How to Finish Cypress Lawn Furniture

Smooth the surface of your cypress furniture with 120-grit sandpaper. If your lawn furniture already shows some signs of aging, use coarser, 80-grit sanding paper to remove roughness. Finish with the 120-grit.

Brush on a coat of clear wood sealer to penetrate the surface of the cypress without altering its natural look. Penetrating sealer soaks into the wood and adds a protective barrier. Cover all wood surfaces, brushing with the grain of the wood. Let dry in a dust-free area. Reapply annually for the best results.

Seal and restore color to faded cypress with a combination wood stain/sealer product. Apply liberally with a brush in the direction of the wood grain. Let the stain/sealer soak in and dry completely before using the furniture. Choose a semi-transparent stain/sealer for the best results.

Protect your cypress with a coat of exterior wood primer and at least two coats of exterior paint, if desired. Cypress holds paint well, but like other finish choices, you must repaint every few years to keep your furniture looking new.

Brush on an even coat of wood primer in the direction of the wood grain. Work from the top of the furniture item downward to catch any runs. Let the primer coat dry before proceeding.

Apply at least two light coats of exterior wood paint to the furniture in the same manner as you applied the primer. The paint must dry completely before using the furniture.