Rejuvenate your outdoor timber furniture with these steps
Outdoor timber furnishings are excellent additions to your deck, patio, or garden space. When properly maintained, these pieces can last for a lifetime. However, exposure to the elements can wreak havoc on timber, leading to a number of issues over time. Below, we’ll explore some simple steps to help you rejuvenate and restore your outdoor wooden furniture.
1. Make sure you have the proper materials on hand: Before starting your timber rejuvenation journey, gather all the materials you’ll need for this task. We recommend:
- A soft brush, sponge, or microfiber cloth
- A mild detergent or wood cleaner
- Gloves and safety glasses
- Medium and fine grit sandpaper
- A quality woodfiller. We recommend Sadolin Woodfiller, which provides excellent adhesion for small repairs and minor surface defects.
- A paintbrush
- A dropcloth
- A quality woodstain or oil. We recommend Sadolin’s range of exceptional woodstains, which are designed to enhance the natural appearance of wood materials. These timber protection products are water repellent, with long-lasting protection. Select your woodstain based on your requirements.
- A protective varnish or sealant. Sadolin’s varnishes provide powerful protection against the elements.
2. Thoroughly clean your furniture: It’s important to give yourself a clean canvas from which to build on. Mix a mild detergent with water or use your specialized wood cleanser, using a soft brush, sponge, or cloth to gently scrub the surface of your furniture. Be sure to pay special attention to joints and crevices where dirt usually accumulates. Once finished, rinse with water and allow to dry completely.
3. Inspect for any existing issues: Once the furniture is clean and dry, take some time to inspect it for any damage. Look for cracks, nicks, holes, splinters, or loose joints. Use your woodfiller to repair any small holes (allow to dry completely before step 4), and ensure any other defects are dealt with accordingly.
4. Sand your surfaces: Sanding is a vital step in the timber rejuvenation process. Begin with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any old finish from the furniture and smooth out any rough areas. Follow this with your fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth, even surface. Make sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain to prevent scratches. Dust off the furniture once finished to make sure no loose particles remain.
5. Apply a woodstain or oil: Now that your surface is ultra-smooth and perfectly clean, it’s time to apply your woodstain or oil. Choose a product that is suitable for exterior use like Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain. Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain offers a versatile solution for both interior and exterior wood surfaces, making it a cornerstone of our range. Whether used alone or with another product, it ensures an exceptional finish every time. Its deep absorption provides outstanding weather protection, especially on large timber areas like decking, fencing, cladding, and garden furniture .Allow the first coat to penetrate the wood and then wipe off any excess. Let dry completely (16-24 hours) before applying the second coat.
6. Seal the timber: To ensure your timber furniture stays as protected as possible, finish with a varnish or sealer. This will add an extra layer of defense against the outdoor elements. We recommend Sadolin Outdoor Varnish. Sadolin Outdoor Varnish is a premium, clear varnish that provides a durable barrier against weathering. Available in satin or matt finishes, it enhances the natural beauty and colour of the underlying wood. Formulated with UV additives, it offers long-lasting protection against UV damage, preventing peeling and flaking.
7. Keep up the maintenance: Once you’ve finished the process above, be sure to keep a regular maintenance schedule to make sure your timber to look its best for years to come. Clean furniture periodically to remove dirt, reapply finishes annually or as recommended to maintain their protective properties, and cover/store furniture during extreme weather conditions to prevent damage.
Rejuvenating your outdoor timber furniture will help extend the life of your pieces while keeping them functional and looking beautiful for longer. For everything you need for your next timber project, call into your local Sadolin stockist.