Forgot your password?
Member benefits:
Step 1: Sand the Surface
Step 2: Router the Edge
Step 3: Apply the Finish
Work along the grain using a belt sander with 100-grit sandpaper to remove varnish then use a multi-sander with 100- then 180- and 240-grit sandpaper to sand back to bare timber. Sand down into the bevels on the slats and smooth the legs and skirt.
Plane the sides and use a router with an ogee bit to form a new profile. Apply wood filler (match to color of wood) over blemishes and smooth with 240-grit sandpaper.
Brush on three coats of clear varnish, leaving to dry between each. Pour the varnish for the first coat into a small container. If the timber is dry and hasn't been treated for some time, add up to 10% mineral spirits to thin the varnish and help it penetrate the timber. Choose an exterior varnish with strong UV absorption to protect the wood and help it resist discoloring from the weather as it ages. Apply oil-based three-in-one prepcoat to the skirt and legs; leave to dry for 48 hours, and then apply two coats of acrylic exterior paint.