Simple ways to take care of your outdoor furniture
How you can preserve and elevate your outdoor furniture for years to come.
15/10/2025
Your outdoor furniture is an extension of
your home - so it deserves just as much care and
attention as your interiors. With the right prep
and products, you can protect each piece,
refresh its look, and extend its life.
Here’s how with a touch of the right paint and
few, material-specific tips you can preserve and
elevate your outdoor furniture for years to
come.
Clean and prep surfaces, along with tips for wooden surfaces
Before you begin painting, wash away dirt and dust. Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth and a mild detergent, paying special attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas where grime often collects. Smooth rough areas by sanding; remove all dust before coating. A clean, dry, smooth surface helps paint and varnish adhere and last.
How to prepare, prime and protect: wood & metal
If you’re working with wood, use
a knotting agent to seal any knots and
spot-prime nail heads with Dulux Rustshield or
Dulux Steel Primer. Don’t skip the end grain -
add a second coat after 10–20 minutes to keep
moisture out. Prime with Dulux Wood Primer (two
coats for absorbent wood) or use Dulux
Supergrip; then follow with Dulux Universal
Undercoat and your topcoat.
For new
wood, sand with 100–150 grit and wipe clean.
Surfaces should be thoroughly dry with no more
than 12% moisture content. If it’s been oiled or
waxed, strip back to bare wood. Clean with a
lint free cloth dampened with mineral
turpentine. Multiple wipes may be required to
remove surface oils and waxy residue. If
varnished, clean with mineral turpentine before
lightly sanding and finish with Dulux Woodgard
Timbavarnish.
Start by cleaning metal
surfaces with Dulux Galvanised Iron Cleaner
until water runs off smoothly. If you spot any
rust, treat it before applying your primer,
undercoat, and topcoat - just remember to let
each layer dry properly before moving on to the
next.
Style and simple upkeep
Mix and match shades to create a co-ordinated look that seamlessly blends your furniture with your exterior walls and surroundings. Whether you prefer subtle neutrals, bold statement colours, or warm grey shades that are thoughtfully designed to complement a variety of existing palettes, giving you endless design choices.
Maintain your outdoor furniture
Wipe down and clean outdoor
furniture regularly to remove moisture and
debris that can compromise appearance and
durability. Inspect surfaces frequently and
address chips or scratches immediately to reseal
the coating and prevent moisture ingress. This
simple routine prevents minor defects from
escalating and extends service life, keeping
pieces looking fresh year after year.
“Start with proper prep - clean thoroughly,
prime correctly, and finish with the right
coating - and your outdoor furniture will reward
you with lasting colour and reliable protection.
Regular wipe-downs seal out moisture and stop
small chips from becoming bigger problems,
keeping wood and metal pieces looking fresh for
years,” says Palesa Ramaisa, Dulux Colour
Expert.
For more tips, colour inspiration and ideas on how to add pride, imagination and creativity to your home or workspace, visit the Dulux social media pages Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest