| Outdoor Furniture |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-413 |
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Q: My cedar furniture has turned gray. Can I restore it to its natural look? A: (From Bruce Johnson, Ask DIY Woodworking expert) The gray color means that the sun has bleached out most of the cedar's natural hue. You might think that sanding would help, but the only solution to this problem is bleaching. You need to use wood bleach, which is a two-part bleach -- and be sure to wear protective gloves and glasses when you use it. Combine equal parts of the two components in a container (plastic is okay), then apply with a natural-bristle brush -- you should begin to see results in just a short time. Keep on until the entire surface has been treated. When all the finish has been brought back to its natural color, apply vinegar to neutralize any bleach that may be left on the wood. Q: I have a handmade outdoor chair with a finish on it. I think it needs something more. What do you recommend? A: Even wood with a finish will begin to show wear when it's outdoors for any length of time (figure A). To restore the finish, first clean off the chair with mineral spirits (also known as paint thinner) on a rag. (Be sure it's clean; otherwise, when you apply a finish, it may just roll right off). Wipe off the excess mineral spirits, then brush on an outdoor varnish, sometimes known as a spar varnish. (It's essential to use a product designed for outdoor use; an indoor finish won't last more than a couple of months out in the elements). Be sure to apply the varnish particularly heavily wherever there's a screw or nail, to keep out water and prevent rust. Q: I've heard that cedar furniture should be treated with oil. Is this true? A: It certainly couldn't hurt! Cedar has its own natural oil, but it can still use a little help from time to time -- and if you wish, you can also use an exterior finish on your cedar outdoor furniture to protect it. An oil finish is easy to apply to wood. Start with a good furniture-grade oil such as tung oil or a wipe-on polyurethane that will harden into the wood. Apply with a rag or a sponge brush to bring out the grain of the wood (figure B). Remember: The oil finish will be very thin and will provide relatively little protection, so it should probably be reapplied about once a year.
RESOURCES :
The Weekend Refinisher:
How to Make the Most of Your Furniture-A Step-by-Step Guide
Author: Bruce E. Johnson
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN: 034535866X
Furniture Repair & Refinishing
Model: 1580110061
Author: Brian D. Hingley
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