Quick Summary:
The best finish for an outdoor picnic table balances protection and appearance. For proven durability, consider spar urethane, marine varnish, or a high-quality exterior penetrating oil. These offer excellent UV resistance and water repellency, keeping your table looking great for years.
Is your beloved outdoor picnic table looking a little sad? Maybe the finish is peeling, warped, or just not protecting the wood like it used to. It’s a common problem, especially after a tough season exposed to sun, rain, and everything in between. But don’t worry! Giving your picnic table a new lease on life with the right finish is totally achievable, even for beginners. Let’s dive into how to choose and apply a finish that will bring back its beauty and stand up to the elements for years to come. We’ll cover everything from understanding your options to getting that perfect, long-lasting coat.
Why Proper Finishing Matters for Your Outdoor Picnic Table
Your outdoor picnic table is more than just a place to eat al fresco; it’s a gathering spot for family, friends, and countless good memories. But the great outdoors can be tough on wood. Without a proper finish, your table is vulnerable to a host of enemies:
- UV Rays: The sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down wood fibers, causing discoloration, fading, and even making the wood brittle.
- Moisture: Rain, dew, and humidity can cause wood to swell, warp, and crack. Trapped moisture can also lead to mold and mildew growth, which looks unsightly and can further damage the wood.
- Insects and Pests: Some finishes can deter wood-boring insects and other pests that might find your table an attractive, albeit accidental, new home.
- Everyday Wear and Tear: From spilled drinks and food to the scrape of chairs, an untreated table will show its age quickly.
Choosing the right finish acts like a protective shield. It preserves the natural beauty of the wood, extends the table’s lifespan, and keeps it looking its best with less maintenance. A good finish isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about smart, sustainable care for your outdoor furniture.
Understanding Wood Types and Their Finishing Needs
Before we talk finishes, let’s quickly touch on wood. Different types of wood have different properties, and some are naturally more resistant to rot and insects than others. Knowing your wood can help you select the best finish and understand how much protection it truly needs.
- Cedar: Naturally resistant to rot and insects due to its natural oils. It’s lightweight and has a beautiful reddish hue. Cedar can be left unfinished to weather to a silvery gray or finished to maintain its color and add protection.
- Redwood: Similar to cedar, redwood is known for its excellent natural resistance to decay and insects. It has a rich, deep red color that can be enhanced or protected with a finish.
- Teak: A premium hardwood often used in outdoor furniture. Teak is incredibly durable and naturally oily, making it very resistant to weather and pests. It can be left to weather to a silvery patina or finished to maintain its golden-brown color.
- Pine/Fir: These are more common and budget-friendly woods. They are softer and less naturally resistant to rot and insects, meaning they absolutely require a good protective finish for outdoor use.
- Pressure-Treated Lumber: This wood has been treated with chemicals to resist rot and insects. While it offers a good base, an exterior finish is still highly recommended to protect against UV damage and moisture infiltration, which can still cause cracking and peeling.
Regardless of your wood type, a quality finish will always provide an extra layer of defense and beauty.
Top Picks for the Best Finish for Outdoor Picnic Table
When you’re looking for a finish that’s tough, looks great, and is relatively easy to apply, a few key types stand out. We’re focusing on options that offer proven durability against the elements that picnic tables face daily.
1. Spar Urethane (or Exterior Urethane)
Spar urethane is often considered the gold standard for outdoor wood finishes, and for good reason. It’s a type of polyurethane specifically formulated for marine and outdoor applications.
- What it is: A durable, water-resistant, and flexible coating that contains UV inhibitors to block damaging sun rays. It also includes oil for improved adhesion and flexibility, which helps it expand and contract with the wood in changing temperatures.
- Why it’s great for picnic tables: Its flexibility prevents the finish from cracking or peeling as easily when the wood expands and contracts due to moisture and temperature fluctuations. The UV protection is crucial for preventing fading. It creates a clear, protective film.
- Pros: Excellent durability, strong UV resistance, good water repellency, relatively easy to apply, available in gloss, satin, and matte finishes.
- Cons: Can sometimes look a bit “plastic-y” if applied too thickly. Requires sanding between coats.
2. Marine Varnish
Similar to spar urethane, marine varnish is designed to withstand harsh conditions, typically found on boats. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture that faces direct sun and moisture.
