Patio furniture is designed specifically to withstand Mother Nature and last throughout the years, but that's not to say that over time even the strongest of furniture won't show some signs of wear. Light-colored furniture, like white Adirondack chairs, look great when there are first bought or painted, but this color is also the first to show dirt and other discoloration. To keep outdoor furniture looking its finest, all you need is some basic yearly maintenance. It will save you later on from having to buy an all new patio set.

Wood Furniture

Wooden white Adirondack chairs require a concerted effort to keep them looking good, because the paint only covers a thin layer on the surface, and tends to peel away and chip over time. This is intensified by heat and sunlight, as well as cold, moisture and more. All of this is in addition to the problem of the paint getting stained or looking progressively duller over time.

Painting Wood

For paint that has begun to peel or flake off, you will need to clean off and repaint the entire structure, which can be a somewhat time-consuming process but will look a million times better in the end. Sand down white Adirondack chairs with medium grade sandpaper to remove all traces of paint and varnish.

After the surface is even and smoothed down, run a damp rag over the wood to get off any sawdust, then use a wood cleaner to wash the surface. This will help the paint and finishes to better adhere. Now you're ready to paint. Various types of wood take differently to paints and finishes so you will need to keep that in mind. For example, teak and cedar produce their own oils so you don't need to over-oil them by using an oil-based paint; acrylic latex will do instead. Softer woods like oak are more prone to decay and damage, so it's a good idea to first use a sealant before even applying paint. You will probably need to apply two to three coats of paint. Once that has dried, you can determine whether or not to top off with a clear finish or high gloss finish of some sort.

Cleaning Wood

If the paint isn't coming off, but your problem is just staining or discoloration of the surface, then all you need to do is clean off any traces of dirt and grime. Use soap and warm water, or a mild detergent that's safe for use on wood. Avoid power spray washers that can flake off paint. For tough stains, you can make a solution of either chlorine or bleach mixed with warm water, but work in small, concentrated areas, and make sure not to leave any traces of solution on the wood, as it can slowly eat away at furniture.

Plastic Furniture

Although wood is a classic, many people today are choosing poly plastic patio furniture as a cheaper, more lightweight alternative. Plastic can be molded to emulate the look and feel of wood, so it's perfect for crafting Adirondack chairs. And though there are many ways in which plastic cannot compete with the qualities of wood, it is on the one hand, very easy to clean. To wipe down white Adirondack chairs you can use any number of mild or strong cleaners and simply spray off using your garden hose. Like wood, you can use chlorine and bleach on stronger stains, but once again make sure to clean off all traces. In addition to eating away at the material, solvents can leave a gooey substance on plastics.

Waxing Furniture

At the same time, though plastic is easy to wipe down, the surface does tend to be somewhat porous, so stains have an easier time of getting embedded. To protect against moisture and stains setting, coat new white Adirondack chairs with an automotive paste wax. This will repel dust while also making the furniture look shinier. Plus, they will be easier to clean as well.

Maintaining Color

A unique advantage to all things white, including white Adirondack chairs, is that there's no worry of fading, as is the case with any other color. In fact, setting furniture in the sun will serve to bleach them further and make the white color appear even whiter. After a time, though, the factory finish on plastic furniture can start to look dull. To give furniture new life, you can easily spray on a coat of Krylon paint. All you have to do is make sure that your furniture is clean and dry beforehand.