Submitted By: Jeff Minter
All sorts of materials are used to make patio furniture these days, from the least expensive resin furniture to high-quality teak and wrought iron patio furniture. To protect your investment, whatever it is, you should seasonally check and repair as necessary your patio furniture.
Wooden furniture can dry out or mildew from exposure to weather. A good quality exterior penetrating oil is the best treatment for redwood or cedar patio furniture-both woods that are generally weather-resistant. Teak patio furniture needs different treatment. Teak furniture can literally live outdoors on your patio for years, thanks to the high oil and rubber content of teak. Many products meant for other types of wood patio furniture can actually deplete teak's natural oils, so make sure you use products that are especially meant for the teak furniture on your patio.
Wrought iron patio furniture can rust. Naval jelly is the best thing for removing the rust spots from patio furniture; if the surface has gotten rough, once the rust is removed you can sand the wrought iron. Be sure to use paint to touch up any exposed spots or it will rust again. If wrought iron furniture seems wobbly, some of its joints may need to be re-welded.
Aluminum patio furniture may also need joints re-welded from time to time. Most aluminum furniture can be cared for with the same products used to clean cars, and clear car wax can provide a good protective finish for aluminum outdoor furniture. Aluminum outdoor furniture that has been painted can be touched up with acrylic spray paint.
Plastic or resin patio furniture can be touched up with spray paint made for plastic; you can find it in home improvement stores and in art supply stores. Vinyl cleaners and vinyl protectants, such as those used for car upholstery, are good for using on resin outdoor furniture.
And don't forget to check the feet of your outdoor furniture. If the glides that come on most metal furniture come off, as the furniture scrapes against the ground it can chip; that will let in rust. Glides can also crack and break with age. Replacements can often be found at home stores or ordered online.
About the Author:
Jeff Minter is a writer and administrator for Outdoor Patio Furniture Set, a site that specializes in patio furniture.
Article Tags: furniture, patio, rust
Read more articles by: Jeff Minter
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=96279&ca=Advice
Article published on October 28, 2006 at iSnare.com
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