How to Treat Outdoor Wood Furniture

The idea of using wooden furniture in an outdoor setting can be frightening for many homeowners. Exposing wood furniture to potential pests or elements of nature conjurs thoughts of rotting wood and mildew. This does not neccessarily have to be the case. If wood is properly treated and cared for, it can withstand exposure to rain, sleet, snow, and sunlight. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean the furniture by dusting with a feather duster. Take care to get into cracks and crevices with the feather duster. If you have heavy stains or grease, wipe only that section with mild detergent and a damp rag. Let the piece dry completely before proceeding.

2

Lay a plastic drop cloth in a well-ventilated area. Set the furniture on top of the drop cloth. Pour the water repellent solution into a used metal coffee can. Apply the water repellent to the piece of wood furniture thoroughly with short overlapping strokes of the brush. Saturate each section as you go, allowing it to penetrate the wood grains deeply. Let the water repellent dry for around two to four hours, and then add a second coat of the sealant and allow to dry completely.

3

Cover the piece with an oil-based wood stain or exterior oil-based paint using a paintbrush or paint roller. Do this outdoors when the temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not apply when it is raining, misting, or damp. Smooth out any bubbles in the finish as you go. Apply the first coat of stain or paint and allow to dry overnight. Add a second coat of paint to the first and let dry overnight again.

4

Pour a little polyurethane into a clean metal coffee can. Use a wide paintbrush that is recommended for varnish or polyurethane. Dip the brush into the polyurethane and run lightly over the edge to remove any excess product. Apply the polyurethane to the furniture in thin, even strokes, taking care not to streak the furniture. Leave in an area that has good air circulation and allow to dry for around 12 hours. Apply a second coat of polyurethane to the furniture and allow to dry.

5

Check any hinges or screws on the furniture to see if they are rusted. If so, replace with aluminum pieces that are rust-proof. Spray metal components with a little bit of WD-40 to keep them well-lubricated. Check them at least two or three times a year and spray with WD-40.

6

Protect your furniture by covering with vinyl furniture covers at night. During the winter, you may want to bring the wooden pieces indoors for storage. If this is not possible, cover them during the winter season with the vinyl covers.