I have a pine table, 4 chairs and a Pine TV unit lndoor furniture I would like to use under a patio cover. Make sure that the first coat has completely dried before applying the second coat. darker natural bamboo roller shades that are part of this ensemble that I’m not positive are outdoor shades, they do have UV protection and I am fairly sure they are, but can I waterproof these also? I then sanded the top and base with 000 steel wool. The most common outdoor wood coating is an exterior-grade penetrating stain. Thanks for the feedback! Unfinished pieces for log furniture usually will be very roughly cut with the bark still remaining on the cut ends. Varnish will protect the wood from absorbing unwanted moisture and decaying over time. I am unsure of some of the terminology you are using and also do not have a knowledge of the products you are talking about above. Most water-based stain/sealants have tiny particles of pigment and resin that adhere to each other very tightly as the finish dries, similar to a patchwork quilt. Apply water seal evenly over the entire surface of the wood using a paintbrush, roller or sprayer. Plus, you get more use out of the whole surface of the paper. Examine the product’s label for clues to the coating’s quality, looking for any reference to “non-yellowing” properties. Ive seen at restaurants they use something to do that. I roughed-up the varnish a little bit between coats with Scotch Brite abrasive pads. Do this every other year or so and your outdoor furniture and play set will look fantastic instead of resembling a 50-year-old fishing pier. Can it be made waterproof and painted to use on the undercover patio? Is it possible to do this considering the finishes on each? As always, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for best practices. However, by using the high gloss for the under coats, you achieve better UV protection. Thanks for sharing wonderful tips. All replies are welcome….remember beginner beginner beginner . Wood with natural preservatives, such as Western Red Cedar, cypress and redwood, do not require as much drying time because the wood was never pressure-treated with a preservative. Try sanding and refinishing. “Film-forming” stains must be completely removed before applying a penetrating stain. The treatment of lumber with waterborne preservatives leaves moisture in the wood. Hi, we have an Oregon Outdoor Dinner Table. I have wooden benches that have been painted with deck paint. Furniture intended for the indoors is never going to have as long an outdoor life as its pressure-treated or rot resistant wood counterparts, but a little protection from the elements goes a long way. Proper care needs. My husband wants to put it on the patio up all the way up against the house for outdoor parties. The wood was planed down to remove 40 years of stains and paints. If it is possible to do these 3 different things, what do I use for each? The most direct way to renew the appearance is to sand or pressure-wash the surface. I have a 7 ft. wood (real wood) buffet table, that will not fit anywhere inside the house. Please advise. Please feel free to share it with friends! We have a screened porch. I have a hand hewn log that came from a barn that was constructed in the in the late 1860’s(maybe oak). Try an outdoor deckstain, such as Thompson's WaterSeal (about $17; Lowe's). You can see why it's important to treat all wood with a water repellent on a regular basis to prevent water from getting into the wood. . Do you know what type of paint I would use to make my wooden adirondack chairs feel like a thick acrylic? This type of wood is expensive but strongly resists moisture. I have purchased a solid rubberwood indoor day bed for the purpose. Spar varnish produces a built-up finish that provides more protection than oil. Can you help me? I wanted to add a wooden bench I just bought to my yard, but I’ve seen some pretty rough looking benches in my neighbors yards. What procedure and products would give me the best results? Afterwards, use a … Step 5 Apply wood stain to the wood with a paint brush, if desired. Love the way you wrote this as it is easy to understand and simple to read! The best way how to treat untreated wood for outdoor use is to apply a wood sealer. The shutters have black paint and maybe a white wash treatment over it making it kind of antique looking. I have a veneered cherry table – are there additional steps or specific products for use in this situation? Can I varnish or paint it and put rubber lugs on the leg bases to turn it into an outside table? Good luck! Please help! It improves the natural beauty of the wood and increases the life span of the wood So – don’t forget that preparation comes first when varnishing, sealing or oiling wood . Thanks in advance. Please respond by email. Of course, metal or plastic are materials that have been designed to handle the elements way better and longer, which makes them well-suited to outdoor use. Learn how to clean leather furniture with natural products. I have these to put on my front porch. I have an old wood dining room table that I would like to use as a garden table what is the best way