We all know that the sun can cause fading over time. Those bright and beautiful rays bring us joy in the summer, but they can also cause outdoor wood furniture to look dull, especially if the furniture is painted. Even with sealant or varnish, you may need to touch up the wood every few years to keep it looking its best.
There are a few ways to protect wood furniture from the sun, but your best bet is avoidance. Cover your wooden furniture when it’s not in use or move it out of the direct sun. If you have a south-facing patio or another area that sees a lot of UV, you may want to keep your patio furniture under an awning or umbrella to help avoid fading.
During the off-season, you should store wooden furniture in a protected area like a shed or garage. Even if the weather isn't sunny, it's likely to be wet, which presents an even more significant hazard to your outdoor wood furniture. Outdoor furniture is an investment, and it requires special care to ensure it looks good for many years.
As mentioned above, spar varnish is an excellent choice for protecting outdoor furniture from fading. Spar varnish offers excellent UV protection by creating a shiny, flexible coating over the surface of your furniture. For a more natural look, penetrating oil works well too, but needs reapplication at least every year.
Regardless of the sealant or finish you choose for your outdoor furniture, try to keep the items out of direct sunlight and put them away in the winter. Taking these simple precautions to protect your outdoor furniture will help it last as long as possible.