- What it is: A type of varnish formulated with alkyd resins and tung oil, containing high levels of UV blockers and mildewcides. It forms a hard, protective, weather-resistant film.
- Why it’s great for picnic tables: It provides a very tough, glossy finish that shields the wood from UV rays, water, and salt (if you live near the coast). The high gloss can also be quite attractive.
- Pros: Extremely durable, superior UV protection, high gloss finish, excellent water resistance.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than other options. Achieving a smooth finish requires careful application and sanding between coats. May yellow slightly over time, especially in direct sun.
3. High-Quality Exterior Penetrating Oil
Penetrating oils work differently than film-forming finishes like urethane or varnish. Instead of sitting on top of the wood, they soak in, protecting it from within.
- What they are: These are typically oil-based finishes (often tung oil, linseed oil, or proprietary blends) designed to penetrate the wood fibers. They nourish and protect the wood from the inside out.
- Why they’re great for picnic tables: They enhance the natural look and feel of the wood, allowing it to “breathe.” They don’t chip or peel in the same way film finishes can, making maintenance easier. They offer good water repellency and can contain UV inhibitors.
- Types to look for:
- Tung Oil Pure/Modified: Offers excellent water resistance and a beautiful, natural finish. Takes longer to dry.
- Linseed Oil (Boiled): Accessible and affordable, but less durable and can encourage mildew. Pure linseed oil is not recommended for outdoor furniture.
- Teak Oil/Deck Oil: Often a blend of oils and varnishes, designed for optimal outdoor performance.
- Pros: Enhances natural wood beauty, doesn’t peel or chip, easy to reapply (often just needs another coat), good water resistance and UV protection (depending on product).
- Cons: Reapplication may be needed more frequently than film finishes (e.g., annually). Can darken some woods. Some oil finishes can still be susceptible to mildew if not properly formulated.
4. Exterior Wood Stains with Sealant
If you want to add color to your picnic table while also protecting it, a high-quality exterior stain with a built-in sealant is a good option.
- What they are: These products combine pigments for color with a protective sealant that forms a barrier against moisture and UV rays. They penetrate the wood to some extent but also leave a protective layer on the surface.
- Why they’re great for picnic tables: They offer both aesthetic enhancement and protection in one product. They can revive the look of older wood or give a new table a desired color.
- Pros: Adds color, UV protection, water resistance, available in many shades.
- Cons: Cheaper stains can fade or peel over time. They are a sort of hybrid, so they might not offer the absolute best in either penetration or film durability compared to dedicated products.
Comparing Popular Finishes: A Quick Guide
To help you decide, here’s a comparison table of common outdoor wood finishes. Remember that quality within each category can vary significantly by brand.
| Finish Type | Durability | UV Protection | Water Resistance | Ease of Application | Maintenance Frequency | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spar Urethane | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good (Sanding between coats needed) | Every 1-3 years | Clear, film-forming, slight sheen |
| Marine Varnish | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good (Can be tricky to get smooth) | Every 1-3 years | High gloss, clear or tinted, film-forming |
| Penetrating Oil (Tung/Deck Oil) | Good to Very Good | Good (look for UV additives) | Good | Very Good (Wipe on, wipe off) | Annually or as needed | Natural, in-the-wood look, matte to satin |
| Exterior Stain + Sealant | Good | Good | Good | Very Good (Often 1-2 coat systems) | Every 1-2 years | Colored, can be transparent, semi-transparent, or solid |
| Exterior Paint | Fair to Good | Good | Good | Good | Every 2-4 years | Opaque, hides wood grain |
How to Apply the Best Finish to Your Outdoor Picnic Table: Step-by-Step
No matter which finish you choose, proper preparation and application are key to achieving that beautiful, durable result. Here’s a general guide. Always refer to the specific product instructions for the finish you select!
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Having everything ready will make the job smoother. For most finishes, you’ll need:
- Your chosen finish (spar urethane, oil, etc.)
- Clean, lint-free rags or brushes appropriate for the finish type
- Medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., 120-grit)
- Fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 220-grit)
- Sanding block or orbital sander (optional, for larger areas)
- Tack cloth or damp cloth
- Drop cloths or old newspapers to protect the surrounding area
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Mild detergent and water, or a wood cleaner
- Scraper or putty knife (for old finish removal, if needed)
Step 2: Prepare the Picnic Table
This is arguably the most important step. A clean, smooth surface is crucial for any finish to adhere properly and last.
