Best Way to Refinish a Patio Table and Chairs

Create an updated look for your patio furniture by refinishing a patio table and chairs.  By doing this, you can get a fresh new patio set without the expense and hassle of purchasing a new set.  You can easily and inexpensively refinish a patio table and chairs yourself in your yard or in your home in less than 24 hours.

1. Select a stain and clear-coat varnish that you want to use to refinish the patio table and chairs.


2. Clean all the dirt or dust off of the table and chairs by using water and an old rag or using a high pressure cleaner.


3. Sand off the topcoat that currently protects the patio table and chairs. You can do this by hand with sandpaper or with an electric hand sander if you have one. Make sure that all the sanding dust is cleared from the table and chairs.


4. Determine that the weather will be appropriate for the next 24 hours.  There should be no rain in the forecast and you should also watch out for high winds and humidity, which may create problems for proper drying. 


5. If the weather is not ideal and you wish to refinish your patio table and chairs inside, place newspapers or plastic down under the patio table and chairs.  Place in an area in your house where a window or door can be left open for ventilation. 


6. Apply a coat of the stain you have selected to the table and chairs. Allow the stain to dry for three hours and then apply another coat of the stain. Allow the stain to dry for six additional hours.


7. Apply a coat of clear varnish. Allow drying for three hours. Apply a second coat of clear varnish. Allow the set to dry for an additional six hours before using.