The first thing you will need to do is clean the wooden picnic table. Begin by spraying the table down with a hose. This will remove loose dirt, debris, dust, and cobwebs, as well as allowing your cleaning solution to spread around more evenly. Plus, it will keep the table from drying out too quickly, which will get stained with buildup if cleaner is left on it.
Also, pick a good place to work on your wooden picnic table. Yards are best but decks and garages work too, so long as they are well-ventilated. When working on flooring, like a wooden deck, that can get stained or damaged by cleaners and solvents, spray the floor down with some water as well. This will dilute runoff from the cleaning solution.
Next, use a wood safe cleaner or wood deck cleaner to get at tougher dirt while restoring some of the original coloration of the wooden picnic table. Apply the solution all over using a hose or rag and allow it to set for a few minutes. A stiff brush will do nicely to break up dirt and wax, and you may want a smaller brush to get in the harder to reach cracks of the table.
When cleaning, work from the bottom up so as to avoid streaks. On really tough stains or discoloration a solvent solution may be used, like bleach and water, but be extra careful when dealing with caustic substances and always use goggles and gloves.
Once all of the visible dirt has been removed, rinse off any remaining solution using a hose. By this point your wood should look visibly brighter and cleaner. Allow the wooden picnic table to dry fully.
By cleaning the wood one thing that will happen is that the grain of your wooden picnic table will have been raised. You can use a light grade sandpaper but be careful not to over-sand as this will not only damage the wood but will hinder the table from best absorbing a new coating of finish.
By this point you are ready to apply a stain, if you choose to. Stains not only serve to brighten up dull, grayish woods but it also serves as a measure of protection to the wood itself. Gel stains are particularly useful for outdoor furniture that is slatted, like a wooden picnic table, because it will not drip like liquid stains. Using a paintbrush or applicator pad, apply a thin and even layer of stain.
From this point on you can leave your wooden picnic table unfinished, where it will acquire a naturally weathered, patina look over time, or you can cover it with a couple coats of varnish. Oil-based finishes are good on most kinds of patio lumber and provides a glossy sheen while protecting the heartwood from cracking, warping and rotting. If for some reason there is a haze on the finish when you are done, you may be able to buff it using a soft steel wool.
Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Wooden Picnic Table and Wooden Picnic Table Plans.
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