As summer, braais and December holidays approach, now is the ideal time to refresh your outdoor furniture. Sun, UV exposure, rain and changing weather can fade, peel and flake protective coatings, leaving furniture worn. With proper preparation and the right paint or wood treatment, you can restore its appearance and protect it for years.
Follow this guide to revive wooden and metal outdoor furniture.
Refreshing Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Restore wooden furniture by enhancing the grain with stain and varnish or transforming it with enamel paint. Either finish requires thorough preparation for lasting results.
Preparing Bare Timber
For bare timber, follow these steps to create a smooth, coating-ready surface.
Step 1: Repair and fill imperfections – Fill cracks, dents, nail holes and chips with exterior-grade wood filler. Slightly overfill, allow to cure, then sand flush.
Step 2: Sand the surface – Sand with 120–150 grit to remove roughness, then 180–220 grit for a smooth finish, working with the grain where possible.
Step 3: Remove sanding dust – Remove dust with a damp cloth and let the timber dry completely.
Step 4: Prime the timber (for painted finishes) – If you’re planning to paint your furniture with enamel, apply one coat of Pinkwood Primer. Its oil-based formula nourishes and protects timber while creating a sound base for the topcoat. Apply one coat using a brush or roller and allow 16–24 hours of drying time before applying your chosen enamel.
Preparing Previously Painted Timber
If your furniture has been painted before, the preparation process will depend on the condition of the existing coating. Sound paint may need only cleaning and light sanding; peeling, bubbling or flaking finishes require fuller preparation.
Step 1: Clean the furniture – Wash with degreaser, sugar soap or mild detergent and warm water. Remove wax or polish, rinse and dry completely.
Step 2: Remove loose and flaking paint – Scrape away loose, peeling or bubbling paint until only firmly adhered coating remains.
Step 3: Repair surface imperfections – Fill cracks, dents and damaged areas with a suitable exterior-grade wood filler. Allow the filler to cure fully before sanding the repaired areas smooth.
Step 4: Sand the surface – Sand with 120–180 grit to smooth paint edges and key the existing finish for better adhesion. Wipe away all sanding dust with a damp cloth and allow the surface to dry completely.
Step 5: Spot-prime exposed timber – Apply one coat of Pinkwood Primer to any exposed bare timber or repaired areas that require priming. Allow 16–24 hours of drying time before applying your topcoat.
Keeping the Natural Beauty of Wood
To retain natural timber character, enhance the grain while protecting it from the elements. Allwood is a low-viscosity, oil-based varnish available in various stain colours and matt or gloss finishes. Its long oils and linseed oils penetrate and nourish timber while forming a protective, natural-looking finish.
How to apply Allwood:
Clean and sand as above. Remove existing paint or incompatible varnish to expose suitable timber. Unlike enamel finishes, Allwood does not require Pinkwood Primer. Apply three coats of Allwood, allowing 18–24 hours of drying time between coats. This refreshes and protects the timber while showcasing its natural grain.
Transform Your Wooden Furniture with Enamel Paint
For a bolder transformation, enamel adds colour and gives tired wooden furniture a new look. Once your timber has been properly prepared and primed with Pinkwood Primer, you can choose a topcoat that suits your preferred look and performance requirements.
High Gloss Enamel – A Classic, Durable Finish
High Gloss Enamel is a high-quality, long-oil alkyd-based enamel that delivers a hard-wearing, glossy finish. With a stated life expectancy of 3–5 years, it is well suited to outdoor furniture exposed to everyday wear and weather conditions. Its washable, high-gloss surface resists scratches and marks, making maintenance easier. Application: Apply two coats, allowing 16–24 hours of drying time between coats.
UniGlo – A Modern, Mid-Sheen Finish
For a subtler finish, UniGlo offers a contemporary alternative. This new-generation water-based enamel provides an elegant mid-sheen finish, with a stated life expectancy of up to 10 years. UV-resistant, non-yellowing, washable and stain-resistant, UniGlo helps outdoor furniture retain its appearance. Its low-VOC, water-based formula is more convenient to apply than traditional solvent-based enamels. Application: Apply two coats, allowing 4–6 hours of drying time between coats.
