Welcome spring!
It has been a long cold winter and we can finally enjoy some nice warm weather. This means we will be spending more time outside on our patios and decks. But the winter may have taken a toll on your outdoor furniture. While you have been warm and toasty inside, your furniture has been exposed to the elements, including rain, snow, ice, and sunlight. Exposure to elements can cause your furniture to look gray, moldy and uninviting.
There is no need to go out and buy new…
Buddy has outdoor furniture care tips to get your outdoor wooden furniture back in tip-top condition:
Clean the Wood
The furniture wood can be cleaned with a chemical wood cleaner such as Simple Green or a diluted bleach solution. Usually you can spray it on then rinse it off. In some spots you many need to use a brush to remove stubborn stains. Then rinse the cleaner off with a garden hose. Do not use a power washer since this will damage the wood. Once the furniture is clean, allow it to thoroughly dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Sand the Wood
The next step is to lightly sand the wood. It is easiest to use a palm sander, with a medium grit sand paper. Manual sanding will work fine as well. Tight spaces may need to be sanded by hand.
Stain the Wood
Once the wood has been smoothed, it’s time to color or stain the wood. All woods have a small amount of natural oils which, to a certain extent, do provide a low level of protection. The natural oils will evaporate quickly under the heat of the summer sun; therefore, it is important to reapply stain every few years. Depending upon your selection, the wood refinishing process can include a solid painted color or wood stain. Look for products that are recommended for outdoor use.
Seal the Wood
After the stain has been applied, a final step is to seal the wood with a UV protective coating. Some stains contain the UV seal, and some don’t, so be sure to read the label. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding how many coats to apply. Apply with long, continuous brush strokes and work in a shaded area. Typically two coats are required. Allow the sealer to dry for 24 hours.
Enjoy!
Grab a glass of iced tea then sit back and admire what you accomplished!
If you follow these furniture maintenance procedures every year or two, your wood furniture can last for generations!
If you have any questions about outdoor furniture maintenance, please leave a message below or contact Buddy via phone 919-449-7902 or by using our contact form.