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How to refinish beeswax coated outdoor furniture?

Hi all,

I have some outdoor timber furniture which i bought second hand in 2017. I believe it had a stain applied, then coated in beeswax. I have reapplied the wax about twice a year since, when done it’s comes up really good but I wonder if it now needs something more done to protect it. See pics attached where it’s at its worst.

should I sand, restain, then wax? Or just sand and wax? Or not sand at all?

thanks for your help

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @liambeer. It's fabulous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about restoring outdoor furniture.

When it comes to refinishing your beeswax-coated outdoor furniture, sanding is indeed an important step. Over time, the wood can develop stains, discolouration, and a greyed appearance due to exposure to the elements. Sanding will not only remove these imperfections but also help to revitalise the timber, providing a fresh surface for further treatment.

After sanding, you have a couple of options for finishing. While applying another layer of beeswax can enhance the appearance and provide some level of protection, you might want to consider using a furniture oil instead. Oils penetrate deeper into the wood, offering superior protection against moisture and UV damage compared to beeswax. They can also help to maintain the natural beauty of the timber and enhance its durability for outdoor conditions.

If you decide to sand, aim for a medium-grit sandpaper to start, followed by a finer grit to smooth the surface. Once you've achieved the desired finish, you can apply the furniture oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to safeguard your furniture and keep it looking great for years to come.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

liambeer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/43043#Comment_43043

Hi Mitchell,

thanks for your reply. I test sanded a small part and the applied some wax I had from previous and it was still a little furry and inconsistent. I also pressure washed off the table, not super close to damage the timber. It came up like images below. The first is all the table and the second where I applied some more wax, none of the table top was sanded. I think the wife will kill me when she sees it.

how can I fix?

edit. Sorry I should have said I used timber cleaner in the pressure washer

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/83638#Comment_83638

The grey timber that you've exposed indicates that it is deteriorating @liambeer. By applying beeswax you've probably been disguising the issue. You really need to sand the whole thing back, through the greyed timber, to reveal the new timber beneath. You can then re-apply your coatings.

By blasting the coatings off, you've embarked on a full restoration. I'd spend an hour sanding the top with 180 and then 240-grit sand paper. It's will come up mint once you're done.

Mitchell

liambeer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/106744#Comment_106744

Ok thanks.

when you say reapply the coatings, I know you said oil is best but the wife likes the wax we have had. Will I need to stain then wax? So as the colour is consistent?

this is what it looks like under the cushions where not exposed

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/120570#Comment_120570

That looks like hardwood, possibly Merbau, with just a wax on it @liambeer. Once you've sanded the top, you can apply just the wax to an inconspicuous area to see if that's all it needs. You might have to resort to a stain if it doesn't look right.

Mitchell

liambeer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129114#Comment_129114

Thanks again for your help.

the timber is kwila. I assume that doesn’t change the advice?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134531#Comment_134531

Hi @liambeer

The advice stays the same, sand it down and test the beeswax on a small corner and observe the effect. Please make sure to post a photo update so that we can see what the effect looks like.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

liambeer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138013#Comment_138013

Hi all, just thought I’d post a progress report.

I sanded, sanded, and sanded some more, like 5 hours. Started with 80 grit, 120, 180 and then 240. Came up so good! Photos dont do it justice.

im so excited to add the oil I bought, feast and Watson jarrah garden furniture oil

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140396#Comment_140396

Hi @liambeer,

Looks great. I can tell from the photos and my own personal experience just how much effort you've put into this. Sanding is oftentimes a lot more strenuous than you first expect.

I can't wait to see the final product!

Jacob

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