Getting Holes and Stains out of Wood Deck Furniture

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Wood deck furniture has the natural ability to withstand all manner of outdoor stressors. From harsh sunlight, to moisture, snow and wind, wood can hold up over the years with very little maintenance. The problems are mostly manmade. Cigarette burns, holes and stains can shorten the lifespan of your wood deck furniture and make it look prematurely old and unsightly. While you may choose to bring your furniture into a professional, most repairs can be done right in your own home.

Cigarette burns are the results of careless smoking but a little concentrated action can remedy the burn spots, while other random holes can be fixed in much the same way. What you will need to do is sand away the burned spot, fill in the depressed area and then reapply a matching varnish to wood deck furniture pieces.

You will want to use a fine grained sandpaper to remove the burn and smooth out the area. Rougher sandpaper can strip away too much of the wood’s surface and cause damage to the grain. Once the spot is free of discoloration and smooth, clean the area with a damp rag or something a little stronger, like Murphy’s soap.

Next, find a wood filler that matches the color of your wood deck furniture. Using a color swatch will save you time later, and possibly a return trip to the store. Fill in the hole using a putty knife until the surface is level and even. Allow the filler to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

After the surface is clean, level and free of spots, use an oil-based varnish to recoat the wood. You may choose to recoat the entire piece of furniture. If you decide to do this, make sure the rest of the furniture is clean and all traces of existing varnish are sanded off. Most likely, you will need to apply two coats of whatever varnish you use. Make sure that wood deck furniture is completely dry before applying the next coat, and also completely dry before replacing cushions or sitting on.

Getting stains out of wood deck furniture is usually a simpler endeavor, and does not require sanding. Stains that occur as a result of spilled liquids should be wiped off with a towel as soon as possible. If you soak up the liquid before it dries or begins to set, you probably will not need to do anything further. A hose will work for larger spots. If, however, the spill has dried or set in, you will need to take action. Some liquids, like red wine, are tougher than others to get out. There are also natural stains which can discolor your wood deck furniture. Mold buildup turns wood black, while prolonged moisture can show up in water damage spots.

To clean tougher stains, first try warm water and soap. If that doesn’t work, use a special wood cleaner, like Murphy’s, applied with a rag. If you’re still having difficulty, use a mixture of either warm water and chlorine or bleach. This works best for bothersome mold. Whatever cleaner you use, make sure to thoroughly clean it off afterwards so there is no residue or soap buildup.

Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes for such sites as http://www.cedarwoodfurniture.com

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