Here are some tips you can use to bring new life to an old set.
Spray paint
Spray paint is one of the great wonders of our time. An umbrella table can go from rusted and nasty to sparkling clean and new again. Just use a little sand paper to remove the surface rust and apply spray paint designed to inhibit rust. This will also work for the chair frames.
Spray paint isn’t just for metal anymore. There is a spray paint designed to be applied to plastic without peeling off. Do you have one of those children’s picnic tables that is designed for function rather than aesthetics? Use the plastic spray paint as a primer. Now paint all but the very top surface any color you wish. Tape off the edges and use spray chalkboard paint on the top of the table. Spray a plastic tub with a lid to be nailed to the side to hold chalk. Use the lid to protect the chalk from rain.
Cleaners
This one is a no-brainer but for many cleaning seems a waste of energy and they will replace the tired old stuff thinking it is beyond cleaning. The winter doesn’t like our patio and lawn furniture but often times it will just require a simple cleaning. It may mean trying several different products before you find one that works.
Umbrellas get a lot of spots and stains that can be removed or minimized with a heavy application of cleaner and a solid rinsing. Do not close the umbrella up until it is completely dry.
Strapping and Webbing
It used to be lawn chairs all had plastic webbing. While those are still out there, there are a lot more choices these days. Many of the seats have heavy plastic strapping. Both the straps and the webbing can be replaced or you can try something a little different. How about purchasing outdoor nylon cording and weave it across the back and seat of the chair. You can also use the old macramé techniques to knot your way to a new back or seat. These are actually stronger and will last longer than the webbing. You can create a fringe or add beading with these techniques. You can still add the cushion on top for comfort..
Oil Based paint or Enamel
There are no lawn furniture police ready to haul you into the hoosegow for redesigning your furniture. You can change the whole look easily by adding a new design element. If you have a tired old set of lawn chairs and you really prefer the southwest look, repaint the chairs a turquoise to make them pop. Great start! Now using oil paint or enamel, paint a Kokapelli design on the back of each chair in southwestern colors. Repeat the colors or design throughout your garden for a cohesive look.
Cushions
Cleaning doesn’t always work. Sometimes cushions need to be replaced. Unless you are independently wealthy, your choices are very limited. When you go into the local store to look at cushions there are approximately 5 different styles to choose from. If you find yourself paying enormous amounts of money for cushions that you don’t like but you hated them the least, it is time to make them yourself. You need to only insure that the fabric is waterproof so that the rain doesn’t get inside of it and mold.
You may get many more years of life out of your furniture and create a custom set that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
