We get many requests to make outdoor dining settings at Bombora, and just as many questions from previous customers about how to best maintain the timber on their outdoor furniture. With the Festive Season fast approaching, and more reason than ever to be enjoying outdoor dining on sunny afternoons, now is a great time to give your outdoor furniture a little TLC.
All of our timber furniture created for use outdoors is coated with Osmo UV Protection Oil before delivery to our customers. This ensures that the surface is kept water resistant and the timber is protected through the environmental changes it is exposed to such as heat, humidity, rain and direct sunlight.
However, its the ongoing care and attention you give to your furniture that will ensure not just longevity but also an improvement in the look and feel of the timber, with a lovely patina developing over time.
We recently caught up with Luke, our Head Furniture maker, and had a chat about the steps involved in caring for outdoor timber the right way, to ensure it lasts and looks great for generations to come.
His first bit of advice was if your table is showing signs of neglect, don’t delay!
Napisan can be used to give the surface a good clean. Firstly spray down the surface with a high pressure cleaner to remove the worst of the dust and dirt. Mix up a cap full of Napisan in a litre of water and brush onto the surface. Use a high pressure cleaner to rinse off the product. Its best to avoid sanding the surface if possible as this tends to push the dirt into the grain rather than removing it.
Ensure that the surface has been cleaned properly and allowed to fully dry, this may take up to 2 days in cold cloudy weather.
Use a good quality paintbrush to apply the UV Protection Oil in the direction of the grain. 1 coat should be sufficient.
The product should be dry in 12 hours and ready for use.
Luke has recommended that fully exposed furniture that regularly bakes in the Westerly sun, may need a coat of UV oil up to 4 times per year. If your setting is protected under cover, then just keep a good watch and at the first signs of greying of the timber or dryness, re-coat with UV Oil. You may only need to re-coat every 6-12 months in this case, depending on usage. Not only will the Osmo UV Oil protect the timber from colour change, but it will prevent cracking and drying, reduce the appearance of fine scratches and enhance stain resistance.
A little bit of care here and there will ensure your outdoor setting continues to be the beautiful centrepiece of your backyard celebrations for many Summers to come!
You can visit our online store HERE for more information on Osmo UV Oil.