoat as part of a multi-layer approach. Treat these as supplier guidance and follow the specific product’s data sheet for your climate.

Practical steps for Australian conditions:

• Choose products labelled for outdoor or UV use, and read the data sheet rather than the front of the tin.
• Add a UV-resistant topcoat if the maker recommends one.
• Position upcycled pieces under a pergola, verandah or shade sail where you can.
• Cover or store them during the harshest summer weeks and in storms.
• Re-inspect each season and touch up small chips before water gets underneath.

If fading is your main concern, our guide on how to prevent outdoor furniture fading in Australia covers the habits that slow it down, and our piece on UV resistant outdoor furniture explains what the sun does to different materials.

Cleaning and maintaining upcycled resin pieces

A good finish lasts longer when you look after it.

• Weekly or fortnightly: wipe with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.
• Seasonally: wash down with a garden hose and soft brush, and clear dirt from weaves and joints.
• Avoid: harsh solvents, abrasive scourers and high-pressure water, which can lift paint or damage wicker strands.
• Mould: treat early with a mild cleaner and rinse well, since damp shade is where it grows.
• Winter or wet spells: store or cover pieces if you can. Our guide to looking after resin furniture through the cold months has more detail.

If you are curious about why woven resin pieces have become so common outdoors, what resin wicker is and why it suits outdoor furniture is a good place to start.

Creative ways to repurpose worn resin furniture

If a piece is too far gone to sit on, it may still have a second life.

• Plant stand: a sturdy old chair seat can hold a pot at a nice height on a balcony.
• Low side table: cut and reinforce a damaged table into a compact table for a verandah or a kids’ play area.
• Garden workbench top: a flat, wipe-clean tabletop makes a handy potting surface.
• Pet or toy station: a stable low stool works as a raised bowl stand or toy perch.
• Craft or paint stand: use a retired chair as an easel or drying rack in the garage.

Timber furniture can also become a plant display. One simple idea is to sand and paint two old chairs and lay scrap wood across them as shelves.

When to let go: reuse, recycle or replace

Some pieces are done. Brittle plastic, deep cracks and structural failures are safety risks.

Before it goes to landfill, try these in order:

1. Pass it on. If it is still usable, list it on a local marketplace or community group, or offer it free to a neighbour.
2. Check your council. Services vary by council, so look at your local council’s website for bulk waste, hard rubbish and recycling drop-off rules. Many kerbside recycling bins do not take large rigid plastics such as furniture, so do not just put a chair in the yellow bin.
3. Take it to a recycling or transfer station. Ask whether they accept rigid plastics.

When you replace a piece, choose one made to be used for years and, ideally, recyclable at the end. That is the idea behind how we make our own furniture.

Our perspective: renew what you can, buy well when you can’t

We design and make outdoor furniture, storage and sheds from durable recycled and recyclable resin, so we have a soft spot for anyone who wants to keep a piece out of landfill. Our view is simple. If a chair is structurally sound and just a bit tired, a good clean and, where suitable, a careful refresh is a sensible thing to do.

We also think there is a limit. Painting or coating does not restore strength, and it cannot make up for UV damage that has made plastic brittle. When a piece has reached that point, repurpose it where you can and replace it with something designed for Australian sun, rain and a busy family life.

That is the thinking behind materials that are made to resist weathering and not rot, rust or warp, with pieces that you assemble yourself and that clean up with a hose and a cloth. The less maintenance a piece needs, the more time you spend actually using your outdoor space.

— Liza

Renewing your outdoor space with Keter

If you are ready to replace a worn-out set, or you want to pair a refreshed piece with something new, browse our outdoor furniture and storage range. A dining setting such as the Keter Futura Dining Table is a good starting point for the patio, and our outdoor storage keeps cushions and garden gear dry and tidy. If you love the idea of a green corner, see the garden collection for planters and elevated garden beds. For more ideas, our guide to resin storage bench ideas for Australian patios shows how seating and storage can work together.

FAQ

Can you upcycle old plastic or resin chairs with paint?

Yes, if the chair is structurally sound. Clean it thoroughly, abrade the surface so the paint can grip, apply a plastic-suitable primer, then use thin coats of paint made for outdoor plastics. Test a hidden spot first, as some plastics resist paint more than others.

Can you pour epoxy resin over wood?

Yes. The wood should be dry, sanded and free of dust and contaminants, and sealing it first helps reduce bubbles. Epoxy darkens timber, so test on an offcut before you coat the whole piece.

How do you clean outdoor resin furniture?

Use a soft cloth or brush with warm water and mild detergent, then rinse with a hose and let it dry. Avoid harsh solvents and high-pressure water, especially on woven resin wicker, and deal with mould early.

Will upcycled resin furniture survive Australian sun?

It can, if you use products rated for outdoor and UV use, add a protective topcoat where the maker recommends it, and keep the piece in shade when possible. Expect to inspect and touch up the finish each season.

What do I do with resin furniture that is beyond repair?

Try to repurpose it first, or pass it on if it is still safe to use. Otherwise check your local council’s rules for hard waste and recycling, since large rigid plastics usually do not belong in the kerbside recycling bin.

Sources

• Resin Chairs: Repair and Paint On Now, EPODEX
• Surface Preparation, ATL Composites
• Surface Preparation, WEST SYSTEM Epoxy
• Occupational Cancer Risk Series: Wood Products, Cancer Council Australia
• 10 Tips When Using Epoxy Resin On Wood, Industrial Clear
• How To Choose The Best Epoxy Resin For Outdoor Furniture, Epoxy King
• Epoxy for Outdoor Use: Stop Yellowing and Clouding

Recommended

• What is resin wicker, and why it suits outdoor furniture so well
• Winterize Resin Furniture for Homeowners With Museum-Grade Care and Ke
• How to prevent outdoor furniture fading in Australia
• Keep Faded Plastic Furniture Looking Good for Months