and what product is best to se for this? Wait till surface is completely dry then lightly sand with 200 to 250 grit sand paper, use a tac rag to clean then with a badger brush, apply each coat evenly. The wood is maple. Seal any exposed end grain—typically the bottoms of chair and dresser feet, which tend to soak up moisture—with a clear penetrating epoxy sealer before applying the stain. I’d appreciate any information about this to clarify what I need to do. Here’s more on that: https://todayshomeowner.com/video/building-a-picnic-table-for-your-yard/ I applied one more coat of the Epifanes Wood Matt Varnish. When buying Danish oil, make sure to choose “natural.” Some Danish oil is colored and using it will change the color of the wood. If there is a buildup of old stains on the deck, then you may need to remove it with something stronger than an oxygen bleach cleaner. (not a color-painted piece). Several wood preservative products are available in the market, apply them on your acacia wood. It is perfect to use it for underwater applications like boats. All the above questions are great. Thank you so much! Then, use the furniture cleaner as directed on the packaging. Four coats will seal all openings to offer a glass surface. Only problem there is no weather protection from the sides but no rainwater problems. In the past, attaching an elevated deck patio cover to any structure, required posts mounted through the existing roof. After the first coat of this varnish, I decided the base looked good enough to call it finished. sanded walnut slab wood 2″ x 18″ x4′ out side bench & two others about the same may, be coffee tables? It’s interesting that you should seal the bottoms of the legs and to make sure every part of the furniture is covered. Pigments are added to change the wood color and add UV protection. I want the natural wood grain to show with out yellowing and protected from the environment. Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade. I intend to sand them and add several layers of satin polycrylic. This process rejuvenates the wood. Also, I have some Please can I have some much needed advice ASAP as the alternative is to sell the solid oak table for far less than its worth. That said my best advice will be to strip the wood back to bare and then use a range of exterior products that include a good quality preservative Barrettine Premier Universal followed by an exterior oil like Barrettine Garden Furniture Oil this will help to make the wood moisture repellent and is also easy to maintain over time. Anyhow, I coated it in a 5 layer high gloss polyurethane (home depot) 14 months ago and still looks like day 1. We sat on some in Ocean City and I’ve been searching for the type of paint used, to no avail! Making a planter and hope that the suggested method will help it hold up outdoors as long as I maintain it. This is why fresh PT lumber often arrives wet from the supplier, and the moisture can impede the penetration of stains and paints. Can you suggest a sealer (like the restaurants use) and stain combo? For more info contact, Armstrong Clark Wood Stains armclark.com. Whether you’re turning a ladder-back chair into a flower planter or want to put your favorite wooden rocker on the porch, here are some tips on how to get the most life out of wood furniture in the garden. We just moved to a newly built home with a large covered porch. It’s sturdy and comfy, and right beside the bird feeders – even the cat loves it. I would like to use it as an outside table as no longer have the room indoors for it. Wear gloves to protect your skin. Applying the stain/sealer with a brush is the best way to work the product into the wood grain. © 2021 Today’s Homeowner Media. There are a few things to keep in mind from the get-go if any part of your project is going underground just use pressure-treated wood. I am refurbishing a cedar rocking chair which will be outside. Hi! However, black locust is hard to work since the grain can be strange. I was thinkin gof using Epifanes High Gloss Marine finish to seal my repurposed exterior dining table. Hi .Want to take a custom built huge wood table and use it outside.Want to paint I a bright yellow as well. Its also a horrible green colour. To get great results, you need to apply at least two coats of primer. Non-elevated patio covers […], Armstrong’s deck and siding wood stain has nondrying conditioning oils that separate from the drying side of the formula. After waiting 24 hours for the sealer to cure, I applied the first coat of Epifanes High Gloss Marine Varnish. The problem is what to do about the legs. Marla, I found your comments very helpful looking forward to learning more thank you. Outdoor wood coatings are typically formulated with either water or oil. Best of luck to you.”