I'm looking for the best finish to use on outdoor furniture that requires minimal upkeep. I'm okay with doing yearly touch-ups, but I want to avoid a huge mess whenever I need to refinish it. Any recommendations? Thanks!
3 Answers
Paint can be a solid option for outdoor furniture. It provides a great barrier against the elements, although it might not keep the wood looking natural. Just make sure to pick a high-quality outdoor paint to reduce the maintenance it needs!
Definitely, though paint can chip over time, so be prepared for touch-ups.
Penetrating oil finishes like Messmer’s UV Plus or Penofin are a breeze to maintain! They're easy to reapply every couple of years without the need for heavy stripping. Tung oil is great too, though it's got a longer curing time. If you're open to it, marine varnish is like the armor for your furniture, but it’s more work when it comes to redoing it. It really depends on what you prefer!
That sounds good! But what about upkeep? How often do I need to reapply it?
Yeah, I’d love to know how much work goes into keeping it looking good!
If you're looking to keep that wood look, consider using tung oil or just leaving the wood unfinished. It will naturally grey over time, but you could apply a reddish or brownish stain to maintain some color. Just remember, water pooling can really damage it, so designing for good drainage is key!
True, but I was hoping for something that keeps more of a natural look. What else could work?