FURNITURE, CUSHION & UMBRELLA CARE

CARING FOR YOUR PAINTED WEATHEREND FURNITURE

Weatherend yacht finish is the most durable marine and aviation finish available for outdoor furnishings. Designed to withstand destructive marine conditions, our finish will protect your furniture for years and requires minimal maintenance.

The pieces that were originally built for the Weatherend Estate in Rockland, Maine are still being used today – after 80 years! This is because they have been well cared for. By following the basic care instructions below, you can extend the life of your furniture and make sure that it always looks its best.

Do:

  • Wash the surface regularly with mild detergent and water. Regular cleaning will help avoid buildup which can slowly attack the topcoat, prematurely aging the coating. Awlwash, available at most marine suppy stores, is an effective detergent for cleaning that is gentle enough for frequent use.
  • Use distilled white vinegar and hot water to remove stubborn salt stains.
  • Use solvents such as toluene, lacquer thinner, acetone, or kerosene to soften or remove heavy buildup of grease and grime. Felt tip markings and spray paint can be removed with a product called "Goof Off", available in most hardware stores. Apply cleaning solvents with soft clean cloths. Wipe up solvent quickly. Do not allow solvent to dry on the surface or puddle and soak into the surface. Wash these areas with mild detergent and water to remove solvent residue.
  • Always be sure that all surfaces are completely rinsed, as latent solvent and detergent residue can attack the topcoat.
  • Wipe off alcohol or acidic spills immediately, as they can dull the finish. If the finish is affected, try Awlcare, a product developed to protect Awlgrip finishes. It will help temporarily seal and restore shine to painted surfaces that have been affected by these spills or that have become porous due to age or mistreatment. If you do not use Awlcare, try good quality wax-free furniture polish. If this does not restore the shine, use a non-abrasive automotive wax such as Blue Poly, Simonize Non-Abrasive Car Wax, or Nu-Finish Car Polish. Wax can temporarily restore the gloss to small scuffs, scrapes or scratches, sometimes allowing the postponement of repairs or repainting until a convenient time. This is the only instance in which we recommend using wax on your furniture.
  • Clean with an automotive wash if your furniture comes in contact with oil, grease or soot residue. We recommend Zip Wax Car Wash, ArmorAll Car Wash Concentrate, Meguiar’s Car Wash & Conditioner, Top Flight, or similar products. 3M Liquid Polish #05993 can be applied, by hand only, to remove stubborn stains.

Do Not:

  • Do not wax except to temporarily restore the gloss to small scuffs and scratches. Wax buildup ages and yellows very rapidly, creating the need to maintain the wax and causing the topcoat to appear yellow. Wax buildup also collects dirt, increasing maintenance.
  • Do not use abrasives, scratch pads, or polishing compounds. Scratching the surface gives dirt a place to cling while wearing out the resin layer. Using abrasives of any kind will reduce the overall life of the finish.
  • Do not allow contact between finish and teak cleaners. Most teak cleaners contain acids or caustic agents that will stain and discolor the topcoat.
  • Do not allow wet cushions or towels to trap and hold moisture against the finish. This condition can result in blistering or delamination.
  • Do not use acrylic Teflon coatings over the finish.
  • Do not leave your furniture under rain gutters or run-off areas. Dirt and ice build-up between slats can cause damage.

Storage:
Covers are available for seasonal use, and are recommended to help extend the life of the furniture. Dry storage is recommended for the winter months and for any extended time that the furniture is not in use. When storing, do not “shrink wrap” or tightly bind surfaces with plastic wrappings. The cover system should be ventilated to allow the coating system to “breathe”. Covers, whether synthetic or natural fiber, should not be pulled tight to surfaces. Caution should also be used to ensure that the cover does not chafe against the surface. Such chafing, especially when accompanied by airborne dirt, can abrade the surface and cause premature loss of gloss. Covers are available that will help extend the life of the furniture.

Refinishing/Repairs:
In areas with extreme conditions, you may find that your furniture will require refinishing after several years of tough exposure. A dulled, cracked finish or major dents will require this attention. A professional refinisher who applies marine paint can do the job for you, or the piece can be returned to us for refinishing. We offer a refinishing program every winter. Furniture refinished at Weatherend receives a new three year product warranty. For minor repairs, a touch-up kit can be sent. If a seat or table slat has been broken, you need only to unscrew the damaged piece and send it back to us – we will make a replacement piece that will fit your furniture. More information about our Refinishing Program.

