The Three C’s Of Cypress Tables: Clean, Coat, Care For By Tonya Kerniva At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The popular wood of the cypress can often be found in buildings and outdoor patio furniture. Though technically classified as a softwood, cypress tables are proven to be very durable and long-lasting. With a little help from you, your wood furniture will stay looking new and lustrous throughout the years.

Clean

Not everyone agrees on one method for best cleaning wood furniture, but in general the consensus is that expensive cleaners are not needed. Cheap alternatives like Murphy’s Oil Soap and even just plain old soap and water applied using a soft brush will work just as well. Try and clean spills right after that occur. Tougher stains and mildew can be attacked with a bleach and water mixture. A lot of people opt for power washers because of how easy they are, but care must be taken not to damage the grain of the wood. Either way, make sure all soap and cleaners are washed off fully so that no film remains which can lead to unsightly build-up. After cleaning, you are free to reapply any oil that may have washed off.

Coat

Cypress furniture is blessed by the fact that the wood creates its own oils, called cypressines, that not preserve and help prevent fungus growth and insect infestation. Also, these cypressines, combined with the naturally tight and straight grain make the wood resistant to cracking, splitting and warping. Regardless, a little oiling once to twice a year depending on where you live, will further protect the grain and luster of wood. Untreated wood, if left outside in the sun for prolonged periods, will turn a natural silver sheen as a result of solar patina. Some owners prefer this mature and weathered look which is not harmful to the wood itself. If cypress tables are kept indoors, the wood produces less oils so be frugal with added coating. Too much oil can turn the wood black with mold. Most typical sealing oils, like Olympic Maximum and Calbot’s Australian Oil, contain UV inhibitors against sun damage, and waterproofing agents to keep out moisture, fungus and mold. A good number of brands also come with linseed oil, which helps in keeping wood fibers strong. Depending on what you buy, the oil must be sprayed or brushed onto clean wood. After application, allow oil to soak completely into the wood, and then wipe off the excess. Most furniture will be dry and ready to go in a day or so, but because of the dense nature of cypress, sometimes it can take longer.

Cypress possesses a naturally rich color that matches most color schemes, but if you insist on painting it, the wood takes especially well to sealants and paints. And of all exterior finishes, paint does offer the best protection, though even it is subject to peeling and blistering. On average, paint jobs last about 1-3 years depending on exposure. For starters, make sure the wood is clean and dry before starting, then use an oil-based primer on bare wood. Once that has dried, choose a finish. Oil-based finishes tend to last longer than their water-based counterparts, but they are also harder to clean up and more toxic to you and the environment.

Care for

Aside from coating cypress tables to keep them protected, the best route is to move them indoors when you’re done for the season. Storing cypress furniture, although lightweight, is still a pressing concern, especially for those with limited space. If you cannot find room in a garage or storage unit for patio sets during winter or during prolonged bad weather, the best alternative is to cover furniture with specially designed tarps. These are made from waterproof vinyl or reinforced canvas and can often mean the difference between buying a new patio set every few years and never having to buy another set again. As a precaution, tarps tend to fit tightly over furniture, creating a hotbed effect, and if furniture is not dry when the tarp is put on, cypress tables are more prone to developing mold.

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