If cared for correctly, outdoor furniture is an investment that should last you for many years to come.
Although outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements, it will, inevitably, start to fade over time. But, with a bit of extra care and effort, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your outdoor furniture.
So, to help you get the most from your outdoor furniture, we’ve shared our comprehensive guide to keep outdoor furniture from fading. Below, we’ve shared our top tips for maintaining wooden, fabric, metal garden furniture.
Like the chairs and table in the photo above? You can buy them from our website! See the Carver & Conversation Table Set.
How to Prevent Wooden Outdoor Furniture from Fading
Unfortunately, wooden outdoor furniture can be particularly susceptible to fading.
The most common causes of fading in wooden outdoor furniture are sunlight, rain and extreme weather conditions. So, with that in mind, the best ways to prevent wooden outdoor furniture from fading include:
Applying a UV-resistant finish
UV-resistant finishes and stainings are a great way to help protect your wooden outdoor furniture from UV rays. Look for a finish that is specifically designed for garden furniture, and reapply once every year (or according to the manufacturer’s instructions).
Applying a protective sealant
Protective sealants are another great way to minimise fading and weathering. Again, for best results, look for a sealant that is specifically designed for outdoor furniture.
Keeping your furniture covered
When not in use, we suggest using a furniture cover to protect your outdoor furniture from the elements.
Keeping your furniture dry
Moisture is one of the biggest causes of fading and damage to wooden outdoor furniture. It can also cause the furniture to warp, if it is exposed to rain for extended periods. So, after a period of heavy rain, we suggest drying your furniture with an old towel or cloth.
Keeping your furniture clean
Iif dirt or grime are allowed to settle on your furniture for extended periods, it can accelerate the pace of fading or damage. So, regularly cleaning your wooden furniture (with a simple solution of water and mild soap) is a great way to keep it looking like new for longer.
How to Prevent Cloth and Fabric Outdoor Furniture from Fading
Once fabric outdoor furnishings have faded or discoloured, it can be extremely difficult to reverse.
So, preventative measures are the best way to keep your cloth outdoor furniture in their best condition.
To prevent cloth and fabric outdoor furniture from fading, we suggest:
Keeping the furniture covered
one of the most effective ways to preserve your cloth furnishings is to keep them covered when they are not in use. This is particularly important during the winter, or periods of heavy rainfall. You can either store your furniture indoors, or invest in a furniture cover.
Applying fabric protector
Fabric protector is designed to repel water, while also protecting the fabric from UV rays. As a result, it’s ideally suited to weather-proofing garden furniture.
Avoiding direct sunlight
After you have finished using it for the day, position your furniture in a shaded area. This will reduce its exposure to direct sunlight, and so significantly reduce the risk of UV damage.
Regular cleaning
If dirt and debris is allowed to build and settle on the fabric, it can significantly accelerate the pace of fading. So, regular cleaning is a highly effective way of preventing this damage. We suggest using a solution of water and mild soap, and avoiding any harsh cleaning chemicals.
When choosing the fabric for your outdoor furniture, cushions or seat pads, we recommend looking for UV-resistant fabrics. These fabrics are specifically designed to be more resistant to fading and UV damage, meaning they will retain their appearance for longer.
How to Prevent Metal Outdoor Furniture from Fading
Although metal outdoor furniture is very durable and boasts a high degree of weather resistance, it can still be prone to fading or rusting over time. So, protective measures are still just as important to prevent fading in metal furnishings.
To prevent metal outdoor furniture from fading, we suggest:
Regularly cleaning the furniture
Allowing dirt and grime to settle on outdoor furniture causes fading and degradation to occur at a far faster pace. So, regularly cleaning your furniture is one of the best ways to maintain its condition.
Avoiding harsh or abrasive cleaners
Abrasive cleaners can do a lot more harm than good. This is because they can scratch the surface of metal outdoor furniture, which actually speeds up the pace of fading and corrosion. So, when cleaning your furniture, we recommend using a solution of water and mild soap instead.
Applying metal polish
Not only does polish restore your furniture’s colour and shine, it also serves to protect the furniture from any future damage.
Applying a protective coating
Similarly, by applying a protective coating once a year, you can protect your furniture from the elements, and so minimise the risk of fading and weathering.
Keeping your furniture covered
When it is not in use, we highly recommend covering up your furniture. You can either do this by storing it indoors, or by purchasing a furniture cover.
Have your got plastic garden furniture? We have a seperate guide for those, see our how to prevent fading and restore plastic garden chairs.
If you are looking for a new fence, or are looking to invest in the renovation of your garden, the Barnard Fencing team is here to help. Contact us for a quote, or visit our online shop.
