The Best DIY Methods To Weatherproof A Papasan Chair For Outdoor Use

Papasan chairs are perfect nests for escaping with a book, but they can also lend your guests an ultra-comfy seat when they come to visit. These cozy classics can come outside to make your patio feel more like a living room, too. Most papasan chairs are made from rattan or bamboo. With some special treatment to waterproof the wood, it should weather just fine. The fabric cushion is a different story. Subjected to sun, wind, precipitation, and dirt, the upholstery will have a pretty short lifespan if used outdoors as-is.

Luckily, just as there are protective coatings for wood and other hard surfaces, there are reliable products for waterproofing upholstery, as well. With a few steps and a couple of products, your indoor papasan can transition outdoors with ease. However, none of these coatings will protect your chair all on its own. To extend the life of your outdoor-dwelling papasan, start with a good cleaning for the base, the chair, and the cushion. Layer on some paint and/or sealant to the chair and base (using both will give your papasan extra protection), treat the fabric with a waterproofing product, and cover or move the chair inside during inclement weather.

Pick up some rags, brushes, and a cluster of cleaning supplies. Clearing away any dirt, dust, and grime will help the sealants bond better to your chair. A simple mixture of vinegar and water followed up with a wipe or a scrub will do the trick. This formula can work well for the cushion, as well. Yet, if the upholstery is badly in need of a deep cleaning, you can consider adding some baking soda to the cleaning regimen or steam cleaning the surface. Once any dampness has dried, give the cushion an even coating of an outdoor waterproofing spray like Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield. When dry, top the cushion with a second layer of sealant.

Rough up the surfaces of the wooden chair frame and base with 400-grit sandpaper, and brush away dust. If you're painting your chair, coat the wood with primer first. A base coat of clear primer can be helpful for the longevity of a varnish, too. Once the first layer is no longer tacky, top surfaces with either weatherproof paint or lacquer. The wood will most likely need more than one coat of both. Safeguard your paint job with a weatherproof topcoat like Guardsman 461900 Weather Defense Outdoor Wood Furniture Protector. A regular cleaning schedule will extend the life of your chair; how often you need to do this depends on your climate and how often you use the piece. It can be smart to invest in a cover like this Classic Accessories Water-Resistant Papasan Patio Chair Cover. Along with regular cleaning, applying a fresh coat of sealant each year is good practice.