Posts Tagged ‘patio furniture’
Cleaning Wicker Patio Furniture
Wicker is durable and has long been used for outdoor furniture. It holds up well and has a stylish, tropical look that is ideally suited to the patio. It comes in everything from traditional tables and chairs to glamorous bars and benches. To prolong the life of your wicker patio furniture, it’s very important to maintain it during the outdoor season and clean it thoroughly if you plan to put it away for the winter. To do this properly, the two things you must consider are your climate and the material you are cleaning.
Vintage wicker furniture is made of wood, rattan or bamboo, woven around a wood frame. It requires a light cleaning every month or so with a wood oil soap and water. Remove the cushions and use a brush to remove any debris that has become trapped in the grooves. Allow the furniture to dry naturally or turn a fan on it. It is important to dry this type of wicker furniture thoroughly to discourage mold, especially in tropical southern climates. Wooden wicker furniture also needs painting from time to time to protect the wood. It is easy to spray this type of furniture and the new types of spray paints that permeate the wood give a good result. You may also want to protect this furniture with clear plastic covers when in use. Newer wicker furniture may be made of resin which is impervious to weather, stain and fade-resistant. A hose or pressure washer will do a good job of cleaning this furniture during the patio season, but mild soap and water can also be used first. Don’t use a foaming cleaner because wicker has too many cracks where residue can hide.
To store your wicker patio furniture, remove the cushions and cover the frames with plastic or canvas to discourage dust. Be sure the furniture storage area is not too cold so your furniture does not dry out and crack. In the spring, get your wicker furniture out and inspect it for areas that may need repair. Sometimes the ends of the narrow wooden strips come loose and need repair. They can be glued so more damaged doesn’t occur.
Maintenance of wicker patio furniture is simple and rewarding. A little soap or a coat of paint and you’ll be ready for another season. With proper care, you’ll be able to enjoy your wicker patio furniture for years to come.
Staining and Refinishing Wood Patio Furniture
Wood is a popular and comfortable choice for patio furniture. Rain, wind, and sun take their toll on wood finishes and eventually wood patio furniture will need to be stained or refinished. Surface preparation is important in any refinishing project and will depend on what type of finish you’d like on the piece.
There are numerous paint and stain products that will provide a beautiful and durable surface. It can be helpful to know if the existing finish is oil based or water based. The general rule is that oil based stain or paint will adhere to water based finishes or other oil based products, but water based finishes cannot be put over oil without additional preparation. This can be remedied with the proper primer.
The first step in any refinishing project is to thoroughly clean the piece. TSP, or Tri Sodium Phosphate, is an effective cleaner for wood patio furniture. Follow manufacturer’s directions. Most stains can be removed with fine sandpaper. A 20% bleach solution and a soft bristled brush can be used to remove mold or mildew as well as any severely stained areas, if necessary. Rinse thoroughly and allow the piece to dry completely. Repair any damaged spots and check all joints and fasteners and repair or replace as needed. The final result will depend on how well the piece has been prepared. To stain wood furniture, use fine sandpaper to smooth any rough spots on cleaned and dried furniture.
For outdoor furniture, it’s best to use an outdoor stain. There are numerous colors and brands available. Follow manufacturer instructions. Usually, this will entail brushing on the stain of your choice in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the stain to dry and apply a second coat. It’s not advised to put polyurethane on outdoor furniture as it can crack and blister. Painted wood patio furniture must be cleaned as above. A washing with TSP will usually remove any glossiness from the existing paint surface. Additionally, any paint that is chipping or peeling must be removed. A light sanding will smooth out any edges. Use a good quality primer and apply as directed. Once dry, apply your choice of a paint intended for outdoor use on wood. The colors and finishes available are numerous.
As well, you can use a brush on paint or spray paint. Spray paint will provide a smoother surface although there will likely be more color choices in brush on paint. Allow any refinished furniture to dry completely before use; a day or two of drying time will ensure the paint or stain is fully cured. Finally, the final finish on your wood patio furniture will last longer if it is cleaned and maintained regularly.
