What Is the Best Finish for Outdoor Furniture?

Choosing a finish for outdoor furniture comes down to the material you are treating and how much upkeep you want to take on. This guide compares penetrating oils, exterior varnishes, coloured stains, preservatives, powder coating and factory finishes, and explains how each one handles the constant damp of a British garden. We look at why film finishes fail locally while oiled surfaces fade evenly, how to prepare timber and metal properly so a finish actually bonds, and which materials need no treatment at all. There is practical guidance on coat numbers, timing, end grain, touching in scratched metal frames and caring for all weather rattan. By the end you will know which finish suits a dining table, a shaded bench or an exposed terrace, and when a tired set is better replaced than refinished....