- Clean the Table: Wash the entire table with mild detergent and water. If there’s any mold or mildew, use a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water (wear gloves and eye protection!). Rinse thoroughly and allow the table to dry completely. This can take 24-48 hours depending on humidity and temperature.
- Remove Old Finish (If Necessary): If the old finish is peeling, cracked, or flaking badly, you’ll need to remove it. You can do this by sanding. For very stubborn finishes, you might consider a chemical stripper, but sanding is often sufficient for tables.
- Sand the Surface: Start with medium-grit sandpaper (120-grit) to remove any remaining old finish and smooth out imperfections. If the wood is in good condition, you might be able to skip this and go straight to finer grit. Then, move to fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) to create a smooth surface. Sand in the direction of the wood grain.
- Wipe Away Dust: After sanding, use a tack cloth or a slightly damp cloth to remove all sanding dust. It’s vital to get every speck of dust off, as it can ruin the finish.
Step 3: Apply the First Coat
Now for the exciting part! Follow the specific instructions for your chosen finish, but here’s a general approach.
- For Urethane/Varnish:
- Stir the product gently – don’t shake, as this creates bubbles.
- Using a quality brush or applicator, apply a thin, even coat in the direction of the wood grain. Avoid over-brushing, which can also introduce air bubbles.
- Work in manageable sections.
- Allow the first coat to dry completely according to the product instructions (usually 4-12 hours).
- For Penetrating Oil:
- Apply the oil generously with a clean rag or brush, allowing it to soak into the wood for 15-30 minutes.
- Wipe off any excess oil that hasn’t soaked in. Leaving wet oil can lead to a sticky surface.
- Allow it to dry thoroughly, which can take 24-48 hours for some oils.
Step 4: Sand and Apply Subsequent Coats
This step is crucial for durability and a smooth finish.
- For Urethane/Varnish:
- Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand the entire surface with very fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher) or steel wool (0000 grade).
- Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.
- Apply a second thin, even coat.
- Repeat the light sanding and dusting between each subsequent coat.
- Most projects will benefit from 2-4 coats for maximum protection.
- For Penetrating Oil:
- After the first coat has dried, you can apply a second coat, using the same process (apply, let soak, wipe excess).
- Subsequent coats generally deepen the color and protection. You might only need 2-3 coats for an oil finish.
- No sanding is typically needed between oil coats unless the instructions specify otherwise.
Step 5: Curing and Final Touches
Drying and curing are different! A finish might feel dry to the touch within hours, but it needs time to fully harden (cure) before being put to heavy use.
- Allow the final coat to dry thoroughly.
- Check the product label for recommended curing times. This can range from 24 hours to several days.
- Avoid placing heavy objects or seating chairs on the table until it is fully cured.
- Reassemble any removed parts (like benches, if applicable).
Enjoy your beautifully finished and protected picnic table!
Tips for Long-Term Durability and Maintenance
Even the best finish needs a little help to last. Here are some tips to keep your picnic table looking great:
- Clean Regularly: Wipe down the table after meals and clean spills immediately. A quick wipe with a damp cloth can often do the trick.
- Protect from Extreme Elements: While finishes offer protection, prolonged exposure to harsh weather takes its toll. Consider covering your table or storing it in a shed or garage during the off-season, especially if you live in a climate with heavy snow, ice, or intense sun.
- Reapply as Needed: Periodically inspect the finish. If you start to see signs of wear, fading, thin spots, or the wood looks dry, it’s time for reapplication. For oil finishes, this might mean a simple wipe-down and reapplication of a coat annually. For urethanes, it might involve light sanding and a new coat every couple of years.
- Address Damage Promptly: If you notice any gouges, deep scratches, or soft spots, repair them as soon as possible to prevent water from getting into the wood. Clean the area, sand it smooth, and reapply the finish to the affected spot.
- Use Coasters and Placemats: A simple step that makes a big difference! Coasters protect the finish from water rings from cups, and placemats prevent scratches and stains from plates.
Maintaining Natural Wood Appearance: A Sustainable Choice
For many of us, the appeal of an outdoor picnic table lies in its natural wood character. If you’re aiming for that beautiful, weathered look without compromising durability, consider these approaches:
