How to Treat Outdoor Wooden Furniture

The Process

• 1

  Set the piece you'll treat on a fabric or plastic dropcloth or newspaper as wood treatment will penetrate any surface it touches.

• 2

  Inspect the piece for cracks and defects. If it has multiple flaws, circle them with a piece of chalk or pencil, which will not harm the surface and can be removed in the clean-up process. Using either homemade sawdust and wood glue filler or a tub of store-purchased filler, fill cracks and depressions and let dry.

• 3

  Sand the repaired surfaces and any rough edge to an overall smooth surface. Running your hand lightly over the piece will reveal obvious bumps and sways in the surface. After sanding is complete, wipe down the wood with a clean rag. Make sure the surface is free of debris particles as these will mar the final finish.

• 4

  Pour the treatment liquid into a glass or metal container such as a coffee can. This enables ease of access for applicator brushes. Glass or metal must be used because many chemicals may dissolve plastic container surfaces. Follow any product-specific directions on the container and then load the applicator/paintbrush with the treatment product. Start applying the liquid at one side of the furniture piece and work to the opposite side in steady strokes until the entire piece is covered.

• 5

  Check for any spots missed in the first application after the piece has dried thoroughly. Re-treat spots if necessary and smooth out any areas where treatment liquid may have pooled or gathered as runoff. Once touch-ups are dry, the piece is ready for use or further decorative embellishments.