Patio Furniture Lets You Breathe Easy

If you want to see how seriously we take outdoor living in this country, just look around any neighborhood, and check out the impressive patio furniture collections. Many of them are as grand as anything that you’d find in a living room; and, as is the case with indoor furniture, some people like to buy it new, while others prefer to create unique looks, by refinishing old pieces. Some people love doing these big projects, bless their hearts. However, whether you’re an expert or a novice, one of the most difficult and distasteful parts of refinishing old furniture is stripping it; and, depending upon what product you’re using, it can also be one of the most dangerous. After all, if something is strong enough to remove paint and varnish, it can’t possibly do your lungs, skin, or clothes any good. Although you should wear protective gear when using any kind of stripper, there are some that require extra precautions. The worst offenders are those that contain methylene chloride, which, when used in poorly ventilated areas, can cause dizziness and headaches with only one use, and bigger problems with long-term, repeated exposure. So, remember that solvent-based strippers, although faster acting, can be hazardous to your health. Those with a water base take longer, but are a lot safer. In any case, wear an organic-vapor respirator, protective, solvent-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and long pants and sleeves, and work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, when using stripper. Before you begin, remove all of the hardware from the piece. Apply a heavy coat of the stripper with an old paint brush, using back-and-forth motions, and allow it to work for the time that’s recommended on the label. Next, loosen the finish by rubbing it gently with a plastic scouring pad or a medium steel wool pad, if your stripper has a solvent base; if it’s water-based, steel wool may cause rust stains. Use a soft, flexible putty knife, or an old, plastic kitchen spatula, to get the old finish off flat areas. Coat it with non-stick cooking spray before use to keep the scrapings from sticking to it. Get the finish out of the edges and corners with a pot-scrubbing brush with brass bristles, which won’t damage the wood. For grooves and other narrow, hard-to-reach places, use an awl or an ice pick, but make sure to use short, light movements, so as not to scratch the wood. After you have removed all of the old finish, wash away any remaining stripper with water, if it’s water-based, and mineral spirits, if it’s solvent-based. This is one way for do-it-yourselfers to get started on their outdoor furniture groups. Those who would rather let others do the crafting can simply go to CedarStore.com. With one of the largest selections available, CedarStore.com has wood, metal, and synthetic patio chairs, tables, dining sets, porch swings, benches, gliders, lounges, rockers, ottomans, and accessories, in all sizes and colors. That means that you can complement the décor of your porch, patio, or gazebo, and, whether it’s open or enclosed, you won’t have to worry about inhaling any noxious fumes. CedarStore.com also has design consultants and customer service representatives available to assist you any time. To contact them, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail contact@cedarstore.com.

Article Source: http://www.propertymagnate.com/articles

Outdoor Furniture | Patio Furniture | Porch Furniture

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