Most commercial manufacturers of Restaurant Patio Furniture do not expect anything to be done to their furniture when it is in the field. Restaurant owners are too busy to apply UV inhibitors to furniture and expect it to hold up. However, if you have the time and want to get the most life out of your furniture knowing the sun is very harsh on outdoor seating, follow these tips below.
UV inhibitors protect outdoor patio furniture from the sun’s harmful rays. Without UV protection, tables and outdoor restaurant chairs will fade and lose their original color and texture. It’s important to protect tables, chairs and outdoor restaurant patio bases from sun damage. UV inhibitors can lengthen the life of outdoor restaurant furniture and increase return on investment.
For wood
Wood takes a special beating when exposed to UV rays. It fades, dries out and becomes brittle without protection. Sealants, finishes, and paint can protect wood from harmful UV rays. Marine varnish, which is used on wooden boats, can offer UV protection for restaurant furniture. Before applying it, it’s good to thin the varnish until it has the consistency of wiping oil. Experiment with blending the varnish with stains or sealants to get maximum UV protection without adding a sticky coating.
For metal
Protect metal surfaces from UV rays by using a spray that protects the metal from sunlight. Clean the metal surface with water and a gentle soap, and then rinse the furniture with a hose. Make sure to repair nicks or chips in the paint. Then, when the furniture is clean and dry, apply the spray.
For plastic
Many plastics are manufactured with UV inhibitors, so plastic tabletops and outdoor restaurant chairs come with some built-in UV protection. In fact, certain plastics, like faux teak, mimic the look of wood without all the maintenance that wooden outdoor patio furniture requires. However, plastic isn’t immune to the sun’s rays, so it should be periodically sprayed with a UV protectant spray. As with metal, clean all plastic surfaces before applying spray.
For stone
Granite tabletops and other stone patio furniture components must be periodically sealed so that they don’t fade from UV exposure. Look for water and solvent-based sealants that contain UV inhibitors.
For fabric
Fabric, along with wood, suffers the most from constant sun exposure. Fortunately, many manufacturers make fabric protectant sprays that contain UV inhibitors. Before it’s sprayed, fabric should be clean, dry and free of mildew.
Common sense protection
In addition to using UV inhibitors, it’s important to take common sense steps to protect outdoor patio furniture. Cover furniture when it’s not in use, store it indoors during the off-season and rotate furniture around the patio to even out each piece’s exposure to the sun. Protecting furniture from UV rays helps restaurant owners maximize their furniture investment.
