Bringing indoor furniture outside can be a great way to expand your living space during warmer months. However, indoor furniture is often not designed to withstand the elements, so you’ll need to take some steps to weatherproof it before using it outdoors. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly weatherproof indoor furniture for outdoor use.
Clean the Furniture Thoroughly
The first step is to clean the indoor furniture really well before treating and weatherproofing it. Any built-up dirt, debris, or grime could prevent weatherproofing products from adhering properly.
- Vacuum or dust all surfaces of the furniture to remove loose dirt and debris. Get into crevices and carvings with a small brush.
- Wipe down all surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Rinse away any soap residue by wiping again with a clean, damp cloth.
- Allow the furniture to air dry completely before applying any weatherproofing products.
Thoroughly cleaning the furniture provides the best surface for weatherproofing treatments to adhere to.
Check for Damage
Inspect the indoor furniture closely for any existing damage or wear. Look for:
- Cracks, chips, or peeling in the finish
- Loose joints or hardware
- Fabric tears, holes, or frayed seams
- Sagging or loose cushions
- Splintering, rotting, or deteriorating wood
Make repairs where possible. Use wood filler to patch holes and cracks in wood or wicker. Touch up finish scratches with matching wood stain. Replace any damaged fabric or cushions.
Addressing damage and deterioration before weatherproofing will extend the outdoor life of the furniture.
Remove Fabrics
Fabric cushions and pillows on indoor furniture usually aren’t suitable for outdoor use. The materials and dyes often aren’t UV-resistant. Remove any fabrics that aren’t specifically designed for outdoor use. Consider replacing them with all-weather cushions and pillows.
If you want to keep using the indoor cushions outside, remove and store them when not in use. Water can quickly cause mold and mildew. Don’t leave the cushions out overnight.
Sand and Prepare Wood Surfaces
For indoor wood furniture, lightly sand any painted or stained wood surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper before weatherproofing. This helps remove any glossy finish and allows protective sealants to penetrate better.
Be sure to:
- Sand in the direction of the wood grain
- Remove any sanding dust with a clean, dry cloth
- Wipe with a tack cloth afterwards to remove fine dust
Proper sanding and preparation ensures the wood absorbs weatherproofing treatments for maximum protection.
Choose a Weatherproofing Method
There are a few good options for weatherproofing indoor wood, wicker, and metal furniture:
Outdoor Wood Sealant
- Best for – Unfinished, stained, or painted wood
- How to apply – Use a brush to coat all surfaces. Let dry 24 hours and apply a second coat.
- Benefits – Penetrates wood for moisture protection. UV absorbers reduce sun damage.
Spar Urethane
- Best for – Unfinished natural wood
- How to apply – Wipe on 3-4 thin coats, sanding lightly between each.
- Benefits – Deep penetration to seal wood. Withstands sun, water, and temperature changes.
Outdoor Paint
- Best for – Wood, wicker, and metal
- How to apply – Use a paintbrush or sprayer in thin, even coats.
- Benefits – Flexible acrylics expand and contract without cracking. Fade and moisture resistant.
Outdoor Wicker Sealer
- Best for – Wicker and rattan
- How to apply – Roll on an even coat and let fully dry. Repeat for second coat.
- Benefits – Prevents moisture damage. Contains UV blockers to reduce fading.
No matter the specific product, read and follow manufacturers directions closely for best results.
Weatherproof Specific Areas
In addition to overall weatherproofing, target these specific areas on indoor furniture:
Undersides and Inner Frames
Don’t forget to coat undersides and inner frames that won’t be immediately exposed. Moisture can still seep in and cause unseen deterioration. Open or disassemble furniture as needed to access all sides.
Joints and Hardware
Outdoor conditions can loosen joints and hardware over time. Use exterior-grade wood glue when reassembling furniture to protect joints. Spray metal hardware with silicone lubricant to prevent rust and help screws stay snug.
Tabletops
Use spar urethane or outdoor sealant to coat tabletops. Pay special attention to sealing around crevices in tables that have removable leaves. These are susceptible to moisture collecting in gaps.
Feet and Legs
Raise furniture up off wet surfaces by attaching plastic or metal glides to the feet. This prevents moisture damage and standing water stains.
Maintain the Finish
Periodically maintaining the weatherproofing protections is key for indoor furniture used outdoors. Over time, the protective seal can start to wear away from sun exposure and weathering.
- Inspect furniture for signs of damage like cracks or peeling every few months.
- Lightly sand and reapply sealants once a year or as needed to maintain protection.
- Repair any new scratches, chips, or cracks right away before moisture seeps in.
- Check for rust or deterioration under furniture that sits directly on patios or decks.
With proper preparation, weatherproofing, and maintenance, indoor furniture can be given an entirely new life outdoors. Follow these tips to extend the use of indoor pieces so you can fully furnish and enjoy outdoor living spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all indoor furniture be used outdoors?
Not necessarily. Very delicate furnishings like antiques, upholstered pieces, and anything ornate or with intricate detailing often aren’t suitable for outdoor use. The best indoor pieces to weatherproof for outdoor use are more casual solid wood or metal furniture.
How long does weatherproofing last?
Most sealants and paints can protect furniture for one season. However, outdoor conditions like sun, moisture, temperature changes, and use can break down finishes more quickly. Expect to reapply protective coatings annually.
Should I disassemble furniture before weatherproofing?
For the most thorough, protective finish, yes. Taking furniture apart allows you to seal all inner frames and underneath surfaces that will be exposed to moisture when used outdoors.
Can I use the same paint already on indoor furniture?
Generally no. Indoor paints and finishes aren’t formulated to withstand sun, rain, temperature swings or humidity. Use high quality exterior grade paints and sealants for the best protection.
What’s the best way to dry weatherproofed furniture?
Let pieces dry thoroughly before placing back outside. Indoor air drying works best to allow sealants to cure completely. Placing treated furniture in the sun right away can cause finishes to bubble or crack.
Conclusion
Weatherproofing indoor furniture takes some work, but is worthwhile to expand your outdoor living space stylishly. The keys are proper cleaning, repairing any damage, removing fabrics, sanding wood, choosing weather-resistant sealants or paint, and maintaining the protective finish annually. With the right preparation, indoor furniture can be safely enjoyed outdoors for many seasons.