How can I rejuvenate my kitchen benches?
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sand them down and stain them a new color. Or paint them a pop of color and buy some nice cushions
Try chalk paint. It can be used on any finish without having to sand. If you want a washed look, try liming wax after you paint it.
It depends on the condition there in, you don't say. Wash with Murphy's oil soap, dry with a good cotton rag. Let it sit for 1 hour, and finish with Wilbert's lemon oil. Buff to a nice shine. Good Luck!
Metal or Wood? - Add Cushions or Upholster
New paint does wonders! Also you could think of either adding cushions or recovering existing cushions to give the benches a new look.
I love Annie Sloane's chalk paint if that's something you'd consider. The wood doesn't need much prep, just clean it. Painting is very easy as you don't have to be exact, you can brush it on in any direction and it dries quickly with a nice, smooth finish. Do a thicker first coat and then a lighter second. You can do a clear wax or use her dark wax to make them look more aged. Here are some ideas:http://thedomesticheart.com/turquoise-2x4-entry-bench/
Give a light sanding and paint
Don't see a pic. Are the benches wood with a natural or stained wood finish? painted wood? wood with polyurethane finish? or wood with varnish or some other finish? made of something else besides wood or a combination of wood and another material?
If natural wood finish, Old English scratch cover in the right shade may be all you need.
If that doesn't get the results you want, a rub down with fine steel wool -- actually easier than sanding surfaces that are not flat enough for a power sander -- and addition of a slightly darker stain could refresh the look.
Remember that anything painted will, inevitably, need repainting and begin to look awful as it does; furthermore, multiple layers of paint will eventually become obvious as such -- a look I suspect few actually like.