How To Refinish Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture plays a central role in creating inviting patios, decks, and garden spaces. However, exposure to sun, rain, and changing temperatures causes wear and tear over time. Instead of replacing aging pieces, learning how to refinish outdoor furniture can breathe new life into your chairs, tables, benches, and more—restoring both function and beauty.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the refinishing process, from cleaning and sanding to applying paint, stain, or protective sealants. With the right techniques and a bit of effort, your outdoor furniture can look brand new and last for years to come.

Why Refinish Outdoor Furniture?

Over time, outdoor furniture loses its original finish and becomes discolored, scratched, or even structurally compromised. Wood can fade or rot, metal can rust, and paint can peel. Refinishing helps prevent further deterioration, improves aesthetics, and offers protection against weather elements.

Knowing how to refinish outdoor furniture empowers you to protect your investment, reduce waste, and customize pieces to fit evolving styles or color palettes. It also enables you to match furniture to new outdoor decor themes or refresh outdated colors without the cost of new items.

Choosing the Right Time and Place to Refinish

Timing is critical. Choose a warm, dry day with low humidity to ensure finishes cure properly. Ideally, refinishing should be done outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage to allow fumes and dust to disperse safely.

Create a clean, dust-free workspace with plenty of room to maneuver around furniture pieces. Use drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect surfaces from stains or debris. Make sure there’s proper lighting so you can spot imperfections while applying new finishes.

Assessing Furniture Materials and Damage

Before beginning the refinishing process, identify your furniture’s material—wood, metal, wicker, plastic, or a combination. Each requires different techniques and products.

Inspect for damage such as cracked joints, loose screws, rusted parts, or split wood. Repair structural issues before beginning the cosmetic refinishing process. Tighten fasteners, fill cracks with wood filler or metal putty, and replace worn-out hardware.

Cleaning the Furniture Thoroughly

Dirt, mildew, and grease must be removed before refinishing. Use a mixture of mild soap and water for general cleaning. For stubborn grime or mildew, add vinegar or oxygen bleach. Avoid bleach on colored surfaces as it may discolor them.

Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush, then rinse with a hose or damp cloth. Let the furniture dry completely—this is crucial, as trapped moisture can interfere with adhesion and curing of paint or sealant. If necessary, leave furniture in a warm spot for a day or two to ensure thorough drying.

Sanding and Surface Preparation

Sanding removes old finishes and roughens the surface for better adhesion. For wood furniture, use medium-grit sandpaper (around 120–150 grit), followed by fine grit (220) for smoothness. Sand in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches.

Metal furniture requires a wire brush or sanding block to remove rust and chipped paint. Plastic should be lightly sanded with fine-grit paper to help primer adhere.

Use a tack cloth or damp microfiber towel to wipe down all sanded surfaces, removing dust that could compromise finish adhesion.

Choosing a New Finish: Paint, Stain, or Sealant

• Paint: Offers vibrant color and complete coverage. Great for metal, plastic, and wood. Choose exterior-grade or enamel paints.
• Stain: Enhances the natural grain of wood and provides subtle color. Choose oil-based stains for deeper penetration and longer life.
• Clear Sealant: Preserves the raw look while protecting from moisture and UV damage. Use polyurethane or spar urethane for outdoor durability.

Select outdoor-rated products labeled as weather-resistant or UV-stabilized. Water-based finishes are easier to clean up, while oil-based finishes typically last longer.

For a more eco-conscious choice, explore low-VOC paints and stains. Products like ECOS Paints and Benjamin Moore’s Natura line offer quality and sustainability.

Applying the New Finish

Apply finishes in thin, even coats using a brush, roller, or sprayer. For paint and stain, allow the first coat to dry fully before adding a second layer. Multiple thin coats last longer and look better than one thick layer.

Sealants should be applied after stain has dried, especially for wood furniture. Follow product-specific drying times and curing instructions. Avoid handling or using furniture until it’s completely dry to prevent damage to the finish.

When spraying, use even strokes, hold the can or sprayer at the correct distance, and wear a mask to avoid inhaling fumes.

Protecting Hardware and Fabric Elements

Remove or cover cushions, fabric straps, and hardware (such as bolts or handles) before starting. These items can often be cleaned or replaced separately.

If reupholstering cushions, choose weather-resistant outdoor fabric like Sunbrella and consider waterproofing it using fabric spray protectors. Replace cracked or brittle plastic fasteners with stainless steel alternatives for greater longevity.

Curing and Maintenance Tips

Let furniture cure in a shaded, dry space for at least 24–72 hours. Once dry, move pieces into their final positions and consider adding felt pads to feet to prevent scratching.

Regular maintenance like cleaning with mild soap, covering furniture when not in use, and storing cushions indoors during storms can prolong the life of your refinished furniture. Schedule light touch-ups at the beginning and end of each season.

Refinishing Tips by Material Type

Wood

Always sand with the grain. Choose stains or paints rated for exterior use. Consider oil-based wood preservatives for dense hardwoods like teak or ipe. Teak oil can revive color and prevent drying out.

Metal

Prime with rust-inhibiting primer before painting. Use enamel or epoxy paints designed for metal. For intricate scrollwork, use a small detail brush or spray paint with a pinpoint nozzle.

Plastic

Lightly sand for better paint adhesion. Use spray paints labeled for plastic surfaces. Avoid overly thick coats which may peel. Clean thoroughly to remove oils.

Wicker

Use spray paint or hand-paint using small brushes to get between weaves. Avoid water saturation and dry thoroughly. Wicker may require more frequent refinishing due to fragility.

When to Consider Professional Help

If your furniture features intricate carvings, heavy rust damage, or materials you’re unfamiliar with, hiring a refinishing professional can ensure a high-quality outcome. Professionals have access to advanced tools, specialty products, and techniques that may not be practical for DIYers.

Conclusion

Learning how to refinish outdoor furniture is a cost-effective and rewarding way to refresh your patio, deck, or garden space. With proper preparation, quality materials, and attention to detail, even the most weathered pieces can be transformed into stylish and durable furnishings.

For durable outdoor furniture made to withstand the elements with minimal upkeep, explore Hartville Outdoor Products. Their weather-resistant collections are built to last and require far less refinishing over time. You can also browse their storage buildings and prefab cabins to further enhance your outdoor space with functional, low-maintenance solutions.