How to Prevent Weathering

Painting your lawn furniture can prevent weathering.

Weathering--erosion from the sun, wind, debris and moisture--can cause your outdoor furniture, playground equipment and other belongings to decay, rot and break down. To avoid buying replacement parts or sustaining injuries as a result of damage from weathering, you can prevent erosion by applying latex paint, enamel paint or stain to your outdoor objects.

Things You'll Need

• Latex paint
• Enamel paint
• Primer
• Stain
• Sandpaper
• Water-repellant preservative
• Hose
• Plastic tarp

Instructions

Outdoor Furniture

1. Wet the wood with a hose and allow it to dry completely. Repeat this step several times.

2. Sand the wood.

3. Thin enamel paint with paint thinner and apply a base coat. Allow the paint to dry completely.

4. Lightly sand the furniture.

5. Apply a top coat of non-thinned enamel paint.

6. Cover your furniture with a plastic tarp or bring it inside during wet weather to prolong its life.

Fences

1. Wet the wood with a hose and allow it to dry completely. Repeat this step several times.

2. Sand the wood.

3. Pretreat the wood by painting on a water-repellant preservative. Pay special attention to the ends of the fence. Allow to dry completely.

4. Paint on a stain-blocking primer if your fence is made from redwood or cedar wood. Allow the primer to dry completely.

5. Apply a coat of latex paint, if your fence won't be used for sitting. If people will be sitting or leaning on your fence, use an enamel paint, which won't rub off on clothing.

Playground Equipment

1. Wet the wood with a hose and allow it to dry completely. Repeat this step several times.

2. Sand the wood.

3. Paint on enamel paint if your playground equipment is made from redwood or cedar wood. Otherwise, paint on a stain.

References

• The Finish Line: Outdoor Furniture, Artwork, Fences and Play Equipment