Whether you’ve invested in a set of outdoor furniture or aim to repurpose some interior chairs and tables for backyard use, weatherproofing those pieces is key to extending their durability and good looks long term.
By “weatherproof,” we mean more than applying a water-resistant finish. Outdoor furniture can be vulnerable to the sun as well as rain and humidity. Dust, pollen, insects, and other blown-about debris can also be destructive.
Fortunately, weatherproofing outdoor furniture is fairly easy to do—and it won’t cost you much either. The products you’ll need to complete this DIY task are all affordable yet still good quality. Ahead, find out:
- The most weather-resistant materials for outdoor furniture
- The importance of cleaning outdoor furniture before weatherproofing
- How to weatherproof furniture made of: wood, iron or steel, aluminum, wicker, plastic, and fabric
Best Options for Outdoor Furniture
The quality of the furniture’s materials will dictate the level of weatherproofing you’ll need to provide. Here’s a rundown of the best choices for outdoor furniture.
- Teak is a wood species that naturally stands up to the elements, thanks to its oil content and resistance to rot and warping. Other good woods for outdoor furniture include cedar, acacia, and redwood.
- Aluminum is considered the ideal metal option, because it’s rust-proof; powder-coated aluminum is an even better choice. But those who live where high winds are common might want a heavier material, such as wrought iron or stainless steel.
- High density polyethylene (HDPE) is the optimal plastic for outdoor environments; it’s engineered to resist the splitting and cracking cheaper plastics are prone to.
- Natural wicker, made of rattan or bamboo, is still used for outdoor furniture. But its vulnerability to moisture and sun has given rise to synthetic wicker (typically HDPE), a weather-resistant alternative for those who like the woven look.
- Cushions, hammocks, and umbrellas made of weather-treated fabric, such as solution-dyed acrylics or polypropylene, are rugged and stay color true.
That said, if you want to move grandma’s maple rocker to the porch or put some PVC stools by the pool, you can easily treat such pieces so they can better withstand the heat, rain, and whatever else Mother Nature dishes out.
As with all DIY projects, prep is key. The directions below offer cleaning and readying tips as well as product suggestions and how-to’s for weatherproofing all types of outdoor furniture.
How to Weatherproof Wood Outdoor Furniture
First, decide if you like the look of paint or prefer a stain to show off the wood grain.
What you’ll need
- Stripping agent and scraper (optional)
- Mineral spirits and cloth (optional)
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Respirator
- Tack cloth
- Clear epoxy sealer
- Paint brushes
- Deck stain, polyurethane finish, or exterior paint
Step 1: If the wood was previously painted, remove old paint with a stripping agent and scraper. For unpainted wood furniture, banish any wax buildup with mineral spirits and a clean, dry cloth.
Step 2: Sand the piece down to bare wood (wear a respirator mask for all sanding duties). Then go over all surfaces with a tack cloth to remove remaining dust, paying extra attention to nooks and crannies.
Step 3: Seal any exposed end grain—typically chair bottoms and table feet, which tend to soak up moisture—with a clear penetrating epoxy sealer.
Step 4: For a natural look, try a deck stain, such as Thompson’s WaterSeal (about $29; Amazon). Another option for raw wood is a spray like Minwax Helmsman (about $11.50; Amazon) for a polyurethane layer that can keep mold as well as water at bay. If you’d rather paint, prime the piece first and then choose a product made for outdoor surfaces, such as Rust-Oleum Painters Touch (about $12; ACE).
Pro Tip: Don’t try to protect outdoor wood furniture with varnish—it will blister and flake and need almost constant maintenance. A semitransparent penetrating stain with mildew inhibitor and wood preservative is a better choice, as it blocks harmful UV rays without forming a film that can peel.
How to Weatherproof Iron or Steel Outdoor Furniture
Wrought iron furniture calls for weatherproofing to defer rust. Even stainless steel can rust in harsh conditions.
What you’ll need
- 80-grit sandpaper or wire brush
- Tack cloth
- Paintbrush and paint roller, or spray paint
- Rust-inhibitive metal primer
- Exterior metal paint (enamel or direct-to-metal D.T.M.)
- Oil (optional)
Step 1: If the iron or steel is in rough shape, sand or brush off as much rust and flaking paint as possible. If the paint is stable, you can skip sanding and priming and proceed to step 4.
Step 2: Remove dust from iron or steel furniture using a tack cloth.
Step 3: Apply a rust-inhibitive primer, like Rust-Oleum’s Rusty Metal Spray Primer (about $7.50; The Home Depot)—it prevents corrosion and binds to rust to create a paintable surface.
Step 4: Apply one to two coats of exterior metal paint.
Step 4: After the paint is completely dried and cured (which may take up to a week), you can oil any hinges, joints, and other moving parts, being careful not to get it on the paint, which can damage the paint job.
