The furniture outdoors is an essential part of any outdoor space. Whether it’s a porch or deck, outdoor furniture can create a relaxing environment for any occasion. But with frequent exposure to the elements, outdoor furniture can easily become damaged over time. Refinishing is a great way to bring new life into your outdoor furniture. But how to refinish outdoor wood furniture, especially as a beginner?
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to refinishing outdoor wood furniture. We’ll also provide some tips for DIYers and what they should watch out for when painting outdoor furniture. So grab your materials, and let’s get started.
How to Refinish Outdoor Wood Furniture?
The steps outlined below will guide you through refinishing outdoor furniture.
What you will need
To get started, you’ll need to gather the materials and tools for the project. Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:
- Sandpaper
- Paintbrush or roller
- Primer
- Paint, stain, or sealer
- Clean clothes or rags
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask
Read Also: How to Seal Painted Wood for Outdoor Use
Preparing the furniture for refinishing
The first step in refinishing outdoor wood furniture is to prepare it for refinishing.
Repairing the surface of your furniture
Before refinishing your furniture, you’ll need to inspect the surface for any damage. Check for cracks or gaps in the wood and any loose nails or screws. Use sandpaper to smooth out these areas, and fill any gaps with wood putty. This will ensure that your furniture is in optimal condition before you begin the refinishing process.
Removing old paint or stain
The next step is to remove any existing paint, stain, or sealant from the surface of your furniture. You can do this with a chemical stripper or sandpaper. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask when working with chemical strippers or sandpaper. After the old paint is removed, use a clean cloth or rag to wipe down the surface of your furniture and remove any dust or debris.
Cleaning off the surface of your furniture
Once you’ve removed the old paint or stain, ensure the surface is clean before refinishing. Use a mild soap and water solution to gently scrub any dirt, grime, or grease from the surface. Rinse it off with a clean cloth or rag and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
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Applying a finish to outdoor wood furniture
Now that your furniture is prepped and ready, it’s time to begin applying the finish.
Choosing the right type of finish
The type of finish you use will depend on the climate conditions where your furniture is located. For example, a gloss or semi-gloss finish works best in wet climates, while an oil-based finish is ideal for dry climates. Make sure to choose a finish that is appropriate for the weather conditions in your area. Additionally, some finishes are better suited for specific types of wood, so read the product label before purchasing.
Sanding and preparing for finishing
Before you can apply the finish, you’ll need to sand and prepare the surface of your furniture. This will help ensure the new finish adheres properly and lasts many years. Start using medium-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections or rough spots from the wood. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Finally, use a damp cloth or rag to wipe away any dust before applying the finish.
Applying the finish
Once the furniture is sanded and prepped, it’s time to apply the finish. Use a paintbrush or roller for larger surfaces and an angled brush for smaller areas and corners for best results.
Start by applying the finish in the direction of the grain and follow up with a second coat after the first has dried. Use overlapping strokes when applying the paint or stain to ensure an even finish. Wait approximately 24 hours before applying a third or fourth coat of finish.
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Finishing touches
Now that you’ve applied the finish, it’s time to add the finishing touches.
Sealing the finish
Once your finish is fully dry, use a sealer to protect the furniture’s surface. A sealer will help protect the finish from UV rays and moisture, ensuring it lasts many years. You can apply the sealer with a brush or roller, and you may need to use multiple coats for optimal protection.
Touching up with paint or stain
Once the sealer is applied, you may want to touch up your furniture with paint or stain. This is a great way to add color and give your furniture an updated look. Use a small brush to apply the paint or stain, and wait for each coat to dry before applying another.
Adding accessories to enhance your outdoor wood furniture
Once your furniture is finished, consider adding accessories such as cushions or pillows. These can add color and texture to your furniture, providing extra comfort while you’re lounging outdoors. You can add a few decorative accents, such as plants, candles, or lanterns, to give your furniture an even more inviting look.
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Additional Tips For Refinishing Outdoor Wood Furniture
Here are a few tips that may help when refinishing outdoor wood furniture:
- Use a good quality wood sealant to protect the furniture from water damage.
- Take extra care when sanding off old paint and varnish so that you don’t cause any additional damage to the wood.
