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How to spruce up your garden furniture

Whether you’re getting ready for some al fresco dining or you’re just wanting somewhere to sit with a good book and a cuppa, outdoor furniture can make all the difference to your garden. It doesn’t take too much time at all to look after and maintain your garden furniture, and our handy how-tos will walk you through how to clean, treat and paint it. We’ll also answer those niggling questions like ‘what kind of paint is best for furniture?’ or ‘what is the best exterior wood paint?’ So, stick with us and with just a little bit of care, your outdoor furniture will look as good as new in no time.

  • Sarah - copywriter
  •  
  •  5min read
How to spruce up your garden furniture

How to restore wooden furniture

Checklist

Hardwood furniture can be left uncovered throughout winter due to the natural oils in the wood that help protect it. If you opt for the out-in-all-weathers option, then eventually you’ll need our tricks to restoring your wooden furniture back to its best.

Step one

Wash with a cloth or brush (depending on how ingrained the dirt is) and mild soapy water once a year to remove the build-up of pollen, sap and mildew.

Step two

Bring wood back to life by applying some teak, linseed or danish oil with a. Simply rub it into the furniture, following the grain. You can add another coat if needed, just make sure you let the first coat dry completely beforehand.

Step three

For a splash of lasting colour, you could alternatively choose to apply a wood furniture stain

Step three

Allow to dry following manufacturer’s instructions.

Top tip: Try to keep the feet of your furniture off the floor and the furniture tilted

Wood stain Shop wood stain
Shop exterior wood treatments Shop exterior wood treatments

Choosing an outdoor wood paint

If wood stain isn’t enough of a solid colour for you then you could opt for a paint treatment. When it comes to what kind of paint is best for outdoors, wilko garden colour offers plenty of great options to choose from. Freshen up fence panels, and brighten up your patio furniture with these gorgeous garden paint that are touch dry in just 2 hours.

Step one

Choose a look that will suit your space. Dramatic darks will look great in a modern garden, whereas pastels bring to life that country cottage garden style.

Step two

Colour picked, use an undercoat first to help give extra weather protection to exterior wood and metal. wilko exterior undercoat is more durable than conventional undercoats, making it less prone to cracking and blistering

Step three

Make sure the undercoat is fully dry, then you’re ready for your colour.

Garden furniture paint Shop garden furniture paint
Paint brushes Shop paint brushes

How to paint wooden garden furniture

Once you’ve cleaned, sanded your furniture and chosen your paint it’s its time to get the paintbrushes out to give the furniture a bit of a refresh.

Step one

Stir the can of paint thoroughly.

Step two

Now, turn the furniture upside down, and brush paint evenly underneath. Try to paint along the grain of the wood.

Step three

Allow to dry before adding another layer.

Step four

Remember – when painting wood several thin coats of paint are better than one thick one and the darker the colour the more coats that will be required.

Step five

Turn the furniture the right way up to repeat the process and allow it to completely dry before use.

How to restore plastic and rattan garden furniture

Checklist

From standard bistro sets to metal framed swing seats, it’s important to keep on top of looking after metal furniture as it can start looking tired if you’re not careful.

Step one

Give it a good wash with soapy water before drying it down completely.

Step two

Check for any rust on the metal (this is also important for plastic-coated metal furniture, as the metal could rust if cracks have appeared in the plastic).

Step three

Remove any rust with a wire brush or steel wool.

Step four

Use a clean cloth to ensure that all the rust particles have been removed

Step five

Want to give your metal furniture a new lick of paint too? Our recommended colours, our white or black. (Remember to give it an undercoat with our wilko exterior undercoat first!)

Top tip: You may also need to oil the fixings and joints to keep folding furniture moving freely.

Got any tips of your own? We’d love to hear them. Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.

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