As this summer has been filled with more showers than sunshine, it’s no surprise that over half (56%) of Brits will have left their garden furniture out in the rain. Almost two-fifths (37%) of Brits have also found their garden furniture damaged by heavy rain over the last few weeks.
Fortunately, Jimmy Englezos, woodcare expert and Senior Brand Manager at Ronseal, has some advice for unlucky homeowners whose furniture might have been affected by the recent poor weather.
How to know if your garden furniture is water-damaged
“Although some garden furniture can withstand rain and extreme weather conditions, it’s unsurprising that many Brits will have found their furniture worse for wear after the recent downpours. Wooden and metal furnitureare likely to be the biggest victims, so homeowners should check for signs of damage before using.
“When left out in the rain, metal garden furniture is prone to rust and corrosion, which you will be able to spot by the discoloured, flaky appearance of the metal. Although rust is quite easy to detect due to its distinctive orange-brown colour, corrosion may also look blue or green.
“Check wooden furniture for discolouration, warping, mould growth, and a damp, musty smell. These are all signs of water damage, and you should take immediate action to tackle these symptoms.”
Jimmy’s advice for saving rain-damaged wooden furniture
1. Assess the damage
First, thoroughly inspect the furniture to understand the extent of the damage and prepare your next steps. Fixing wood rot, for example, will require much more effort than cleaning minor stains and swelling.
2. Dry out
Before any repairs can be made, wooden furniture must be dried completely. This is also important for cleaning, as scrubbing wet wood can exacerbate any cracks and warping, as well as spreading mould and mildew.
Place it in a dry, well-ventilated area and avoid placing the furniture in direct sunlight, as this can cause the wood to crack. Fans or dehumidifiers can help to speed up the drying process.
Depending on the severity of the water damage, this step could take several days to a few weeks.
3. Clean the furniture
Use your cleaner of choice to scrub away mould, mildew and dirt that may have built up on your furniture. Specially formulated garden furniture cleaners always do the trick, or you can also use a homemade mixture of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Allow the furniture to dry again.
4. Repair the wood
After cleaning and drying, inspect the furniture again for any cracks, splits, or areas with rot. Use wood filler to fill in small cracks and splits. For larger areas of damage, you might need to replace parts of the wood. Sand the repaired areas smoothly to ensure an even surface.
5. Re-stain or paint
Once the repairs are done, re-stain or paint the wood to restore its original look and protect it from future damage. Choose a high-quality furniturestain or paint that is suitable for outdoor use. Apply evenly and let it dry completely.
How to revive rusted metal furniture in four steps
1. Remove rust and flaking paint
Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove all rust and flaking paint from the metal surface. For tougher rust, consider using a rust remover solution.
Although some paints, such as Ronseal’s Metal Paint, can be applied directly to rusty metal, removing this first will give you the smoothest application and keep your metal furniture looking great.
2. Clean the surface
Thoroughly clean the metal surface with soapy water to remove dirt, grease, and any remaining rust particles. Rinse well and let it dry completely.
3. Sand
Sand the entire surface to create a smooth and even base for painting. This also helps the primer and paint adhere better to the metal.
4. Apply primer and paint
Some paints, like Ronseal’s Metal Paint, can be applied without a primer. Check your paint of choice to determine whether you will need to prime or not. Use a roller, brush or spray gun to apply the metal paint to your furniture. If spraying, dilute the paint with 10% water or to the specifications of the sprayer you are using.
Apply at least two coats although three is best for maximum protection and durability. Leave at least two hours between coats.