Refreshing Metal Outdoor Furniture
A fresh enamel coat can transform weathered metal dining sets, benches, chairs and tables. Moisture can cause rust and corrosion, while old paint may chip, crack or peel. For a durable finish, remove rust, prepare thoroughly and apply a suitable anti-corrosive primer before the topcoat.
Preparing Bare Metal
Bare ferrous metal, such as mild steel, needs careful preparation to prevent rust beneath the coating.
Step 1: Clean the surface – Brush or wipe away dirt and dust. Wash stubborn grime with mild detergent, rinse and dry completely.
Step 2: Remove rust and oxidation – Remove rust with a wire brush or steel wool; use a drill-mounted wire wheel for stubborn corrosion. Sand with 80–120 grit until clean, smooth and free of loose corrosion.
Step 3: Sand for a smooth finish – Once the rust has been removed, sand the surface with finer 150–220 grit sandpaper to smooth any remaining imperfections. Remove all sanding dust.
Step 4: Degrease the metal – Use Zinc Cleaner where appropriate for the metal substrate, following the product’s application instructions. Removing oils, grease and other contaminants is essential for achieving good primer and paint adhesion.
Step 5: Apply an anti-corrosive primer – For suitable ferrous metal surfaces, apply Red Oxide Quick Dry Primer. This high-hiding, high-build anti-corrosive primer creates a protective base for enamel. Apply two coats, allowing 4–6 hours of drying time between coats.
Note: Galvanised steel, aluminium and other non-ferrous metals may require different surface preparation and specialist primers. Always confirm the correct coating system for your furniture’s substrate.
Preparing Previously Painted Metal
If your metal furniture has an existing coating, start by assessing its condition. Sound paint may need only cleaning and sanding. Remove peeling or flaking coating and treat any underlying rust before recoating.
Step 1: Clean thoroughly – Remove dirt, grease and other surface contaminants using a mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow the metal to dry completely.
Step 2: Remove rust and loose paint – Remove loose paint and rust with a wire brush, scraper or steel wool; use a wire wheel for heavy corrosion. Sand affected areas with 80–120 grit sandpaper until the remaining coating is firm and the exposed metal is free from loose rust.
Step 3: Sand the remaining coating – Lightly sand sound paint for adhesion, using 150–220 grit where needed to smooth transitions to exposed metal. Wipe away all dust and allow the surface to dry.
Step 4: Degrease the surface – Remove any remaining oils, grease and contaminants using an appropriate cleaner. Zinc Cleaner may be used where suitable for the substrate and existing coating, in accordance with its product instructions.
Step 5: Spot-prime exposed metal – Apply Red Oxide Quick Dry Primer to exposed ferrous metal areas that require protection. Apply two coats, allowing 4–6 hours of drying time between coats, before finishing with a compatible enamel topcoat.
Finish Your Metal Furniture with a Hard-Wearing Enamel
Once prepared and primed, finish the metal with a suitable enamel. The right enamel improves appearance and protects against wear and weather.
High Gloss Enamel – Durable and Easy to Maintain
High Gloss Enamel is a reliable choice for metal outdoor furniture, offering a durable, glossy finish with good scratch and mar resistance. Its washable, long-oil alkyd finish is tough, decorative and easy to maintain outdoors. With a stated life expectancy of 3–5 years, High Gloss Enamel is an excellent option for refreshing metal chairs, tables, benches and other outdoor furnishings. Application: Apply two coats, allowing 16–24 hours of drying time between coats.
Quick Dry Enamel – A Faster Way to Refresh Your Furniture
For shorter recoating times, Quick Dry Enamel is a practical option. This traditional short-oil alkyd enamel provides a durable, high-gloss finish suitable for interior and exterior applications. Its faster drying time reduces downtime without sacrificing a durable decorative finish. Application: Apply two coats, allowing 4–6 hours of drying time between coats.
Breathe New Life into Your Outdoor Space
Instead of replacing tired furniture, restore it with proper preparation, suitable products and fresh colour. Revive natural timber, recolour metal chairs or create a coordinated outdoor set. Our enamels come in standard colours and can be tinted from our NCS colour charts, with shades to suit almost any outdoor space. With summer entertaining just around the corner, now is the perfect time to give your garden furniture the attention it deserves.
Ready to start your outdoor furniture makeover? Visit your nearest Universal Paints Direct Outlet for advice, colour inspiration and product guidance.
