How to spruce up an old wooden garden table?

Question

Hi - I have an old wooden garden table that is looking very tired and I would like to get it looking nicer - any suggestions welcome - do I sand it first or just apply stain/varnish?

thanks

Answer 1

it's well worth sanding it well first and then using a stain/varnish.

You could also consider adding some decoration using a couple of different coloured stains - print some stencils off or something :-)

Answer 2

I scrub the table first, using good old scouring powder and elbow grease. Use a traditional stiff scrubbing brush. This gets rid of the growths.

Sanding might be appropriate, but use a medium to fine grade and go easy on enthusiasm!

The problem, I find, with lacquers and cuprinol is that, in the sun, the lacquers can lift and cuprinol looks like garden fence!

I use Briwax to tart up our garden table. I apply it with a shoe brush, rubbing it in until I get a nice satin finish. Two applications last the summer. Winter rains will wash it out, but the solvent in the wax inhibits mould and lichens.

You can buy Briwax at most DIY centres.

Answer 3

Always best to sand it down to get rid of any mildew and to give a good base for painting or staining....if it were me I would paint it with a coloured paint such as green or blue as it will cover up any imperfections in the wood, and you can add as many coats as you want.

Answer 4

give it a good sand it down first then put a good varnish or stain on it

Answer 5

sand it down 1st then varnish.

Answer 6

Well give it a quick sand down first and then paint it a nice cheery colour that matches any other garden furniture. Also we use lindseed oil to keep our tables smooth and shiny ;)

Answer 7

I used Cuprinol garden furnish finish.  It worked a treat without me having to sand.