HOW TO Weatherproof OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Keep your porch both chic and functional by caring for your outdoor furniture.

PRO TIP: For all of these methods, look to see how often you need to recoat your furniture. For many products, it’s every 1 to 2 years.

FOR FABRIC: To weatherproof outdoor furniture with fabric, first make sure you’re using the right kind of fabric. Fabric marked as outdoor will typically come with a weatherproofing seal already on it, which puts you one step ahead. To weatherproof it, first clean it with a vacuum or brush. Make sure it’s completely dry before proceeding. Then spray it with a weatherproofing fabric spray, and allow it to fully dry.

FOR WOOD: To waterproof your wood furniture, try a wood deck stain, which will have a sealer in the formula. When it comes time to recoat, you can either use the stain again, or try a wood-specific, clear waterproof sealer, like Thompson’s WaterSeal.

FOR PAINT: The best way to weatherproof outdoor furniture with paint is to make sure you’re using an outdoor paint that won’t fade easily. Black holds up best against the sun, but if you want to use a brighter color, try boat paint. It will hold up longer and fade less quickly. If your piece is already painted, add a clear sealer coat to protect it.

FOR WICKER: As with the other materials, make sure you clean your wicker furniture regularly. You can paint it to protect it, or use a clear, multi-surface sealant. Make sure you buy wicker furniture that is specifically made for outdoors too.

FOR METAL: If you’re starting with a rusted metal surface, clean and sand the piece before you paint it. Then paint it with a metal primer, which will help to seal it against rust. If the piece is already painted and you want to keep it sealed, use a clear polycrylic or acrylic sealer.