Outdoor Chairs

[Chips]

I am new to the forum, so please forgive me if I did not find the thread that answers my question.

Have a set of 4 rocking chairs with wicker back and seat that have been left out in the weather. The backs and seats need replaced, need stripped and refinished.

Can fix the back and seat, but need advice on the finish.

They are made of white oak, and I don't always want to bring them in during bad weather. What type of finish should I apply to keep them looking good?

Any help would be appreciated.

[conwood]

Hi chips,
I am presumimg the frame is painted. Whether painted or not, you will need to sand and clean them thoroughly.

I would use an outdoor oil product to finish cos the oil wil not crust. Therefore, you can occassionally give them a quick clean and re-oil them. There are several outdoor furniture oils available.

If you use a urethane for example, eventually it will fade and crack, which means at some stage again, you will have to remove this surface and start again. Being out in the weather they will go off quickly.

Believe me, hand sanding chairs is not as much fun a drinking beer and cutting timber.

I have done lots of chairs, and where possible I dis-assemble them so I can clean old paint and finished with machines, them re-glue and screw where I can hide the screws. I always re-build things with the view, that if I have to freshen them up again it wil be much easier than the first time.

In cases where I have not been able to dis-assemble and there has been a difficult old finish to remove, I used strips from belts of my lovely 4 inch belt sander. They are toucher than normal sand paper and stiffer too, which means you can fold them so you can get a good grip and get into corners etc.

I suggest if possible that the seat and back also be easy to remove for future maintenance.

Regards,
conwood