Mysest56 
December 6, 2018
Damage to outside furniture is inevitable. Whether you have invested in industrial-grade metal or scored something vinyl on the economical, varnishes, paints and finishes eventually break down in the components. Sunshine is one of the trickiest to look out for. It’s difficult to remember that the sun’s rays do not just age your skin — they age your furniture too.
The very best way to keep outdoor furniture looking its best for many summers is to maintain it regularly. This means cleaning and implementing surface protectors and covering up furniture if it is not in use. But before you do, be certain to read your furniture maintenance tips. Using certain chemicals to clean or repair your furniture could wind up damaging it or voiding your warranty.
Here are a few general guidelines for maintenance according to the kind of material.
Axis Mundi
Fabric
Fabric is quite susceptible to sun damage. Cotton and acrylic fabrics can turn nearly all white at a particularly hot summer if they are not adequately shielded. Fabric guards do wonders — spray or smooth one on using a paintbrush to maintain cushion colors fresh through the whole summer.
If you’re stuck with pitched fabrics, there’s no fantastic solution. Your very best choice is replacing them with a better-quality edition. Sunbrella and other outside fabric brands resist fading, stains and mold.
Smith & Vansant Architects PC
Wicker
Most modern wicker furniture is constructed of a very durable, synthetic material that resists sunlight damage much better than normal wicker does. But it needs regular cleaning, as dust and debris can get stuck in between each little woven piece. Stick with a fundamental mild soap, rinse and dry to prevent long-term harm and mould development.
The sun can fade wicker, so it is a fantastic idea to cover it if it is going to be outdoors for more than just two to three weeks. Invest in watertight furniture covers if you’re concerned about long-term maintenance. The paint wicker might start to peel after some time too. Remove peels with fine sandpaper and touch up the paint.
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Wood
Wood furniture should be sealed using an exterior varnish for supreme protection, with the exclusion of walnut and cedar. The very best way to protect wood from sun damage is to keep it covered when it is not in use, or at least pull it into the shade.
Klopf Architecture
You should also wash and wash exterior wood furniture at the start of each season. Gently sand it once a year to get rid of any discoloration in sunlight, then coat it with outside varnish or a wax using UV protection.
SRM Architecture and Interiors
Metallic
Most metal outdoor furniture resists sunlight damage fairly well. Rust is the biggest threat, though many new metal pieces are treated using a rust-resistant chemical that means not as much maintenance. If yours isn’t rust treated, seal it using paste wax after softly cleaning it. Rust spots can be doctored using a rust remover in the hardware shop.
Aluminum normally resists rust, but it might pit and dull with exposure to sunlight and water. Wash it and apply auto wax to keep it shiny and secure. Wrought iron can also get banged up and damaged; touch this up using a rust-resistant primer wherever bare metal is exposed. Really rusty pieces can be sandblasted and powder coated by a professional.
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Indoor Furniture
Furniture near a sunny window can endure the very same symptoms as outside pieces. Keep delicate fabrics and materials from south-facing windows or close the blinds during particularly bright times. If you would rather keep windows clear to enjoy the view, consider installing solar movie for UV protection.
See more housekeeping tips
More:
40 Things to Do Outdoor Furniture