ReVarnishing an Outdoor Table and Chairs - Varnish Stripper or Sand Off? General decorating topics, questions and answers. find help, tips and advice on completing your decorating projects

[Jenn King]

I would like to restore an outdoor table and chairs which have a varnish finish which is worn in places. Do I use some sort of varnish stripper, do I sand off all the old varnish, or both? Do I use a stained varnish? what sort would be best for outdoors?
Any advice would be most welcome

[DIYDoctor2]

Please check out our project on paint stripping methods.
https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/paintstrip.htm

I would use Eco Solutions paint and varnish stripper which is effective, non caustic and easy to use https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/DIY-superstore/eco-solutions-home-strip-paint-and-varnish-remover-1-litre.html.

For a long lasting finish you could try a yacht varnish which is intended for long term use in wet conditions, and there are examples in our online store. Choose a finish to suit your personal preference. https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/DIY-superstore/catalogsearch/result/?q=yacht+varnish

Or you could use a garden furniture wood stain if you want to change the colour of your furniture https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/DIY-superstore/catalogsearch/result/index/?p=1&q=garden+furniture+wood+stain

I like the wood sage from Ronseal's woodlands colour range https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/DIY-superstore/woodland-colours-wood-sage-750ml.html