Posts Tagged ‘Outdoor Furniture’
How to Choose a Furniture Finish
When choosing a finish for your newly sanded and cleaned wooden outdoor furniture, you should be very careful not to get too sidetracked by all the options that will present themselves to you. Yes, it is true, the selection at the hardware store can be incredibly daunting to the uninitiated! All of those different shades of varnish, penetrating resin, shellac, lacquer, wax, and oil can just be plain overwhelming. What type of finish to buy? And then what color will look just right? Are there significant differences from one brand to another? Don’t worry! For our purposes, it is actually going to be quite simple.
While just about any of the options you may be considering would probably be quite beautiful looking, there are only two types that truly have the toughness and durability to stand up to the elements. You will want either a varnish finish or a penetrating resin finish. These kinds of finishes are what you want because they are tough enough to last for quite awhile, even in an outdoor setting such as your backyard. A penetrating resin will actually strengthen the wood itself after you apply it. Now, because each manufacturer has their own special blend of ingredients, be sure to read all of the instructions on the container, and follow them very carefully.
While it can be ever so tempting to dive right in to the this last phase of the project, we should remember that too much haste at this point could put all of your hard work to waste if it comes out looking badly.
The other aspect to consider before you get to the checkout counter is what color you want. Be creative, and remember that second opinions never hurt anybody. It can be good to bounce ideas off from another person, especially if they live with you! Let it be something that compliments your climate and landscaping theme. Try something lighter for the sparser or more arid yards, and darker for those lush, richly designed areas. Either way, as long as you lay it on evenly, and without dust or imperfections, it should look just spectacular.
When you finally do choose the perfect finish, remember to observe all safety precautions. Try and find a place to work that’s really well ventilated. And do remember to keep any children and pets far away from the workspace. Many of the chemicals have some degree of toxicity, and the fumes could make a person quite nauseous if they inhale too much.
How to Care for Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is an important addition to your home, and can provide years of enjoyment when properly cared for. With the right maintenance, you can maximize the life of your investment and ensure compliments on your outdoor furniture’s comfort and good looks season after season! Outdoor and patio furniture are made from a variety of different materials.
Whichever material your furniture is made of, the first step to good maintenance is a good cleaning! Since dirt, dust and leaves settle in and around furniture, start by brushing away loose dirt with a soft broom or cloth. Then use a garden hose or pressure washer (on a low setting!) to gently wash away stains and residue. For stuck-on dirt, use a sponge saturated with water and mild soap to further wash away stubborn particles.
For wooden furniture, apply a fresh application of outdoor finish every couple of seasons. Between seasons, wash using the soap and water instructions above. Don’t let outdoor wooden furniture sit in puddles of water, as this will hasten rot. It’s also a good idea to keep wooden furniture indoors (except for teak and cedar woods) when the winter season begins.
Wicker furniture can be kept shiny, waterproof and stain resistant with regular applications of wax and wood oil soap. Soap off wicker furniture with a sponge for everyday cleaning, and use a toothbrush to clean all the hard-to-get areas. When the years have eaten away at the paint, restore your outdoor wicker furniture easily with outdoor spray paint.
Most of today’s metal framed outdoor furniture pieces (such as wrought iron, aluminum and steel) are treated with rust-resistant materials by the manufacturer. For seasonal care, use a good soap and water treatment. Watered down bleach quickly gets rid of mold, mildew and other stains on frames. To prevent chips and scuff marks, apply auto polish or paste wax for extra protection.
Outdoor furniture made of resin is by far the easiest to care for. Made to brave the elements, a simple cleaning with soap and water will usually do the trick. Staining can occur if water is left to stand on seats and tabletops, so be sure to dry off the furniture and wipe away wet leaves. To keep a lovely shine, use orange oil or car detailing polish.
No matter what material your outdoor furniture is made of, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s special care instructions to lengthen the life and looks of your investment. It’s a good idea to cover furniture, too, when you’re not using it. This helps protect the furniture from the elements.
