9 Items You Need to Make Old Patio Furniture Look Brand New
“Staycation” took on a new meaning in 2020, with homeowners and renters across the country looking to maximize any bit of outdoor space to create a relaxing oasis. It’s one trend the pros predict will last well into this year and beyond, and no wonder: To the surprise of no one, it turns out that kicking back in a lounge chair while enjoying some sunshine and fresh air is actually pretty great.
Of course, after a year of use and a long winter exposed to ice and other moisture, your patio furniture might be looking a little worse for wear. Here’s the good news: You don’t need to scrap it all and start over. In fact, there’s plenty you can do to give your existing furniture a facelift — or even help revive old secondhand finds to make them fit for your home.
Sometimes all your furniture needs is a good cleaning with a pressure washer, or a simple cushion replacement. But if the finish is past its prime, you might consider adding a fresh coat of paint, or stripping off the old stain and applying a new one. However you decide to refresh your outdoor furniture, these are the nine tools and supplies you’ll need to get the job done with ease.
Drop Cloth
If you’re going to be doing anything remotely messy in your outdoor space — like painting, staining, or sanding — then you’re going to need a drop cloth to protect your patio floor, lawn, or landscaping. It will keep any drips, splashes, or sawdust under control. While canvas drop cloths are the most sustainable option, since you can buy them once and use them for life, you’re better off opting for plastic drop cloths for exterior projects because they’re waterproof.
Rubber Gloves
It’s nice to get your hands dirty every once in a while, but not when you’re handling noxious cleaning chemicals or paint-stripping agents. To protect your skin and nails, you’ll want to use gloves. Be sure to choose the heavy-duty rubber gloves that are labeled as “chemical resistant,” as opposed to the disposable latex ones used by medical professionals.
Paint Stripper
To remove the existing finish from your patio furniture, you have two options: sanding it off or scraping it off with a paint stripper. Both options require a fair amount of elbow grease. Paint strippers are chemicals that are designed to weaken the bond between the finish and the surface of the furniture. There are a variety of options, from powerful solvent-based ones with high VOCs to more natural biochemical ones that are plant-based. It’s wise to pick a nontoxic paint stripper that is safer for your lungs and easier on the environment. Always work outside when possible and wear a respirator mask to protect yourself from inhaling any fumes.
Paint Scraper
Removing old paint or stain isn’t easy, but it’s definitely easier if you have a paint scraper. You’ll need one to use in tandem with a paint stripper. Though you’ll find cheap plastic scrapers at the hardware store, the metal ones offer better scraping power, and the ones with a beveled edge are the most effective. A painter’s five-in-one tool like the one shown here includes a paint scraper as well as a can opener and a roller cleaner, all of which will come in handy for paint jobs.
One important precaution you need to take when using a metal scraper is not to gouge the wood. Pro tip: A putty knife is essentially the same thing and can be used in a pinch.
Stiff-Bristle Brush
Whether you’re giving patio furniture a good clean to get rid of dirt or mildew, or you’re scrubbing off any stubborn residual paint or stain, a stiff-bristle brush is an indispensable item for refinishing your patio furniture. Most bristles on these kinds of brushes are made from nylon, and they may be labeled for use as a bath or shower scrubber. Make things easier on your hands by selecting a brush with a padded handle.
Pressure Washer
It’s always a bit mesmerizing to watch a pressure washer in action — the difference between clean spots and weathered ones is nothing short of amazing! You can choose from either electric models or more robust gas models (power is measured in PSI), but an electric pressure washer is likely all you need to clean your patio furniture. Other features to consider when buying a pressure washer are hose length, portability, and whether or not it has a built-in soap tank. If you’re not sure you want to splurge on this item (or you don’t have anywhere to put it), this is one tool you’re likely able to rent from your local hardware store.
Orbital Sander
The alternative to stripping paint or stain from your patio furniture is to sand it off. (And truthfully, even if you choose to strip the finish, you’ll likely still need to sand off any remaining residue). Remember: this isn’t the job for a manual sanding block. An orbital sander will make the process much less work, and you can pick up a decent one for under $40. Be sure to stock up on extra sanding discs for your sander — either 100-grit or 150-grit — as they get clogged up easily when lifting paint or stain.
Wood Stain or Paint
The one thing that can actually give your wood patio furniture an entirely new look is a fresh paint or stain color. Both paint and wood stain come in water-based and oil-based formulas, but the most important thing to look for is a product designed for exterior use. These will have weatherproofing and mildew-resistant additives that will protect your furniture from the elements.
Paintbrush
You’ll need a two-inch paintbrush if you’re painting and staining your patio furniture. Opt for a high-quality synthetic bristle brush for water-based paint or stain, and a natural-bristle brush for oil-based ones. If you’re removing old paint or stain first, then you’ll also need a paintbrush to apply a paint stripper to the surface of your furniture (a cheap chip brush works well here).