![Let's do it together Let's do it together](/medias/blog-slim-jtbd-desktop.jpg?context=bWFzdGVyfHJvb3R8Mjc1NzN8aW1hZ2UvanBlZ3xoOTIvaDZmLzkyNjIxODg3ODk3OTAvYmxvZy1zbGltLWp0YmQtZGVza3RvcC5qcGd8OWM0NTRhMTdlOGMzMWYwOWM1NWIyNGUzMzE0ZjcxMzI2ZDM4YjAwZDgxYjY5NjEzZDFhMTdkY2RmOGYxMjExMA)
![Let's do it together Let's do it together](/medias/blog-slim-jtbd-mobile.jpg?context=bWFzdGVyfHJvb3R8MTYzOTh8aW1hZ2UvanBlZ3xoMGQvaDdhLzkyNjIxODg0NjIxMTAvYmxvZy1zbGltLWp0YmQtbW9iaWxlLmpwZ3xhMzhmNDVkNmFmNzY2YjA5ZGVkZTExZmM4MjcxNjgxNGQ1MWE2NDFmY2MxYTkzNTM0NGUyZTBhYmNlNjhmZmZh)
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.
![How to paint like a pro How to spruce up your garden furniture](/medias/spruce-gardenfurn-main.jpg?context=bWFzdGVyfHJvb3R8MTk4Nzg5fGltYWdlL2pwZWd8aDkwL2hkOS85MTYwODgzMDc3MTUwLmpwZ3w2ZmQ1NmQzYWFhYTkxMTljMjNmOTU2ZmZiNDRkMmY2YTBiYWUxYWQ0NTNmMzExNmUzNmVmYzcxMDZiMWY4Y2I0)
How to restore wooden furniture
Checklist
- Soapy water
- Bucket
- Cloths (one for washing, one for applying the oil and one for drying)
- Brush (to get into the grains of the wood)
- Teak oil or furniture stain
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 oneWash 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 twoBring 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 threeFor a splash of lasting colour, you could alternatively choose to apply a wood furniture stain
Step threeAllow to dry following manufacturer’s instructions.
Top tip: Try to keep the feet of your furniture off the floor and the furniture tilted
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 oneChoose 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 twoColour 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 threeMake sure the undercoat is fully dry, then you’re ready for your colour.
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 oneStir the can of paint thoroughly.
Step twoNow, turn the furniture upside down, and brush paint evenly underneath. Try to paint along the grain of the wood.
Step threeAllow to dry before adding another layer.
Step fourRemember – 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 fiveTurn 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
- Soapy water
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Cloths for drying
- Wire brush
- Steel wool
- Metal paint
- Oil
- Paint brushes
- Paint brush cleaner
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 oneGive it a good wash with soapy water before drying it down completely.
Step twoCheck 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 threeRemove any rust with a wire brush or steel wool.
Step fourUse a clean cloth to ensure that all the rust particles have been removed
Step fiveWant 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.