Furniture prime for new look as temperatures rise

The time has come to move outdoors and set up for barbecues, kids playing in the backyard, planting gardens -- all the good stuff that spring and summer bring. How does your outdoor furniture look? If you're like me, you're probably a bit discouraged. Without proper storage, the larger pieces remained outside; others have been stuffed under the porch to become a cozy nesting ground for furry animals. But don't despair. With a little elbow grease and some paint, you'll be sitting pretty in no time.

Here are my tips for rescuing outdoor furniture. Whether you have just been to the flea market or you are renewing your own tables and chairs, check first for major flaws. If you do not have the ability to fix broken slats, ripped wicker and wobbly legs, then recycle the piece for someone else to repair. However, chipped paint and rust is not difficult to conquer.

Wicker is resistant to wet weather and is comfortable, making it an ideal choice for the garden, balcony or deck. Clean the wicker with a mild detergent and damp cloth and wipe dry. Gently brush or sand away loose paint flakes. Spray the piece with a coat of white acrylic primer and let dry. Using exterior latex paint, apply your choice of color. When spraying, use a gentle sweeping motion and work from different directions to reach all sides of the wicker. For solid coverage, apply two thin coats to avoid drips.

I wanted the new wicker chair shown in the accompanying photograph to have an antiqued appearance. After the prime coat, I distressed the wicker by rubbing red paint in random patches into the wicker with a bristle paintbrush, followed by patches of pale green, making sure all the wicker was covered with one of the paint colors. Layering different shades gives the look of years of wear and fading.

The stylish lines and solid appearance of wrought iron is a natural for patio dining, and these pieces endure for decades. To renew metal furniture, first remove any rust with a metal brush and steel wool. Clean with soap and water and wipe dry. Use a metal primer to protect the surface and then paint. New seat cushions add both comfort and life to a single chair or patio set. You can also make seat covers and table toppers with the weather- and mildew-resistant fabrics found at your sewing store.

Wood furniture is an ageless favorite, from Adirondack chairs and cedar benches to pine or barn-board picnic tables. Refresh painted wood by cleaning with soapy water, but don't saturate the wood. Sand to remove paint flakes, and rough up the surface if the old paint has a glossy finish. Then prime and paint. Choose exterior latex paint with a gloss sheen for a durable finish. If wood has been stained, clean, then sand to open the wood's pores. You have a choice of colored stains as well as the traditional wood tones. Try a combination of purple, blue, red or yellow stain shades to liven up a deck or family seating area.

Even the most common and inexpensive plastic chairs can be stylish and comfy. A can of silver or bronze metal spray paint and sleek, black cushions will produce a modern update quickly.

Debbie Travis is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. E-mail questions to her at house2home@debbietravis.com.