Clean, sand and oil hardwood garden furniture to protect it from weather and keep its colour, working in dry, mild conditions.
AB-01Pick a dry, mild dayChoose a day with no rain forecast for at least 24 hours, ideally 10-25°C, out of strong sun and wind. Oil doesn't cure well in cold, wet or very hot conditions. Make sure the furniture itself is completely dry before you start.
AB-02Move furniture and protect the areaMove the furniture onto a dust sheet in a shaded, sheltered spot with good airflow. Brush off cobwebs, leaves and loose dirt with a stiff brush. Remove any cushions or removable parts and set them aside.
AB-03Wash the woodScrub the furniture with warm water and a mild detergent or dedicated hardwood cleaner, using a soft-bristle brush to lift dirt from the grain. Rinse thoroughly and leave to dry fully — this can take 24-48 hours in good weather. Don't oil damp wood; the oil won't soak in properly and can turn patchy.
AB-04Sand any rough or grey patchesLightly sand grey, weathered or rough areas with 120-150 grit sandpaper, following the direction of the grain. You don't need to sand back to bare wood — just enough to open the grain and remove loose fibres. Wipe away all dust with a dry cloth before moving on.
AB-05Test the oil on a hidden spotStir the oil well, then brush a small amount onto an underside or hidden area. Leave it for 15 minutes to check the colour and that it soaks in evenly. Worth doing every time, especially on furniture you haven't oiled before.
AB-06Apply the first coatBrush the oil on generously along the grain, working one section at a time. Keep a wet edge so you don't get patchy overlaps. Let it soak in for the time stated on the tin, usually 10-15 minutes.
AB-07Wipe off excess oilWipe off any oil that hasn't soaked in with a clean, dry cloth, working along the grain. Left sitting on the surface, excess oil goes sticky and attracts dust as it dries. Check joints and carved details where oil can pool.
AB-08Apply a second coat once dryLeave the first coat to dry fully — check the tin, but allow at least 4-6 hours or overnight. Apply a second coat the same way, then wipe off any excess again. Two thin coats give better, more even protection than one thick one.
AB-09Let it cure before useLeave the furniture somewhere dry and sheltered for at least 24 hours, ideally 48, before using it or putting cushions back on. Full curing can take several days, so treat it gently at first. Bring it in or cover it if rain is forecast during this time.
AB-10Dispose of oily rags safelyOil-soaked rags can heat up on their own and catch fire if left screwed up in a bin or shed. Lay them out flat outdoors to dry completely, away from anything flammable, before throwing them away, or soak them in water and seal them in a metal container instead. Clean your brushes with white spirit or the solvent stated on the tin.