If you have pine furniture or have furniture placed outdoors, applying a finish will protect it from sun or weather damage. You can try the three main types of protective coatings for pine, depending on the object and how long it lasts. Polyurethane, paint, or epoxy protective coatings are great options for preserving pine furniture and giving it a clean, shiny finish. Once the proper protective coating is applied, the pine will maintain and withstand being placed outdoors.
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Method 1 of 3: Applying a Polyurethane Protective Coat
Step 1. Lay out the tarp in a well-ventilated area
Find a well-ventilated area-preferably outside or in a room with open doors-to apply the protective layer. Spread a tarp to lay pine furniture on top to keep the polyurethane from staining the soil or other objects.
If you are sensitive to strong odors, put on a respirator before handling polyurethane
Step 2. Coat the surface of the furniture with diluted polyurethane
Before applying the protective layer, lightly dilute the polyurethane using mineral turpentine (mineral spirit) in a 2:1 ratio. Dip a paint brush into this sealant and apply it to the surface of the furniture in long strokes.
- The seal will help the protective film adhere better and last longer.
- If any liquid drips, smooth it out with a brush before it falls off the furniture.
Step 3. Apply a layer of polyurethane over the sealing layer
Allow the sealer to dry for 24 hours, then dip the brush in undiluted polyurethane. Sweep the polyurethane over the furniture in long, thin strokes. Hold all the drips with a brush while painting the surface of the furniture.
Allow the polyurethane to dry for 24 hours before applying another coat
Step 4. Add 2-3 layers of polyurethane
It is recommended that you apply 2-3 coats to keep the pine furniture strong and protected. Apply at least 1-2 more coats of polyurethane and allow each coat to dry before applying the next.
Step 5. Trim any bumps or uneven areas
Once the final coat is dry, scrape off any dried bumps or drips with a razor. Scrape to a sufficient depth to smooth out any bumpy areas, then sand the entire surface of the furniture with 400 grit sandpaper to smooth it out.
- Work carefully so that the wood doesn't chip or the protective layer doesn't completely erode.
- Wipe the furniture with a damp cloth to remove any shavings or sanding dust before adding a final coat of polyurethane.
Step 6. Apply a final layer of polyurethane
After smoothing out any uneven areas, dip the brush in the polyurethane and apply a final coat. Work as evenly as possible and check for smudges or drips while painting, then allow to dry for 24 hours.
- When the last coat is smooth and even, you have successfully applied the polyurethane protective layer.
- You may need to smooth out certain areas and apply an extra layer of protection in case, once dry, there are bumps or other blemishes.
Step 7. Apply a protective layer every 2-3 years
The average polyurethane coating can last for 2-3 years. If the protective coating on pine furniture looks dull or you see signs of weather damage, update the furniture with a new protective coating.
Method 2 of 3: Painting Outdoor Pine Furniture
Step 1. Lay out the tarp in a well-ventilated area
The tarpaulin will hold the drips when you paint the pine furniture to prevent staining of other items. Find a well-ventilated place to paint the furniture, especially near windows, open doors, or outdoors.
Step 2. Choose a latex or oil based paint
Outdoor pine furniture requires additional protection from ultraviolet rays to prevent sun damage. Latex or oil based paints are great for blocking ultraviolet rays and the color will stay intense for a long time.
If the pine wood has been pressure treated, choose latex paint
Step 3. Sand the surface with fine grit paper
Before painting, rub the entire surface of the furniture using fine-grit sandpaper in a circular motion. Pay close attention to any parts that are deformed or uneven. After that, wipe the furniture with a damp cloth to remove any shavings or sandpaper dust.
- Paint sticks better to smooth and even surfaces.
- You can also use a wood stripper as an alternative to get rid of bumps or rough spots.
Step 4. Spray primer on the wood
Hold the nozzle a few inches above the surface of the furniture. Spray the primer in a thin, even layer until the entire surface is covered.
Allow the primer to dry for 30-60 minutes before painting the pine furniture
Step 5. Apply 2-3 coats of paint
Paint the surface of the furniture in several layers using a brush or using the same technique as applying primer if you use spray paint. Apply at least 2-3 coats of paint to the surface of the furniture, depending on how intense you want the color to be.
- Try to keep each layer as even and thin as possible so that the surface is smooth.
- Wait for the paint to dry-that is, about 30-60 minutes-before applying the next coat.
Step 6. Use a sealant so that the paint color lasts longer
After the last coat dries, spray the sealant evenly like a primer. Cover the entire surface of the furniture so that the pine wood is protected with a glossy finish.
Do not leave furniture outdoors until the sealant is completely dry, which is about 60 minutes
Step 7. Reapply paint if needed
If the protective coating on the pine furniture looks faded or cracked, apply 1-2 coats of fresh paint over the surface. Apply a coat of sealant over the paint to protect the new coat and prevent weather damage.
- The frequency with which new paint is applied will depend on how hot it is and how hot the weather is in your area.
- If you decide to apply a different color of paint, use a paint stripper to remove all of the previous coat.
Method 3 of 3: Coating Pine Furniture with Epoxy
Step 1. Spread the tarp under the furniture and apply the epoxy in a well-ventilated room
Epoxy has a pungent odor. So, find a place near an open door or outdoors to apply this protective layer. As with paints and polyurethanes, spread a tarp under the work area to keep the epoxy drips from staining the floor.
If you are sensitive to chemical odors, wear a respirator when working
Step 2. Apply a coat of epoxy with a kape (putty knife)
Dip the kape into the epoxy container and spread it over the surface of the pine. Use a cloth to smooth out any bumps, air bubbles, or areas that are too thick when leveling the first coat.
Use a trowel to fill in any holes or uneven parts, smoothing with a cotton swab
Step 3. Wait for the epoxy to dry and check for any uneven areas
Let the first coat dry, then check the surface. Scrape off any bumps, rough patches, or air bubbles with a razor. After that, smooth it by rubbing fine grit sandpaper in an even motion over the surface.
It takes about 24 hours for the epoxy to dry enough for the next coat to be applied
Step 4. Apply a minimum of three coats of epoxy
The application of three coats is recommended to protect the wood and give it a sheen. Wait 24 hours before moving on to the next layer while smoothing out any uneven areas if needed.
Step 5. Leave the epoxy-coated furniture for 4-5 days to dry completely
After the epoxy finish is applied, find a place that is safe from distractions to place the furniture. Allow the epoxy to dry for 4-5 days-depending on the directions on the packaging-until it hardens.
If possible, do not touch the furniture or leave it outside until it is completely dry
Step 6. Apply a final coat of varnish over the epoxy
Once the epoxy has dried, add a thin layer of varnish using a brush. Apply the varnish in long, even strokes to give the object a smooth and strong protective coating.