. I’d like to waterproof or seal them, but don’t want a glossy finish, in Hope’s to protect them through the summer months. Chris. i found an antigue small wood table, more like a tea cart i want to refinish for outside for condiments and such when outdoor dining, i need to re-glue and re-screw the table but was wondered if while it is apart is this a better time to do the majority of the weatherproofing, Hi all. There is an extension piece that fits inside so many parts to this table and clips to secure the extension piece in place. Hi, I have noticed a lot of pianos being giving away free so i started thinking that i could turn one into a outside bar. Solid wood furniture is a great way to invest in your home. How to prevent your sandpaper from sliding Just by folding your sandpaper into thirds, it will hold together much better than folding it in half. I will keep tabs. There are claims that this finish will last up to 5 years without re varnishing. This is why fresh PT lumber often arrives wet from the supplier, and the moisture can impede the penetration of stains and paints. I have gotten quite a bit of experience with this project applying sealer and varnish. It’s naturally very resilient against the elements, and in the 1800s was the wood of choice for outdoor work. Use sandpaper to give the wood surface some roughness. Cheers There appears to be no stain, but just a clear finish of some type. The treatment of lumber with waterborne preservatives leaves moisture in the wood. Enter e-mail address to subscribe and get latest updates and info. This superficial product can wear away unevenly, so you should still back-brush it into the woodgrain for the most consistent appearance and best protection. Using these are ok but everybody has to take care of those. STEP 6: I cleaned the branch with a dry towel to remove any dust. It’s tempting to pick up old chairs and tables at yard sales for use in the garden, but we’ve all seen what happens to them after a few seasons if they aren’t properly treated to withstand the elements. Use a stain sponge to apply stain. These chemical agents open the woodgrain to improve penetration of the stain and help restore the appearance of weathered wood to a like-new condition. Perhaps I should only prepare the table and remove the extension piece? Use a non-metallic brush to gently scrub the surface of the wood. These products provide a high-gloss furniture look, while still allowing the natural grain to show through. If you have a power washer, use it on "light" to knock off the embedded dirt and oil residue. Use a well-ventilated workspace when varnishing the wood. This is very informative, And helped a lot in making my decision to select what type of furniture i should buy. I’m a long time reader but ive never commented till now. Thanks. Myra. Small, stubborn spots of stain can then be removed with a hand sander once the deck has dried. I am unsure as to the type of wood as well. Judi. First, sand the piece down to bare wood, making sure to wear a respirator mask. Well, I am almost through refinishing the 60 inch round wooden table that I referred to in a previous comment. can I seal it without looseing that aged look? You noted that the last coat you used a Matte finish. Like any investment, though, it needs proper care and attention. I was informed by the furniture store that it is ok to use outdoors. It was had always been an outdoor bench however time has had it’s wicked way with it. You can hose it down to begin with, removing any debris or cobwebs. I applied 3 coats underneath the table top and underneath the legs on the base. Hi Borden, STEP 5: After I got most of the bark off, I used 120-grit sandpaper on the entire piece to smooth out any rough spots and give the piece a nice even look. I applied 6 coats of this varnish to the top and 5 coats to the base. Please include a photo with your question so we can understand the setup. The more coats applied, the darker the stain. Whether it’s pressure-treated, cedar, cypress, redwood or even a high-end exotic hardwood, the right care and maintenance will protect exterior wood and keep it in good shape for years. Now a days everybody using the wood furniture in their houses. My question is I would i use marine varnish or a waterproof paint to be able to keep it outside in Massachusetts all year? However, most water-based coatings require more coats and still don’t last as long as their oil-based or “alkyd” counterparts, which generally provide more long-term, wood-preserving durability. However, if you plan to stick with the same color and type of stain (and your deck is in decent condition) then you can probably get by with a thorough cleaning and a fresh maintenance coat. Choosing Durable Wood for Outdoor Furniture, Tips for Cleaning and Refinishing Outdoor Wood Furniture, How to Clean and Stain Outdoor Wood Furniture, Sylvania Battery Powered LED Under-Cabinet Light Review, How to Create a DIY Patio with Quikrete WalkMaker, Create a Comfortable, Luxurious Patio with Linear Pavers, 5 Tips to Keep Your Wood Deck Looking Its Best, https://todayshomeowner.com/radio/ask-questions/, https://todayshomeowner.com/video/building-a-picnic-table-for-your-yard/, How to Create Paver Columns for Outdoor Lighting, How to Fill Grooves Before Painting Paneling. Treat them like your valuable assets. Use a soft cloth, and a soap solution to clean the wood. Well, technically you can, but don’t expect it to last a lifetime! When using a power-washer, limit your pressure to no more than 1,000 or 1,200 PSI. It