Special Note:
On occasion, after painted furniture has been wet, the natural red pigment of the mahogany wood can seep from a joint area. This is quite normal and can be easily washed away. We recommend immediate washing as per the above instructions. This is a natural characteristic of mahogany that does not affect the finish or structural integrity of your furniture.

Products and Services:

  • Awlcare and Awlwash – Available from U.S. Paint: (314)621-0525.
  • Covers – Available from Weatherend. Call for current prices.
  • Refinishing Program – Offered by Weatherend. Call for current dates and prices.
  • Replacement Parts – Available from Weatherend. Call for prices.
  • Security Brackets – Available from Weatherend. Call for prices.
  • Touch up kits – Available from Weatherend upon request. Available at no charge if the color is in stock.

If you have any questions or special concerns unique to your area and climate, or to inquire about products or services, please contact us at 800.456.6483 or [email protected] for more information.

Dark Harbor Double RockerCARING FOR WEATHEREND TEAK FURNITURE
Weatherend uses the finest teak available (FEQ – Fine European Quality). If left untreated, teak will turn a silver-gray. If you wish to maintain the original color of the teak, it may be rubbed with a soft cloth and teak oil as frequently as desired to slow the weathering process. We recommend a quality teak oil. This should be accompanied by fine sanding if the weathered surface becomes rough. If the furniture has been allowed to turn gray, the wood is naturally prone to checking, especially on end grain. A coating of teak oil will slow checking and will enhance the wood color. Please note that checking and cracking of the end grain is a normal characteristic for teakwood. The furniture should be cleaned before being oiled if any weathering has occurred or if there are any stains from mildew, dirt or food. We recommend a quality marine teak cleaning product (available at most marine supply stores), for light or heavy duty cleaning. Follow their directions. This type of chemical cleaning will help bring back the original coloration. Re-application of teak oil following cleaning will again slow the silvering process. Covers are available that will help extend the life of the furniture. Dry storage is recommended during periods when the furniture is not in use. Please contact us at 800.456.6483 or [email protected] for more information.

Seasoned WoodCARING FOR SEASONED WOOD FURNITURE
Seasoned Wood is a treatment that converts the natural red wood pigment to a grayish color. The benefits are:

  1. Reduces the transition time for bare wood to the natural gray patina from approximately 2 years to less than one year.
  2. Eliminates new wood pigment that can stain light surfaces like cushions or white flooring after it rains.
  3. Provides a closer match to other naturally seasoned pieces when adding to a collection.

Periodic cleaning is recommended. First smooth the surface with a light sanding using 120-grit sandpaper. Be aware that aggressive sanding will remove the “seasoned” gray wood effect. The surface can then be cleaned by using a quality wood cleaner available at marinas and most hardware stores. Also available is TSP (trisodium phosphate – available at any hardware store). Follow the instructions for mildew removal on the box of TSP. Covers are available that will help extend the life of the furniture. Dry storage is recommended during periods when the furniture is not in use.

