What to Put On Old Adirondack Chairs – for Weatherproofing?

The Adirondack chair is a type of outdoor furniture that is usually made from wood.

It is characterized by its wide, slanted backrest and broad armrests.

The name of the chair comes from the Adirondack Mountain range in New York, where it was first designed and built in the early 1900s.

Today, Adirondack chairs are often used as beach chairs or poolside lounge chairs. They are also popular patio furniture items.

Some people even have them in their gardens or backyard.

But have you ever wondered what you should put on Adirondack chairs for weatherproofing?

You could go the traditional route and use a coat of paint or stain, or you could try something a little different, like a clear varnish that looks natural.

This blog post will explore some of the best options for keeping your Adirondack chairs looking great all year long.

And how you should actually weatherproof them without worrying about the elements.

So whatever the weather throws your way, you’ll be prepared!

Best Finishes for Wooden Adirondack Chairs

Adirondack chairs are known for their simple, classic design and their durability.

They are typically made from weather-resistant materials such as cedar or teak.

When properly cared for, an Adirondack chair can last for many years.

With that in mind, some of the best finishes for these vintage chairs include:

1 – Paint

Paint, specifically oil-based enamel with a satin finish, is a great option for weatherproofing your Adirondack chairs.

It will not only protect the wood from moisture and sun damage but also will hide the imperfections of the wood and give the chair a more polished look.

You can choose any color you like, but we recommend using a light color such as white or cream. This will help keep the chairs cool in the summer months.

2 – Wood Stain

Another option for weatherproofing your Adirondack chairs is to use an oil-based wood stain.

This will give the chairs a bit of color while still allowing the wood grain to show through.

If you want to get some unique, a metal dye stain, a gel stain, or a lacquer stain can also be tried (do not use water-based if you use your chairs outdoors).

A clear wood sealer can also be used in conjunction with the stain for extra protection.

3 – Spar Varnish

Spar varnish is a clear, protective finish that is applied to the surface of the wood.

It helps to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage.

Spar varnish was originally developed for use on boats, but it works just as well on Adirondack chairs if you like to keep them protected from the natural elements!

4 – Sealant for Adirondack Chair

Sealants are similar to varnishes in that they provide a layer of protection against moisture and UV damage.

But unlike varnishes, sealants do not change the color of the wood.

So if you want to keep your Adirondack chairs looking natural, a sealant is a good option.

5 – Wax               

Wax is another good option for weatherproofing your Adirondack chairs. It creates a barrier against moisture and dirt.

Plus, it helps to keep the wood looking shiny and new.

There are many different types of wax available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

6 – Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a synthetic resin that is often used as a protective coating for wood.

It is available in both water-based and oil-based formulas.

Polyurethane is one of the best finishes for outdoor because it provides a durable, hard finish that is resistant to scratches and stains in hot and sunny climates.

7 – Oils like Tung Oil and Teak Oil

Teak oil is a type of natural oil that is made from teak trees. It penetrates the wood and helps to protect it from moisture and dirt.

Tung oil is another type of natural oil that can be used on Adirondack chairs. It is made from the nut of the tung tree.

Like teak oil, it penetrates the wood and helps to protect it from the elements.

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How to Clean and Refinish Your Adirondack Chairs?

Restoring and refinishing wood Adirondack chairs is not so tough.

All you need is to follow the detailed steps here…

Cleaning Adirondack chairs

A pressure washer is a great way to get rid of dirt, grime, and mildew quickly and easily. Here’s how to use one:

1. Fill the pressure washer with water and detergent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Turn on the pressure washer and hold the nozzle about 6 inches from the surface of the chair.

3. Move the nozzle in a back-and-forth motion until the entire chair is covered.

4. Rinse off the chair with clean water from the pressure washer.

5. Let the chair air dry before moving to the next step.

Refinishing Steps for Adirondack Chairs

Once your wood chair is completely dry, it’s time to start refinishing. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1-Remove any old finish from the chair. Start by sanding the chair with medium-grit sandpaper.

This will help to remove any dirt, grime, or stains that are on the surface of the wood.

2- Once you have sanded the chair, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust.

3- Next, apply a coat of primer to the chair. This will help the paint or stain adhere better to the wood.

4- Once the primer is dry, apply a coat of paint or stain to the chair. If you are using paint, we recommend using an oil-based enamel.

5- Allow the paint or stain to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

6- Once the paint or stain is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane to the chair. This will help to protect the finish from scratches and stains.

7- Allow the polyurethane to dry completely before using the chair.

And that’s it! You are ready to enjoy your beautiful, weatherproof Adirondack chair!

FAQs

What wood are Adirondack chairs made of?

Most Adirondack chairs are made of cedar, teak, or mahogany.

These woods are naturally resistant to rot and decay, making them a good choice for outdoor furniture.

Can you leave Adirondack chairs out in the winter?

Adirondack chairs can be left out in the winter, but you will need to take some steps to protect them from the elements.

If you live in an area where it gets very cold, we recommend storing the chairs in a garage or shed.

You can also cover the chairs with a tarp or furniture covers to protect them from the snow and ice.

Wood vs. plastic Adirondack chairs – what’s better for the outdoors?

Both wood and plastic Adirondack chairs have their pros and cons.

Wooden chairs are generally more expensive than plastic chairs, but they are also more durable.

Wooden chairs can last for many years with proper care, while plastic chairs may only last for a few years before they need to be replaced.

Plastic chairs are generally more comfortable than wood chairs, but they are not as stylish.

Final Thoughts

If you have classic wooden Adirondack chairs, you know how important it is to keep them clean.

But what do you use to clean them? And how do you protect them from the weather?

In this article, we have shared some tips and methods on what you can actually put on your classic Adirondack chairs for weatherproofing.

With these simple methods, you can hopefully keep your old Adirondack chairs looking new for years to come.