Now that Punxsutawney Phil has announced an early spring, take a moment to evaluate your outdoor living space.
If your furniture is oil finished, a quick clean with warm water is a great prep – add a drop of dish soap if you discover sticky residue. Do not power wash wood furniture as this may remove the finish or a layer of wood. Wash early enough in the day so wood can dry before nightfall.
Once dry, use sunshield (by Howard’s products) to moisturize the finish (only use exterior maintenance products – interior ones allow mildew to grow) if the finish appears dried out, a fresh application of exterior oil may be recommended. Penofin is an awesome low voc oil finish if a change from wood to a pop of color is desired. Wipe down your pieces with no rinse tsp (this acts as a paint etch as well as cleaning) paint with milk paint (general finishes brand won’t fade) clear coat with a non-yellowing topcoat (exterior 450 is water base and wears awesome) if a “whole new look” is desired, or you simply need to add to your existing pieces,
Remember Murphy’s Furniture in Cornelius is an excellent resource for made in the USA, solid cedar outdoor furniture. Also stocked are all the maintenance products previously mentioned. Murphy’s friendly, helpful staff is always eager to help 7 days a week, 10 to 5, or call 503.640.1124.
Thank you, Punxsutawney Phil, for the hope of an early spring.
