How to Restore Outdoor Wood Furniture

Move the furniture you intend to restore to an area where you can freely work on the item. Make sure the area has proper ventilation and that surrounding furniture or items will not be damaged. Put disposable plastic underneath the piece of furniture if you are concerned about damaging the area during the restoration process.

Dust the furniture off with a broom to remove dust and dirt particles. If necessary, spray the furniture with a hose to remove stubborn dirt. Applying water to the item now, before you apply refinishing solution, will allow the solution to spread more evenly, resulting in a more balanced overall look.

Use a product intended for restoring the original finish and color of wood. Examples of these products include Thompson's Water Seal and Magic Wood Magic. These products can be purchased at most hardware stores and online at Homedepot.com.

Pour the product into a sprayer and seal the lid. Spray from the bottom of the piece of furniture to the top, starting at one side of the item, to reduce streaks and ensure the most fluid finish possible. If you do not have access to a sprayer or would prefer not to use one, you can apply some wood-restoration products by pouring them into a paint pan and applying with a brush. Make sure to check the product label for manufacturer recommendations regarding application.

Do not touch the surface for 15 to 20 minutes. Then scrub lightly with a large brush to remove any remaining debris. Use a smaller brush to scrub areas that cannot be reached with a large brush. Brushing also begins the sanding process.

Sand the wood lightly with 100-grit sandpaper using a hand sander. Be careful not to sand so hard that you begin to remove the new finish. Use a folded piece of 100-grit sandpaper to reach the places where a hand sander will not fit.

Apply a clear stain over the top of the sanded piece of furniture. Although it is not necessary to apply a clear protective layer, doing so will help protect outdoor furniture from the elements. Apply the protective stain according to the manufacturer's instructions.