Thursday, August 14, 2014

Maintaining and Refurbishing Your Wicker Patio Furniture

Wicker patio furniture does not require much cleaning and maintenance and  it is a user-friendly choice for patios, porches and other outdoor spaces. Because wicker is not a material, but a weaving technique, the kind meant for outdoor use is manufactured to be quite hardy. They can usually be left outdoors for long periods of time without deterioration, unless in a place with a very extreme climates.  
Caring for Your Wicker Furniture
In order for you to enjoy your wicker furniture for a longer period of time, you need to properly care for it. Wicker material might not require as much cleaning as other outdoor furniture materials, but this does not mean that you will not take steps to make sure that it looks its best all the time.
  • Brush it every now and then to keep it dust-free. Keeping it clean extends its life as other organic material can collect in the crevices of the weave and cause mildew, leading to mold and decay.
  • When the weather is too cold, it can become stiff, or a bit more elastic when it is very hot. Also, too much moisture can make it sag and cause mildew.
  • A simple solution for extending the lifespan of your wicker furniture is to cover it up or move it to a more protected spot when the temperature is too hot or cold.
  • It is a good idea to inspect the weave from time to time, and if there is any shifting, just move the weave back into place with your fingers.
  • Wicker furniture is usually painted, and the finish can be damaged over time. Touch-up spray paint can be used to fix it. It can also benefit from repainting every now and then.
Refurbishing Your Wicker Furniture
You may need to prolong the life of your wicker furniture, but the time will come when it will look old, shabby and run down. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make repairs. When this happens, it is now time to restore it by using the following tips.
  1. Gather all the tools needed: rubber gloves, scrub brush, toothbrush, detergent, wood glue, primer, paint and sealer.
  2. Take your furniture out to the lawn and rinse and wash thoroughly  with a hose. You might want to turn on each side to wash off a much dirt and old paint as possible.
  3. Rub the surface of every furniture piece with the scrub brush to remove any remaining paint and stains. Use a toothbrush for those hard to reach areas.
  4. If there are traces of mildew, clean with a solution of detergent and water. After this, rinse the pieces with water and wait for them to completely dry.
  5. If there are broken reeds, stick them back together by using the wood glue and allow the glue to dry up. Follow the instructions on the glue you are using.
  6. Now you can repaint your furniture. It is advisable that you use oil paint, not latex, as it is more resistant to the natural elements. Leave the furniture to completely dry.
Buying New Wicker Furniture
If you think that refurbishing your furniture will not work, or you believe that it is time for you to update your outdoor furniture with new wicker furniture.  Here are some great choices for consideraton
Anchor All Weather Wicker Round Dining Set by Alfresco Home
The All Weather Wicker collections are made from high density polyethylene; they are hand woven onto high grade T-5 powder coated tubular frames. These frames are also treated with color, temperature and UV stabilizers. This makes all of these  collections suitable for four season climates.

Enjoy your patio with elegance all year round with the wonderful Atlantic outdoor collection. It has great quality, stylish designs made of aluminum and synthetic wicker. It works great against the effects of air pollution salt air, and mildew growth.
Kingston 24" Barstool Counter Height by Meadow Decor

With this Meadow Décor Kingston counter height stool, you can create a cozy, fashionable setting in your private outdoor living space. These durable cast aluminum stools with American powder coating were designed for comfort and built to last for years.

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