How to Preserve Antique Wood Outdoors

Cover the Wood

• 1

  Protect your antique wood from the elements. Bring your antique wood furniture inside during a snow or rainstorm to a storage shed. If the pieces are too big or heavy to be transported or brought inside out of the elements, invest in furniture covers that are waterproof and made to withstand all types of weather. The cover must not trap dampness.

• 2

  Measure each piece of antique furniture for proper-sized coverings. Never use plastic because it will cause mold to grow. Use heavy-gauge covers reinforced with vinyl and flannel.

• 3

  Make sure the furniture covering fits snugly around all parts of the antique wood furniture from top to bottom, including the furniture legs.

Keep the Wood Stained and/or Painted

• 4

  Re-stain antique wood furniture every few years. Make any repairs to the wood with 220-grit sand paper. Rough the wood surface in its entirety with the sandpaper, enough to remove the old varnish but not the wood itself. Sand the larger pieces of outdoor antique furniture, like antique wood tables, with a sander machine.

• 5

  Go over the flat areas, especially where there are discolorations, with the sanding machine to bring out the natural grain. Dust the surface with a large, clean paint brush. Apply a sealant, or re-stain in clear color. Use a sealant or stain containing a water-repellent. Apply the sealant or stain with a large clean paint brush.

• 6

  Repaint the wood on antique outdoor wood painted furniture. Remove any old curled or chipped pieces of paint with paint remover and a chisel, then sand. Prime the furniture if painting over raw wood. Repaint the furniture with the outdoor furniture paint of your choice.

Clean the Wood

• 7

  Check to see if the antique wood furniture needs cleaning. Fill a bucket with soapy water. Put on gloves. Take a large whisk brush, dip it in the bucket of soapy water and thoroughly clean the furniture with the brush.

• 8

  Add four parts water to one part wood cleaner mix in a separate bucket. Apply the mixture with the brush, making sure to keep gloves on during this process. After cleaning with the wood cleaner, let dry for a half an hour, and then rinse with clean water.

• 9

  Apply wood oil with a clean paint brush to the furniture to condition and seal it. Let dry before using the furniture.