REVITALISING TIMBER GARDEN FURNITURE 

Attractive garden furniture can make a good garden great. But without proper care, rain, wind and the baking sun can leave it looking tired and tatty. Fortunately, it’s easy to give your timber garden furniture a new lease on life. All you need are the right materials and a few simple instructions. Print this booklet and refer to it as you go to ensure a proper job that looks perfect.

Checklist

Scrubbing brush
Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
Circular or hand electric sander (if applicable)
Wood block
Tack cloth
Timber cleaning solution
Bucket
Hose and hose trigger gun
Paint stirrer
Outdoor furniture oil or paint
Natural bristle brush
Mineral turpentine (if using a oil-based product)
Rubber gloves
Clean rags
Electrical sander
Vacuum cleaner (if required)

Proper preparation

It’s important to start with a clean, dry, even surface. Start by brushing any dirt and cobwebs off your furniture.
Sand back the timber to reopen the grain, even out any discolouration, and get rid of any scratches or blemishes. Start off with a medium-grit sandpaper, before moving to a fine-grit sandpaper to finish off. It is possible to use an electrical sander to save time.
Clean your furniture and workspace thoroughly. Brush off all the surrounding dust and go over your furniture with a tack cloth to pick up any remaining particles.
Finally, scrub your outdoor furniture with a timber cleaning solution, wash it off with your hose and allow it to dry.
Proper application

Step 1

Start by thoroughly stirring your timber finish in a scooping motion.

Step 2

Apply the finish evenly using a natural bristle brush, being sure not to miss any sections. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 3

Apply a second coat for optimum results, making sure you stir the finish again before applying. Now you can step back and admire a proper job that does the rest of your garden proud!

Paint or oil?

While you may wish to paint your outdoor furniture, oiling is ideal, as it lets the natural beauty of the timber grain show through, while enriching its tones. Be sure to look for a product with UV protection and water repellent proper ties.
Ready to re-oil

If you’re not sure whether your furniture is ready for re-oil try this simple water test. Just spray a few drops onto the furniture. If the water beads on the surface, it doesn’t need immediate attention. But if the water soaks straight into the timber, it’s definitely time to re-oil.