How to Refinish Outdoor Patio Table

Refinishing your outdoor patio table is a great way to give it a fresh look and extend its lifespan. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause wear and tear, leaving your table looking weathered and dull. With a little effort and the right tools, you can restore its original beauty or even customize it to match your style. This document will provide a comprehensive guide on how to refinish outdoor patio table, covering essential tools, installation techniques, and tips for achieving the best result.

Importance of Refinishing an Outdoor Patio Table

Refinishing an outdoor patio table is essential for maintaining both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Constant exposure to sun, rain, and fluctuating temperatures can cause significant damage, such as fading, cracking, or warping. By refinishing, you can protect the table from further degradation and extend its lifespan, saving money in the long run. Additionally, refinishing allows you to update the look of your table, ensuring it complements your outdoor space and reflects your personal style. It’s also an eco-friendly alternative to replacing the table, reducing waste and promoting sustainable use of resources.

Determining the Table Material and Required Approach

Before starting the refinishing process, it’s crucial to identify the material of your outdoor patio table, as different materials require specific techniques and products. Common table materials include wood, metal, and plastic, each with unique properties and needs.

For wooden tables, check whether the wood is hardwood or softwood, as this will impact the type of sanding, staining, or sealing products you’ll use. Metal tables often require rust removal and a weather-resistant paint or coating to protect against corrosion. Plastic tables, on the other hand, typically require cleaning and may benefit from a plastic-specific spray paint for a fresh appearance.

Understanding the material of your table will help you select the appropriate tools and finishes, ensuring a successful refinishing project that maintains the durability and aesthetic of your outdoor furniture.

10 Methods How to Refinish Outdoor Patio Table

1. Assess the Condition of the Table

Before diving into the refinishing process, take a close look at the current state of your patio table. Inspect the tabletop and legs for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, rust, or peeling paint. If the table is made of wood, check for signs of rot or warping. If it’s made of metal, check for rust spots or chipped paint.

Assessing the overall condition will help you determine the necessary repairs before you begin refinishing. If your table has extensive damage, you may need to repair or replace parts before refinishing, such as filling in cracks with wood filler or sanding down rust on metal surfaces.

2. Choose the Right Finish for the Material

Selecting the correct finish for your outdoor patio table is crucial to ensure it withstands the elements. For wooden tables, choose an outdoor wood finish or sealer that provides UV protection, waterproofing, and mildew resistance. Options such as varnish, polyurethane, or teak oil are great for wood, offering durability and a beautiful shine.

For metal tables, a high-quality outdoor metal paint or powder coating is ideal. These finishes help prevent rust, protect the metal, and resist fading from sun exposure. Be sure to choose a finish that suits your table’s material and provides long-lasting protection against outdoor wear and tear.

3. Remove the Old Finish

The first step in refinishing your patio table is to remove the old finish. For wooden tables, this can be done by sanding down the existing varnish, stain, or paint. Use a power sander or sandpaper with medium grit to remove the top layer of the finish. Be sure to sand evenly and carefully to avoid gouging the wood.

After the finish has been removed, smooth the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to prepare it for the new finish. If your table is made of metal, remove any peeling paint or rust using a wire brush or sandblaster. For stubborn rust, use a rust remover or chemical paint stripper to fully strip the surface. Once the old finish is removed, clean the surface thoroughly to ensure that no dust or debris remains.

4. Repair Damaged Areas

After removing the old finish, inspect the table for any damage that needs to be repaired. For wooden tables, fill in any cracks, holes, or dents with wood filler. Apply the filler using a putty knife, smoothing it over the damaged areas. Once the filler has dried, sand the surface smooth so that it blends seamlessly with the rest of the wood. For metal tables, check for rust spots or scratches.

Use a rust converter or primer specifically designed for metal to treat any rusted areas. If the metal has deep scratches or gouges, consider using a metal filler to smooth out the surface before refinishing. Once repairs are made, ensure the surface is clean and smooth before proceeding with the finishing process.

5. Sand the Surface

Sanding is a critical step in the refinishing process, as it prepares the surface for the new finish. For wooden tables, start by sanding the entire surface with medium-grit sandpaper, working in the direction of the grain. Afterward, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough patches, ensuring a flawless, even surface.

Sanding helps the new finish adhere better to the wood and removes any imperfections that could affect the final look. For metal tables, use sandpaper or a wire brush to smooth the surface and remove any rust or old paint. Sanding metal helps create a rough texture that allows the paint or finish to bond more effectively. Be sure to wipe down the surface with a clean cloth after sanding to remove dust and debris.

6. Apply Primer (If Necessary)

Applying primer is an important step, particularly for metal tables. If you are refinishing a metal patio table, apply a rust-inhibiting primer to the surface to protect it from future rusting. Choose a primer designed specifically for outdoor metal surfaces to ensure maximum protection.

For wooden tables, you can skip this step if you are using an outdoor wood finish that already contains a primer. However, if you are painting your wooden table, applying a wood primer can help improve paint adhesion and prevent stains from bleeding through. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

7. Apply the First Coat of Finish

Once the primer has dried (if applicable), it’s time to apply the first coat of finish. For wooden tables, use a high-quality outdoor varnish, polyurethane, or oil-based finish. Apply the finish using a brush or a foam applicator, working in thin, even layers. Be sure to follow the wood grain when applying the finish to avoid streaks.

For metal tables, use a paintbrush, roller, or spray paint to apply the first coat of paint or finish. If you’re using spray paint, hold the can about 12 inches from the surface and apply light, even coats to avoid drips or runs. Allow the first coat to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before applying additional layers.

8. Sand Between Coats

After each coat of finish has dried, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and promote better adhesion between layers. This step is especially important for wooden tables, as it helps to eliminate brush marks and uneven spots. For metal tables, sanding between coats ensures a smoother finish and helps the paint adhere better. Be sure to wipe down the surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust after sanding. Repeat this process after each coat of finish to achieve a smooth and professional-looking result.

9. Apply Additional Coats of Finish

For maximum durability and a polished look, apply two to three coats of finish, depending on the material and the desired result. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next, and be sure to sand lightly between each layer. For wooden tables, multiple coats of varnish or polyurethane will provide a glossy, protective layer that resists scratches, fading, and moisture. For metal tables, additional coats of paint or finish will help protect the surface from the elements and ensure a long-lasting, beautiful finish.

10. Cure and Seal the Finish

After you’ve applied the final coat of finish, allow the table to cure for the recommended amount of time. This is especially important for wood finishes, as the curing process ensures that the finish hardens and bonds properly to the surface. Depending on the type of finish, curing can take anywhere from several hours to several days. Once the finish has cured, apply a protective sealant if necessary. Some finishes, such as outdoor wood varnishes, already include a built-in protective layer, while others may require an additional clear sealer for extra durability.

Conclusion

Refinishing an outdoor patio table is a rewarding project that can give your furniture a new lease on life while enhancing your outdoor space. Whether your table is made of wood, metal, or another material, the refinishing process can be customized to suit your specific needs and preferences. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to refinish outdoor patio table! We hope you found it helpful and informative.