is vitually brand new. Layout a tarp to set your pine object on top of to prevent staining the ground or other objects with the polyurethane If you're sensitive to strong odors, put on a respirator before handling polyurethane. The drying oils stay at the surface, lock in the conditioning oils and create a dry to […]. I have an old dining hutch that I want to repurpose in to an outdoor TV cabinet for our covered porch. Do I need to sand down to the wood to begin this process or can I simply rough up the top layer and add my polycrylic? What do I need to do to this cabinet to weatherproof and paint? Hi, Victoria! Contrary to popular belief, new wood still needs to be cleaned to remove any “mill scale”, which is a compression of the grain during the milling process that can cause the stain to float or run off without absorption. It can be reused. I’ve got to know how to protect it the best way I can. Suggestions would be so helpful. Having read your list of questions people presented and having refinished and restored Oak, Maple and Mahogany on many ships while sailing, I still say strip the surface with strypeeze wearing goggle and using heavy gloves, scrape all Wooden furniture has to overcome some pretty big obstacles to survive outdoors, including: So, can you use interior wood furniture outside? Invest in Solid Wood Amish Furniture for Your Home. The matte finish removes the high shine. It is a wooden sign with highly reflective lettering. Sanded it down well and I did an acrylic type painting on it for her. No peeling, no worse-than-before mess. Thank you so much for sharing the information regarding wood furniture care. Just like your chair, I have a hanging wooden chair outside. Teak is a natural product, it can be left out in the open all year round through the rain, hail or shine. Follow the steps above and your hardwood furniture will be a long-lasting symbol of sophistication and timeless beauty. My husband and I found a beautiful 60 inch round, primitive wooden pedestal table that we want to use outside in a sunny spot. Light cleaning of wood outdoor furniture is best done with a cloth moistened with water or a mild soapy solution. I’ll be sure and get some exterior primer instead! Your indoor furniture may not be prone to the direct sun and rains, but it is definitely prone to spills. Do you have some tips for wood type (my current stock consists of cedar, and outdoor-aged elm, ash and assorted others. Thank you You have entered an incorrect email address! I can’t seem to find a single product for this use; but I can’t believe that one doesn’t exist. I chose the varnish because it has good UV protection. Raw pieces of logs are brilliant as they are, but in order to be treated for log furniture, they have to be properly prepared. Helen. Hello I am making a table and seats for use outdoors. Please advise if there is anything I should do to protect it. Staining and sealing outdoor wood is among the best ways to protect it from the elements. Estimating exactly how long treated wood will take to dry is difficult, and a lot depends on how much time has elapsed since the treatment, the lumber’s exposure to the sun, ambient weather, etc. And salt water breeze are constant. The table is built from center cut redwood of my old deck. Repeat the procedure between coats. Find a spot with plenty of air circulation, preferably outside or by an open door, to apply the finish. I have an exterior sign that was made for me. If you are working on a project that includes outdoor vessels for water flow, prefer marine-grade plywood. Can I put an oak Hoosier in a three season room? Want to waterproof a dresser top that i am converting into a bathroom vanity. The product can simply be sprayed onto the wood surface, given a few minutes to work its “magic” and then rinsed off, requiring very little labor. I have a dark walnut varnished table and wicker chairs that I would like to use as garden furniture how can I safely restore this for outside use . The door panels are natural wood with a white wash on the exterior side and black paint on the inside. TH community members helping other TH community members — we love it. It’s really helpful for outside furniture…. Thank you for your interest! Finishing. What should I put on it? However, sanding can be very difficult and time-consuming, and pressure-washing can remove the gray but cause the surface to fuzz or splinter, posing a “touch” hazard for areas such as deck surfaces where people may walk barefoot. Spread out a tarp in a well-ventilated area. Use the varnish to create a watertight coating on the wood. We accept photos at [email protected]. It is now in need of a clean up. But I’m nervous and want to make sure that I do not need to seal it or anything else to ensure it can withstand Florida’s humidity. Here is my situation: We live in south Texas. Allow new pressure-treated wood to dry before staining or sealing. I have a lovely wooden bench on the porch that I got for free last spring, and it soon became my favorite coffee-sipping seat. As roofs run different pitches, these labor intensive post mounts have to be customized for each roof. Properly cared for teak