- If you plan on painting the furniture, use a primer first to help the paint adhere better.
- Apply several thin coats of sealant, varnish, or paint to ensure even coverage.
- Use a high-quality brush for the best finish.
- Consider using a sealant or varnish with UV protection to help extend the life of your furniture.
- If you plan on staining your furniture, test it in an inconspicuous area first. This will give you an idea of how the color looks and if it’s the right one for you.
- Keep your outdoor furniture in a cool and dry place so that the wood won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures.
These tips should help ensure a smooth refinishing process and make your furniture look great for years.
What DIYers Should Watch Out For When Refinishing Outdoor Wood Furniture?
It’s not always easy refinishing outdoor wood furniture. If you don’t take the time and use the right techniques, your hard work could quickly go to waste.
Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when tackling this DIY project:
Avoid overworking the surface of your furniture
Don’t do it, no matter how tempting it is to sand and buff the furniture into oblivion. Overworking the surface can ruin its outer layer, leading to premature wear and tear. This can drastically reduce its lifespan. Use a light sanding pad and gently clean the wood for the best results. You can also use a dry cloth to remove any dirt and debris.
Don’t rush when applying the finish
Take your time when applying the finish. If you paint, ensure each coat is adequate and doesn’t run or pool. For staining, avoid excessive amounts of stain in one spot, as this can create an uneven look when dry. Use a clean brush or cloth and apply the finish evenly throughout.
Wait for each coat to dry before applying next
Never apply a second coat of paint or stain too soon. Make sure each coat is dry before applying the next one. This will help the finish adhere better and last longer. If you rush, you may end up with a muddy-looking mess that won’t withstand the weather and wear and tear.
Don’t forget to seal
No matter what type of finish you’re using, make sure to apply a sealant afterward. This will protect the wood from moisture and UV degradation. Some products are available with built-in UV protection for added longevity. Choose one best suited for your project and apply it as directed on the label.
Clean up any messes right away
Clean up any paint or stain spills or splatters as soon as possible. Again, this will help the finish last longer and look better in the long run. When you finish your project, dispose of any leftover materials properly. Don’t forget to put away all tools and supplies for safekeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
To bring that shine and appeal back, outdoor furniture refinishing is a great way. Start by sanding the wood to its natural state, removing all dirt, grease, and grime built over time. Then, apply a quality waterproof sealer or stain to make your furniture look new again and protect it from harsh weather conditions.
A coat of paint can give outdoor furniture a more uniform look, while stains will help bring out the wood’s natural beauty. So, if you’re after a timeless classic, go for staining your outdoor wood furniture. If you want to give it a more modern look, however, then painting might be the way to go.
You must start by sanding the wood surface to its natural state for restaining outdoor furniture. Then, apply a quality oil-based sealer or stain suitable for exterior use. Finish with a protective top coat to ensure your furniture will withstand the outdoor elements.
The stains that work best for exterior wood are oil-based stains or sealers. These provide superior protection against the elements and help maintain your furniture’s natural beauty. For best results, look for a product with a UV protectant to help prevent fading.
To refinish wood patio furniture, the process is pretty straightforward. First, use a power washer or garden hose to remove dirt and debris. Next, sand the surface with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth it out and remove any existing finish. After that, apply a wood cleaner to the furniture, let it sit for 10 minutes, and rinse with a garden hose. Finally, apply an outdoor wood stain or paint for the desired look.
Conclusion
Don’t let summer heat (or winter chill) get the better of your wood outdoor furniture. Here are the key takeaways from our guide on how to refinish outdoor wood furniture:
- Start by cleaning the furniture and sanding outdoor furniture to remove any existing paint.
- Apply a wood preservative or sealer and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Select a paint intended for outdoor use and apply two coats of the desired paint color, waiting 4-6 hours between each coat.
- Finish by applying a clear top coat to protect against UV rays, moisture, mildew, and other elements.
- Remember to regularly clean and maintain your wood outdoor furniture for the best results.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your newly refinished outdoor wooden furniture all summer. You can make your outdoor living space look great with a little patience and effort. Enjoy it while it lasts.