Westport Island LoungerCARING FOR YOUR SUNBRELLA CUSHIONS THE FABRIC
Sunbrella is made from 100% acrylic fiber. It resists loss of color and strength from normal exposure to sunlight, mildew, rot and atmospheric chemicals. It is a solution-dyed fabric whose color brightness is unsurpassed. Desirable characteristic of this woven fabric are its breath-ability. Sunbrella has a fluorocarbon finish which provides good water repellency and is resistant to oil, dirt and comparable stains. Solution-dyed acrylic fabric does not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from fabric on a regular basis. Cushions must be maintained regularly and when not in use stored. Covers are recommended to extend cushion life and help keep clean from regular environmental elements such as dirt from trees. Weatherend recommends covers for all cushion heavy units.
CARE AND CLEANING
1) Sunbrella fabric should be cleaned regularly before substances such as dirt, oils, roof particles, etc,, are allowed to accumulate on and become embedded in the fabric. The cushion filling and batting should be removed prior to cleaning. Simply brush off any loose dirt; hose down and clean with a mild solution of Lux, Ivory (liquid or powder), or Borateen in lukewarm water – no more than 100° F. Hot water sets stains. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS.
2) To clean more stubborn stains: soak fabric for twenty minutes in a solution of no more than 1/2 cup non-chlorine bleach and ¼ cup Ivory powder (or equivalent) per gallon of water at 100° F. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove all soap. Note: This method of cleaning may affect the water repellency and fabric should receive an application of an air-curing, water repellent treatment such as SC-15 or Scotchguard.
3) Weatherend does not recommend dry cleaning. If dry cleaning occurs a water repellent treatment must be applied to the fabric afterward. Sunbrella is made from 100% acrylic fiber and is thermoplastic – or heat sensitive. When washing, DO NOT SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE HEAT as the fabric will shrink. DO NOT STEAM PRESS OR DRY IN ELECTRIC OR GAS DRYER. Only allow to air dry.
4) If being stored, cushions made with Sunbrella fabric should be cleaned, allowed to air dry prior to storage, and kept in dry, well ventilated area. Please contact us at 800.456.6483 or [email protected] for more information.

UmbrellasCARING FOR YOUR UMBRELLA GENERAL MAINTENANCE
1) Always close and tie the umbrella in the stand when not in use. This will protect it against damage from unexpected inclement weather or high gusts of wind.
2) For maximum protection of the wood and fabric, put the storage cover in place each night.
3) If the umbrella becomes wet because of rain or snow, open it for a complete airing and make certain that it is totally dry before closing again.
4) The brass hardware will age to a beautiful antique finish and will need no further care.

LONG TERM STORAGE
Cover the umbrella with a storage cover or clean tarp and lay on a hard, flat surface in a well ventilated, protected location.

THE FABRIC
Sunbrella is made from 100% acrylic fiber. It resists loss of color and strength from normal exposure to sunlight, mildew, rot and atmospheric chemicals. Sunbrella has a fluoracarbon finish which provides good water repellency and is resistant to oil, dirt and comparable stains. Solution-dyed acrylic fabric does not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from fabric on a regular basis. Covers are recommended to extend the life of your umbrella and help keep it clean from regular environmental elements such as dirt from trees.  Sunbrella fabric should be cleaned regularly before substances such as dirt, oils, roof particles, etc. are allowed to accumulate on and become embedded in the fabric. Simply brsh off any loos dirt; hose down and clean with a mild solution of Lux, Ivory (liquid or powder), or Borateem. Water should be lukewarm-no more than 100 F. The umbrella may be scrubbed gently with a soft-bristled brush. For stubborn spots, spray with a household cleaner such as Fantastik or 409 and scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and allow the fabric to dry completely before closing. DO NOT DRY CLEAN THIS FABRIC.

THE POLE
The umbrella pole is made of natural teak. Clean with a mild solution of soap and water on a soft cotton cloth to remove surface dirt. Plain water will not harm the wood. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Note: The wind vent on the umbrella will help prevent toppling or lifting, but cannot eliminate it altogether.

Care should be taken with heavy winds, as it is possible for the umbrella to be blown over in such conditions and be damaged or damage surrounding items. Weatherend Estate Furniture is not responsible for any damages occurring in this manner. Please contact us at 800.456.6483 or [email protected] for more information.

The Weatherend Yacht Finish is the most durable finish available today. Refinishing by Weatherend will help maintain your furnishings for a lifetime.
 
REFINISHING SERVICE
  • Furniture is disassembled, cleaned, sanded, reassembled with new parts as needed, primed and finished with a total of eight coats of Weatherend Yacht Finish in the color of your choice.
  • Quality Control inspects each piece and a New Product Warranty is provided.
  • Off-season refinishing includes blanket wrapped winter storage at no additional charge.
Contact us for pricing and additional details at 800.456.6483 or [email protected]. Covers or dry storage for periods when the furniture is not in use can help extend the life of the finish. Learn more about furniture covers here. To receive an annual reminder about our refinishing program via email, please send us a request. To receive a Refinish Quotation, please fill out the form below.

Download Our Care Guide