Outdoor Furniture Protective Finishes & Treatments

Outdoor furniture's durability is primarily dictated by the materials and construction methods used. However, to maximize both its functionality and aesthetic appeal, regular care and maintenance are essential.

One crucial aspect of maintenance involves periodically applying protective finishes. These treatments shield the furniture from UV damage, moisture, and corrosion, extending its lifespan and preserving its appearance. Different materials require specific treatments, and understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make informed decisions.

What Are Protective Finishes for Outdoor Furniture?

Protective finishes are treatments applied to outdoor furniture to enhance its durability and longevity. These finishes act as a barrier against various environmental factors that can cause wear and tear, such as:

• UV Radiation

• Moisture

• Temperature Fluctuations

• Pests

Finishes and coatings are often applied during the manufacturing process and serve as preventative measures that require little to no additional maintenance. However, aftermarket protective finishes are also available and can be applied post-purchase. These usually require periodic reapplication to ensure continued protection.

By opting for pre-treated furniture or applying protective finishes yourself, you can significantly extend the life of your outdoor furniture while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Important: This list of finishes and treatments provides a general understanding of their advantages and disadvantages. Always consult the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines for the specific materials and production processes used before applying any treatment.

Finishes for Outdoor Wood Furniture

Most outdoor wooden furniture, even if pre-treated, benefits from annual applications of protective finishes. Over time, pre-applied finishes can wear down due to exposure to harsh outdoor elements. Reinforcing these layers with aftermarket treatments can extend the life of the furniture and enhance its appearance. Stains and varnishes are particularly effective in reviving the look of patio furniture.

How to Treat Outdoor Wood Furniture

Depending on the type of wood, environmental conditions, and your maintenance preferences, some finishes may be more suitable than others. Here are some common protective finishes for outdoor wood furniture:

• Paint: Latex paint provides superficial protection against sun and water exposure but can easily scratch and peel, leaving the wood vulnerable. While cost-effective, painting requires careful prep work and may result in uneven coloring and texture.

• Lacquer & Polyurethane: These durable sealants block water damage and protect against scratches. However, they can be challenging to apply, often leaving bubbles that harden into a bumpy surface. Over time, these finishes may yellow.

• Epoxy: Epoxy finishes offer extreme durability and easy cleaning. Ideal for high-use surfaces like countertops and flooring, epoxy withstands harsh elements and scratches for years. However, its high-gloss appearance may not be aesthetically pleasing for all patio furniture, and it requires meticulous application.

• Varnish: Varnish seals wooden furniture, preventing moisture absorption and protecting the natural wood color from UV rays. While easy to apply, varnish is less effective than polyurethane and may require frequent reapplication due to peeling and chipping.

• Stain: Stains penetrate the wood, offering UV resistance and available in various colors. They don’t peel or flake but provide less surface protection than sealants. Stains, particularly oil-based ones, may need annual reapplication and require proper ventilation due to harmful VOCs.

• Oil: Oils penetrate the wood, creating a water-resistant barrier and enhancing the natural woodgrain color without forming a surface film that can crack or chip.

Protective Coatings for Metal Outdoor Furniture

Many metal outdoor furnishings come pre-coated with protective layers, but their longevity and appearance can be further improved with additional treatments. While metal is not susceptible to pests like wood, it can rust, and its texture and color can degrade over time.

Applying these finishes reinforces existing protection and preserves the aesthetic appeal of your metal furniture.

How to Treat Outdoor Metal Furniture

Regular application of sealants, paints, or specialized metal treatments can prevent rust, reduce wear and tear, and keep your furniture looking new for years to come.

• Powder-Coating: This process involves electrostatically applying dry paint to metal and curing it in an oven. Powder-coating provides uniform color and texture, creating a tough, protective layer that resists chipping, scratching, and fading.

• Anodizing: Anodizing is an electrochemical surface treatment that enhances resistance to corrosion and scratches, particularly for aluminum. It provides added durability and allows for a variety of color finishes.

• Polyurethane: A thin layer of clear polyurethane can protect surface paint or minimize the degradation of metal’s texture and color. It can be applied by light brushing or spraying.

• Oil: Applying a thin layer of acid-free oil can prevent rust from forming on raw metals like stainless steel. Frequent application is especially important if the metal lacks corrosion-resistant elements such as chromium.

• Wax: Even powder-coated metal furniture can benefit from a layer of boat or auto wax. Wax helps water bead and roll off, masking fine scratches and other small imperfections.

• Wet Paint: Like with wood, latex paint provides a superficial layer of protection for metal furniture but is prone to scratching and peeling over time. Careful preparation is necessary to avoid uneven coloring and texture.

Resin and High-Pressure Laminate Finishes

Synthetic and laminated materials used in garden furniture typically have protective agents embedded in their composition. These built-in protections ensure the furniture retains its structural integrity and appearance over time, requiring minimal maintenance.

Applying aftermarket resin or high-pressure laminate finishes, such as wax, can enhance the gloss or luster of these surfaces, although frequent reapplication is usually unnecessary.

By understanding and applying the right protective finishes, you can ensure that your outdoor furniture remains both functional and visually appealing for years to come.