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John Duff of Garden Furniture Scotland has some key tips for how to best care for your wooden garden furniture, regardless of whether it is made from keruing, red or yellow balau, or jarra wood. The first thing to remember is that wood is natural and the appearance of wood will change when left outdoors. This is part of the natural process of protection which the wood undergoes as it acclimatizes to being exposed to the atmosphere. Regardless of how you store your furniture in the winter, the appearance of the wood will change as it acclimatizes to being exposed to the atmosphere during the summer months when you are using it. There is a naturally occurring process of protection which the wood undergoes and as it does, it changes to a silver-grey colour, or patina. If it is stored under a tree, you might discover dark spots appearing on the furniture as sap and excretions from aphids fall on its surface and dry in the sun. Another common problem which can spoil the look of your garden furniture is when small amounts of sap resin will appear on the surface of the wood. Dark spots may occur if the furniture is placed in the shady spot under a tree due to falling sap and excretions from aphids. Crystallised resin can be removed using a stiff brush. While the resin is still sticky, a sharp knife can be utilized to remove most of the resin and white spirit can clean the affected surface. As it is exposed, wood naturally wants to change colour to a sliver-grey. This is known as patina and the exact colour the wood will become depends on environmental conditions in which it is stored. You can allow furniture to silver and not make any attempt to slow the process. Most furniture continues to look good even when the original colour has disappeared. To keep the original colour of your furniture longer, you can apply teak oil can be applied sparingly using a lint free cloth once or at most twice a season. This treatment will slow the weathering process and could also minimise surface fissures. Here is the process: * Remove any accumulated dirt by scrubbing with a brush and warm soapy water. To recap: * Remove any dirt which has accumulated by rubbing with a stiff brush and warm water. * Allow the furniture to dry completely * Scrape sap off the table using a knife * Apply teak oil sparingly using a lint free cloth * Sand away roughness * Wipe of excess oil * Wipe away excess oil * Dry your furniture thoroughly before use * Repeat once twice each season All the staff at Garden Furniture Scotland join me in hoping that these tips will help you to enjoy your furniture and to maintain it well throughout its lifetime.
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About the author: John Duff is an expert in buying and selling Garden Furniture. See more of his stuff at Garden Furniture Scotland Click here for other unique garden furniture articles.
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