Pro Tip: Mauro Henrique, This Old House painting expert, advises using oil-based primer on metal rather than water-based: “There’s two different types. There’s a water-based that is not good for metal in general… And then we have an oil-based primer that blocks odor and stains.” He also recommends spot-priming only the rusted areas rather than coating the entire piece: “We’re not going to prime the whole thing with this primer. We take care of all the areas that we sand with a lot of rust.”
How to Weatherproof Aluminum Outdoor Furniture
While aluminum doesn’t rust, it can still corrode, pit, and discolor over time—especially when exposed to moisture and sun. Regular cleaning and protective finishes help extend its life and keep it looking new.
What you’ll need
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
- Dish soap
- Cloths
- Car wax or protective furniture sealant (optional)
- Sandpaper (for painting)
- Tack cloth (for painting)
- Self-etching or bonding primer (for painting)
- Exterior acrylic or enamel paint (for painting)
- Paintbrushes or spray paint (for painting)
Step 1: Clean gently to avoid scratches, using a soft-bristle brush or sponge with soap and water (never bleach or abrasive cleansers which can scratch the surface). Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
Step 2: To maintain the aluminum finish: Give aluminum a coating of car wax or protective furniture sealant to add a shiny, weather-resistant layer that helps prevent pitting, water stains, and dirt buildup. Reapply periodically, as this layer wears off over time.
Step 3: If you prefer to paint the aluminum, skip the car wax step (from Step 2). Lightly scuff the surface with sandpaper to improve adhesion, then remove dust with a tack cloth. Apply a self-etching or bonding primer designed for aluminum. Once dry, apply one to two coats of exterior acrylic or enamel paint. Pro tip: Choose a paint labeled UV-resistant or fade-resistant. Lighter colors tend to hold up better in strong sun.
How to Weatherproof Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Love the look and feel of natural wicker? Follow the steps here. If you’ve got synthetic wicker, skip to the next section on weatherproofing plastic furniture.
What you’ll need
- Soft brush or vacuum
- Mild dish soap
- Sponge or cloth
- Bonding primer or oil-based primer spray
- Exterior acrylic or enamel spray paint
- Paintbrush (angled + small detail brush) or spray paint
- Clear spar urethane (marine varnish)
Step 1: First remove dust and debris with a soft brush or vacuum. Then clean the furniture with a minimal amount of mild soap and water. Rinse it off lightly. Natural wicker tends to trap moisture easily; if water gets under the finish, it will damage the fibers from the inside out. So allow the furniture to dry completely for several hours.
Step 2: The textural quality of wicker will absorb a good deal of product, so apply a bonding or oil-based primer.
Step 3: Apply at least two coats of exterior acrylic or enamel paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. Spray paint is ideal for achieving even coverage on the woven surface.
Step 3: When paint is fully dry, top it off with a layer of clear spar urethane (marine varnish) spray, such as Minwax Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane (about $13; Amazon). Unlike spray lacquer, varnish is strong enough to seal out moisture. Follow up every two to three years with a fresh coat to maintain a durable, water-resistant finish.
How to Weatherproof Plastic Outdoor Furniture
The cheaper the plastic, the more susceptible it is to weather woes. Sun exposure can cause color fading, surface cracking, and structural weakening.
What you’ll need
- Mild dish soap
- Cloths or sponge
- UV protector spray (optional)
- Fine-grit sandpaper (optional)
- Microfiber cloth
- Plastic-specific spray paint
- Clear UV-resistant topcoat (optional)
Step 1: Keep plastic furniture clean to prevent mold with regular wipe-downs using a cloth dampened with a mild soap-and-water solution. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Outsmart sun damage with a coat of UV-resistant spray, such as 303 Aerospace Protectant (about $22; Amazon). This helps prevent fading and cracking. Reapply periodically.
Step 3: To spruce up faded plastic furniture, restore it with paint. First, lightly sand glossy or worn surfaces. Clean off dust with a damp microfiber cloth. Spray several thin coats of a plastic-specific primer-and-paint product like Krylon Fusion All-in-One (about $11.50; Amazon). For extra protection, follow with a clear UV-resistant topcoat, like non-yellowing Krylon All-in-One Clear.
How to Weatherproof Fabric for Outdoor Furniture
To give cushions and pillows made of cotton, linen, nylon, or polyester a water-repellent finish, treat them with Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield (about $14.50; Amazon). Spray from 6 inches away, covering all sides with two thin coats.
Conclusion
Even the best outdoor furniture may be enhanced with some special treatment to maintain its appearance and performance. Depending on your climate, you may also wish to cover or store outdoor furniture indoors when not in use, or at least when extreme weather is expected. Just make sure the items are dry before you put them away to prevent mold growth.
