Outdoor furniture can start to look pretty shabby thanks to its year-round exposure to the elements. Bright sun and months of rain can take a toll, but that doesn’t mean you can’t breathe new life into your old outdoor tables and chairs.
In fact, Resene paint expert Jay Sharples says it’s easy to give your outdoor gear a spruce up. By staining or painting your old timber tables and chairs you can ensure they last the distance and look great for many summers to come.
In this Ask an Expert video, Jay shows you how it’s done.
Clean and prep
When it comes to upgrading your timber furniture, the first job is to treat it with Resene Moss & Mould Killer. Even if you can’t see signs of moss or mould, it could well be lurking, and will spell trouble for paintwork if left untreated. Follow the instructions on the pack.
If your furniture is already stained with a timber stain or oil, wash it using Resene Timber and Deck Wash to ready it for the new wood stain.
Paint or stain?
Now it’s time to choose your finish. Resene offers a huge range of paints and wood stains, so if you’re stuck bring your item into a local Resene ColorShop for advice. If it’s too big to carry, take a photo on your phone and bring that in. Or you can send your photo through the Resene Ask a Paint Expert form for free advice direct to your inbox.
“We have thousands of colours to choose from,” says Jay. “You can stick with the natural timber hue or opt for something bolder.”
Generally a stain finish is easy to prep, but will need more frequent maintenance. A paint finish usually requires more prep but the painted finish will last longer, so you won’t need to repaint as often.
If you are planning a dark colour, think about using a Resene CoolColour. This will reflect more of the sun’s heat and help keep your furniture cooler to sit on compared to the normal colour. You could also choose a lighter colour, though it can be best to avoid all white as that can be glary in bright light.
Time to apply
Now you’ve chosen your stain or paint colour, it’s time to get to work. Firstly, it’s important to prepare your area. “Remember to put down a Resene drop cloth to protect the surface you’re painting on, and ensure you have the right tools for the job,” says Jay.
A small paint brush will be ideal for getting into the trickier parts of the furniture, like the nooks and crannies in the corners of the items, while a roller is well-suited for the wider areas of the furniture, like tabletops and wide arms on chairs.
Depending on the product you’re using, apply two to three coats with plenty of drying time between coats. If you are applying wood stains, don’t apply too much, as they need to penetrate to work properly.
Voila! Your outdoor furniture is back to its best and ready for another summer of outdoor entertaining.
Jay’s top tips
- Regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your furniture looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. “I like to clean it once or twice a year, so it’s well protected from the elements,” says Jay.
- Outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be brown or grey. Consider adding a pop of colour to your outdoor setting with your chairs or table painted in a bright red, orange or yellow using colours like Resene Red Berry, Resene Adrenalin or Resene Turbo. You can even paint only the table legs or top for a vibrant splash of colour. Not only will you inject some personality into your outdoor space, you’ll be protecting your furniture from the wear and tear, helping to extend its life.