furniture is a treasure that gets better as it ages. For best performance of paint and stain coatings, allow the treated wood to dry for 2 to 4 weeks prior to application. In general it’s best to remove old stain before applying new stain, especially if changing products or colors. For a natural-wood look, apply multiple coats of exterior spar varnish that contains added UV blockers. There are products made specifically for cleaning outdoor wood furniture. My wife last weekend got some wood furniture we want to put out on our deck. Exterior-paint is the most common unnatural finish used on outdoor wood. Water-based finishes are generally heralded for their ease of use. Always thoroughly mix the stain to evenly blend the solids and ensure a consistent color tone throughout the project. How to Protect Your Outdoor Wood Furniture. Available in both oil- and water-based formulations, the resins penetrate wood pores to provide pigment and block out the damaging effect of weather while allowing the natural woodgrain and texture to shine through. Before applying teak oil or preservative, wash the piece to remove loose soil and dust, and allow it to dry thoroughly before applying and treatment and sealer or oil. Even though natural weather-resistant wood is the best choice for outdoor exposure, at some point it becomes vulnerable to decay. What to use? Brush or Spray Application Using a sprayer or roller can apply the stain more quickly, but both of these methods leave much of the stain on the surface without adequate penetration into the pores. so will you please give me step by step and product names? I bought 4 maple wood rockers for the front porch which is covered. I stripped the table to the bare wood, then sealed it with Restor-it Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer. I want to put on a sealer that is durable and thick also thinking about doing broken glass in the top of table. What product do you recommend. The hutch has been previously painted and i would like to change the color too. The wood has begun splitting in places and its needing a lot of work done to it. Thank you. I really want to varnish them to use as seating at the pool. I am anxious to try preparing a beautiful old caned chair that is not strong enough to sit on. Then I strayed a generous coat of Clear Semi-Gloss Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish.I wanted to bring in a bit of sheen while giving the branch a little protection. Copyright 2021 Extreme How To. With oil-based finishes, the tiny particles actually fuse together chemically into one large sheet-like substance, which achieves a harder finish and is less likely to develop an amber color tone. ), finish, etc. I have sanded them as well as I can but there is still paint on them. Pauline, Danny says, “I would suggest you apply three light coats of spar varnish. If you prefer to maintain the original color of the teak wood, you can use a timber treatment and sealer, or teak oil, in the beginning and end of the season. Understanding that indoor furniture will never last as long as outdoor furniture, I would like to protect it from the elements as best I can. I then switched to Epifanes Wood Matte Varnish. If you have a home improvement question you would like answered, you can call our radio show hotline at (800) 946-4420 or submit it online at https://todayshomeowner.com/radio/ask-questions/ If your question is answered on the show, you will receive an email directing you to the show online so you can listen to the answer. Wood Treat Wood Seal is a general all purpose sealer which penetrates the wood and nourishes the wood at the same time. All rights reserved. Where are the answers to the above questions? Please help! I do sculpture in found wood and am considering doing some pieces for permanent outdoor display. In the first picture, that outdoor furniture and patio decor bring indoor elegance to outdoor display. Because I’m reclaiming lumber I want to reclaimed look and not the epoxy high gloss look. It a good patio cover and cuts off extreme sunlight. Hi Borden, Compared to oil-based formulas, they’re easier to clean up, have a lower odor and are often less expensive. I thought I wanted to buy a clear finish until I read your article. Would a layer of paint bring additional protection? Clean the surface with an oxygenated bleach. When wood is exposed to the sunlight the ultraviolet rays can damage the wood fibers over time, causing the surface to turn gray. It is too big for inside but perfect for an outside Deck next to lake water. Thank you! I don’t want to sand them and don’t want to change the color. Scrub in the same direction as the grain. Available in oil- or water-based finishes, they form a durable beautiful, satin surface, but they can only be maintained with another coat of film-forming sealant. All Right Reserved. Outdoor wear on furniture can be slowed if it is sealed or built from specially treated wood like this adirondack chair, but even then damage will eventually seep in. Of course, this won’t make your wood or wooden furniture immune to these external influences, but it certainly will aid in lengthening the lifespan of it.