It is common knowledge that we have to keep ourselves protected from the summer sun with the help of sunblock, hats, and shade. But what about our outdoor furniture and other accessories? While you can’t slather them in sunblock, there’s plenty of methods at your disposal to keep them safe all summer long.
Paint Protection
Give your deck an aesthetic refresh and protect it from UV rays in one fell swoop. UV resistant paints, which can be found at most hardware stores, offer sun protection to furniture and patio surfaces that lasts all summer long.
No matter what color you choose to paint your piece, be sure to thoroughly clean all of the surfaces before painting. This ensures that you will have even coats and that the paint will adhere properly.
And don’t forget to lay down custom tarps to use as drop cloths for your summertime painting project to keep the paint off your decking.
The Real Seal
After adding UV protective coats of paint to your deck and furniture, it’s crucial that you finish it off with a layer of weather resistant sealant. This extra measure of protection will keep peeling paint at bay.
Sealants often come in a variety of finishes, allowing you to customize your deck with either a matte or glossy finish. The majority of them are waterproof as well, which helps give some peace of mind if a summer storm rolls in.
Spray It
In a similar vein to sunproof paints are UV resistant sprays. Just a quick spray down of your outdoor fabrics can give it the protection they need in order to survive a harsh, sun-drenched summer if you forgot to put the furniture covers on.
Like many other chemical solutions, UV sprays should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Spray the fabric evenly to ensure that every square inch receives proper protection.
Ditch the Plastic
If you have plastic furniture on your patio, you may want to reconsider your furniture options this summer. Plastic is far more damage prone than other materials, especially when it comes to cracking and overheating.
When it comes to plastic furniture and accessories, keep them shaded as often as possible with the help of custom tarps or solar shades.
Under the Umbrella
Patio experts agree that umbrellas aren’t just for rainy days. A wide umbrella offers plenty of shade for your patio furniture and has the added benefit of keeping you and your family cool and comfortable.
It’s well worth your time to invest in a patio umbrella made from UV resistant material. Not only will it keep UV rays from wreaking havoc on your furniture, it will retain its color and stay vibrant all season long. Umbrella covers are also available that will help protect it from rain and sun when it’s not in use.
Canopy Coverage
It’s only logical that patios with more square footage will require broader coverage and protection from the sun. That’s where canopies come in handy. A well constructed canopy is the perfect way to keep your deck in pristine condition from floor to furniture.
With the capability to cover your entire patio from corner to corner, a canopy is ideal for anyone looking for serious protection.
And if you’ve got a summer vacation coming up, canopy covers can be used to keep your canopy in pristine condition while you’re away.
Fade-proof Fabric
When it comes to outdoor efficiency, the importance of fabric can’t be overstated. The fact of the matter is, certain fabrics fare far better in the summer sun than others; it would do you well to make sure you’re using said fabrics in your outdoor lifestyle area.
While measures such as couch covers can help keep furniture safe while not in use, sun-proof fabrics are still worth investing in.
Do some research prior to any purchases so you can be sure the fabrics you choose for custom couch covers or your next re-upholstering project fit the bill.
Storage Simplicity
Sometimes the simplest solutions can be the most effective. If you happen to have extra storage space in your home, hiding away your patio furniture on sunny days may be your best bet for keeping them protected.
Storing your accessories works best on days when you’re out running errands or taking a much-needed family vacation.
All it takes is clearing some space in your garage, carport, or shed and your patio furniture will have it made in the shade.
Stay on Top
Performing regular maintenance and check-ups on your patio accessories is a crucial element in keeping everything in top shape for the summer. Upkeep doesn’t mean constant supervision, but keeping an eye out for sun damage is always a smart idea.
Make a point to perform a thorough inspection of your patio at least once a week during the summer. Check for signs of damage including peeling paint, cracking, or fading.
The sooner you spot damages, the more likely you’ll be able to patch things up and reverse any breakage.
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