Wood refinishing for outdoor furniture

DEE
by DEE
I picked up a small cabinet off the streets and would be perfect on my patio as a buffet. What do I use to protect it from the elements?
  6 answers
  • Brenda De Lair Brenda De Lair on Apr 19, 2014
    You can get an outdoor varnish. If you put 3 or 4 coats on it, that will protect. If you are in a climate that has cold snowy winters, I think you would need to put it in a garage or shed for the winter.
  • Mikell Paulson Mikell Paulson on Apr 19, 2014
    I am sure Brenda is right on! You can check with your local hardware store or home depot or lowes! They can tell you best! Maybe a rustoliem.
  • Sillyshelly Sillyshelly on Apr 19, 2014
    any wood you put outside will last only a few years no matter what kind of wood it is....that is why they have houses ...decks ....etc built out of treated wood..most furniture is either pressed woood...or even if it is real wood..it is not built to withstand hot ..cold...humid...dry...heat..sorry...but i dont mean to burst your bubble ..but to spend hours and money....you might want to reconsider it...:)
  • Mary Blackley Mary Blackley on Apr 19, 2014
    Spar varnish...but it has to be done every year....and rain will still ruin it......it will definitely get ruined..I'm sorry to say
  • Debbie Simon Debbie Simon on Apr 20, 2014
    Try Using A Marine Varnish I Used Man O War It Will Take A Few Coats But Should Last A Few Years Outdoors......
  • Jennifer G Jennifer G on Apr 22, 2014
    Besides the outdoor paint (I'd go with an oil base version) or varnish mentioned by others, try buying a BBQ Grill Cover to keep the elements off it when it's not in use or during inclement weather. They come in a wide range of sizes, so measure your piece and see what you can find. In a pinch, I've used clear shower curtains (bought at Ross for $3 a piece) cut to size and duct-taped the seams (inside and outside). You could use a bright color of duct tape to make it fun and decorative too! :) If you fold up & tape the bottom about 3" and put metal chain (they carry inexpensive chain at Home Depot or Lowe's) in the casing, it will weigh it down and keep it from blowing off.NOTE: Make sure the plastic or Grill Cover covers it ALMOST - but not touching the ground, so water doesn't wick up and under the plastic. And put the piece up on bricks or pavers so the wood doesn't touch the ground and the plastic covers all the wood entirely.