Outdoor Furniture Scratchers Caught on Camera
Jun 2nd, 2010 by Kathy
After the millions of parties that were held across the nation over Memorial Day weekend, most of us have many new memories of good times spent with our family and friends. Moreover, it’s a good bet that many – or, perhaps, most – of them were captured on camera (I’m using that word broadly, rather than trying to name everything that takes pictures and videos these days – which, by the way, is nearly everything!). What’s really interesting, however, is that, no matter how high-tech the devices that people now use, they’re taking, essentially, the same photos that everyone has been snapping for generations.
You know the ones that I mean; you can find them in just about any family photograph album. Besides the images of people gathered around a picnic table, there’s always a shot or two of a porch swing or glider that’s so over-loaded that everyone is squished and sitting sideways. Then, there’s the one wherein at least a dozen children are lined up, astraddle of a chaise lounge chair; and most of them are holding up two fingers, to make “horns” on the kids in front of them.
Usually, there’s also a picture of some unfortunate soul who, after falling asleep in a hammock, was accessorized, by dastardly relatives, with whatever props they could find. Certainly, no collection would be complete without a photo of the family chef – usually an uncle – decked out in his big hat and apron (funny saying optional), tending to the grill. Indeed, people love to have these reminders of their special moments, so that they can relive them whenever they wish.
On the other hand, the hosts of these parties are often left with unwanted mementos, as they discover things that have been stained, broken, torn, or cracked – or worse. After large backyard get-togethers, some of the most common finds are scratches in wood outdoor furniture.
So, if you notice a minor scratch on, say, one of your wood patio chairs or accent tables, you may be able to make it disappear with a furniture stain, or some paste wax and a vigorous buffing. To get rid of a deeper scratch, try rubbing it, in the direction of the grain, with superfine sandpaper and baby oil or mineral oil. For extra luster, follow up with oil soap, applied with superfine steel wool, then wax and buff the entire surface.
You can also go to a wood-finishing supplier and get one of those touch-up pens, which are available in shades to match all kinds of wood. After preparing the damaged area by rubbing it lightly with mineral spirits and superfine sandpaper, go over it with the pen, and smooth it out with your finger. If necessary, repeat this process until the scratch is no longer visible.
Just remember that, during years of heavy use, a few nicks are to be expected, especially on older pieces (newer outdoor furniture is often more resistant to scratches). Furthermore, you can’t always blame your guests for causing the damage. However, if you review the tons of pictures and videos that were taken at your party, you may be able to catch the culprit in the act.
Yours Outdoors,
Kathy
