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Screen Outdoor Furniture From the Sun
Keep wicker, wood and fabric-covered outdoor furniture fresh and bright this summer
Damage to outdoor furniture is inevitable. Whether you've invested in industrial-grade metal or scored something plastic on the cheap, varnishes, paints and finishes eventually break down from the elements. Sunshine is one of the trickiest to watch out for. It's difficult to remember that the sun's rays don't just age your skin — they age your furniture too.
The best way to keep outdoor furniture looking its best for many summers is to maintain it regularly. This means cleaning and applying surface protectors and covering up furniture when it's not in use. But before you do, make sure to read your furniture care guidelines. Using certain chemicals to clean or repair your furniture could end up damaging it or voiding the warranty.
Here are some general guidelines for care according to the type of material.
The best way to keep outdoor furniture looking its best for many summers is to maintain it regularly. This means cleaning and applying surface protectors and covering up furniture when it's not in use. But before you do, make sure to read your furniture care guidelines. Using certain chemicals to clean or repair your furniture could end up damaging it or voiding the warranty.
Here are some general guidelines for care according to the type of material.
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by Axis Mundi
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| Fabric Fabric is very susceptible to sun damage. Cotton and acrylic fabrics can turn almost all white in a particularly hot summer if they're not adequately protected. Fabric guards do wonders — spray or smooth one on with a paintbrush to keep cushion colors fresh through the entire summer. If you're already stuck with faded fabrics, there's no good solution. Your best bet is replacing them with a better-quality version. Sunbrella and other outdoor fabric brands resist fading, mold and stains. |
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| Wicker Most modern wicker furniture is made of a very durable, synthetic material that resists sun damage much better than natural wicker does. However, it requires regular cleaning, as debris and dust can get stuck in between every little woven piece. Stick with a basic mild soap, rinse and dry to prevent long-term damage and mildew growth. The sun can seriously fade wicker, so it's a good idea to cover it if it's going to be outside for more than two to three weeks. Invest in waterproof furniture covers if you're worried about long-term care. The paint on wicker may start to peel after a while as well. Remove peels with fine sandpaper and touch up the paint. |
by Incorporated
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Wood
Wood furniture should be sealed with an exterior varnish for ultimate protection, with the exception of teak and cedar. The best way to protect wood from sun damage is to keep it covered when it's not in use, or at least pull it into the shade.
Wood furniture should be sealed with an exterior varnish for ultimate protection, with the exception of teak and cedar. The best way to protect wood from sun damage is to keep it covered when it's not in use, or at least pull it into the shade.
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You should also scrub and rinse outdoor wood furniture at the beginning of each season. Gently sand it once a year to get rid of any discoloration from the sun, and then coat it with outdoor varnish or a wax with UV protection.
| Metal Most metal outdoor furniture resists sun damage fairly well. Rust is the biggest threat, although many new metal pieces are treated with a rust-resistant chemical that means much less maintenance. If yours isn't rust treated, seal it with paste wax after gently cleaning it. Rust spots can be doctored with a rust remover from the hardware store. |
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| Aluminum normally resists rust, but it can pit and dull with exposure to sun and water. Wash it and apply car wax to keep it shiny and protected. Wrought iron can also get banged up and damaged; touch it up with a rust-resistant primer wherever bare metal is exposed. Really rusty pieces can be sandblasted and powder coated by a professional. |
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Indoor Furniture
Furniture near a sunny window can suffer the same symptoms as outdoor pieces. Keep delicate fabrics and materials away from south-facing windows or close the blinds during particularly bright days. If you'd rather keep windows clear to enjoy the view, consider installing solar film for UV protection.
See more housekeeping tips
More:
40 Things to Do for Outdoor Furniture
Furniture near a sunny window can suffer the same symptoms as outdoor pieces. Keep delicate fabrics and materials away from south-facing windows or close the blinds during particularly bright days. If you'd rather keep windows clear to enjoy the view, consider installing solar film for UV protection.
See more housekeeping tips
More:
40 Things to Do for Outdoor Furniture
Ideabook published on May 9, 2012.
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P.S: A quality set will be recyclable thus eco-friendly.