Restoring garden furniture

We have acquired a nice set of garden benches. The problem is that they seems to have been painted with some sort of acrylic paint. What will get rid of it? Mr PP has tried a hot air stripper but that just melts it and makes it stickier. He reckons that it would clog up a belt sander. Your recommendations would be much appreciated.

 

You'll possibly find your benches, which I'm assuming are wooden, have been painted with something like 'Garden Shades, or a similar product. These are water-based emulsions which, when dry leave a water-repellent waxy film on the wood - a film that's almost impossible to shift unless it's well weathered and even then, not easy.

Were it me, I think I'd accept they been painted and that I'd have to live with that, possibly choosing a different colour if the one they're currently in isn't to your taste.

Failing that, I think I'd start with a wire brush or some aluminium oxide abrasive paper to remove the 'waxy' surface, you might then be able to use a hot air stripper (or perhaps a chemical paint stripper).

To be honest, if they've been painted, the chances of removing every last trace of it and getting back to bare wood is going to take (a lot of) time as the paint will have got well down in the grain. If that's your aim, you might want to think about having them professionally 'dipped 'n stripped'.

 

'acrylic' suggests to me the use of a chemical paint stripper

 

a 'curved ball'

try spraying the furniture with a karcher pressure washer connected to your hose (no chemicals)

I used it to clean a teak garden table with chairs that had moss (after winter) and it stripped the wood of the old paint .... took minutes

then, let the furniture dry for a few days, then apply a few coats of Danish oil (but get the one that has UV protection)

danish oil brings the wood back to life ... good for kitchen cupboard doors aswell, and used it on antique furniture when I used to trade on ebay

 

Hi Dim
What is 'Danish oil'?

 

Rustins Danish Oil - The original Danish Oil

 

hehehe
I was expecting a little more information
I have never heard of it
Is it like a Linseed oil? Like a teak oil? What is it normally used for?
Can you send me a free sample?
It sounds interesting ......
OOPS .... just noticed your link

 

Wheres Capney he has done some fabulous garden projects , he will know the way to go

 

or was it you shiney ????

 

It was me.. way back in July 2008 would you believe.

Heres the link back to those historic times...

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/general-gardening-discussion/8464-garden-seat-rejuvenated.html

 

I think you will have to try to replace the full board