The longer days and warmer weather is a great excuse to entertain family and friends outdoors.
However the cold weather may have caused some serious damage in the garden and to your outdoor entertaining areas.
Whether it be rejuvenating the timber deck with a proper clean to remove grime and sand down imperfections, or sprucing up the fencing, garden furniture and barbecue, each job will help refresh your backyard and give it a new lease of life for summer.
Here are a few quick and easy garden projects to turn outdoor living spaces into a haven for relaxation and entertainment.
Get the metal fence looking good as new
A metal fence is a prominent feature within a garden, but unfortunately rust is a common problem when it’s exposed to the harsh Australian climate.
Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint is a great three-in-one ‘one tin’ solution that will have the garden fence looking good as new in no time. Acting as a primer, undercoat and top coat in one, DIYers can disguise bumps, scratches and even rust in just one weekend. Not only that, the paint provides two-way protection by repelling water and stopping rust, which keeps the metal stronger for longer.
Revive your tired decking
If your deck is discoloured, scratched or blemished, an electric sander such as the Mirka Deros is ideal for evening out timber surfaces. It’s compact, lightweight and easy to maneuver, and also provides a cleaner, healthier, dust-free work environment when used with Mirka’s Abranet abrasives and dust extractors. Remember to check all the nails and screws are countersunk below the surface before starting any sanding project to avoid damage to the abrasives.
Once the deck has been sanded, it’s important to treat it to a good clean, removing grime or dirt to ensure the new coating penetrates and adheres to the timber for long lasting protection. Sikkens Cetol BL Deck & Wood Cleaner is perfect for the job as it’s suitable for large areas, easy to use and fast acting. Once the imperfections on the timber deck have been sanded away, apply a fresh new coat. Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro is a high-quality, water based coating that allows users to coat a deck in just one day, and can be reapplied after just two hours.
Refresh the garden furniture
Rather than buying new outdoor furniture, save time and money breathing new life into tired, rusty tables and chairs by using Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint in Smooth Finish. Simply brush off loose rust and dirt, wash down then apply the paint directly onto rusty metal. Hammerite seals the metal forming a superior barrier against moisture and providing long lasting protection.
For wooden furniture, DIYers can use Sikkens Garden Furniture Cleaner. This fast-acting gel takes just 15 minutes to revitalise grey or weathered timber and is non-drip, meaning it even sticks to vertical surfaces. After cleaning, it’s important to apply a finishing coat such as Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro, a quick drying water based coating, to protect your furniture from future weathering or damage.
