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Show It's Spruce Up Time For Outdoor Furniture "With spring just around the corner, our thoughts turn to outdoor home-centered activities," ac-tivities," says Beth K. Thor-son, Thor-son, Utah State University 4-H home economist. Outdoor furniture, which may include wrought iron, redwood, wicker or aluminum, should be checked and refurbished before heavy seasonal use takes its toll. Here are some methods. WROUGHT IRON: Hose off with detergent or soap suds and rinse. Retouch nicks or chips with enamel paint to prevent rusting. If paint is cracked or peeling, remove it and traces of rust with steel wool or a stiff brush. Then wash with a metal conditioner, condi-tioner, according to directions. direc-tions. Rinse and dry. Coat wrought iron with metal me-tal primer and then enamel. Maintain the finish by applying apply-ing a metal-wax coating periodically. REDWOOD: Remove dirt by vacuuming with a vacuum hose attachment, or by wiping with a damp cloth. If pieces are cracked or split, pry apart gently and work in waterproof glue. At least once during the season, seal redwood underneath under-neath and on top with a redwood red-wood sealer, which protects the wood against moisture, dirt and stains while restoring restor-ing furniture to its original color. If the furniture needs to be refinished, apply a paint remover, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly. Since redwood scratches easily, sand away surface stains or marks with very fine sandpaper; wipe away residue. Then apply clear or lightly tinted wood stain, a waterproof penetrating finish or a redwood preservative to bring back its natural color. ALUMINUM is rust-resistant, but can become dull, pitted and dirty. Use a stiff brush dipped in detergent or soap suds to remove dust and dirt from aluminum frames, advised The Soap and Deter-gent Deter-gent Association. Polish with a steel wool soap pad and rinse. Dry with a clean cloth. Restore luster with auto paste wax. To remove discolorations, wash aluminum with a metal conditioner, rinse and polish with steel wool. Wipe clean with paint thinner, then coat aluminum with a clear, non-yellowing non-yellowing acrylic lacquer. WICKER AND Rattan should be vacuumed thoroughly to rid surfaces of dust. Repair loose strands with waterproof gIue T into place with ruLi:' nails. When glue thoroughly, scrub Wietd,!M rattan with a brush rt ?er detergent or sp water. Rinse .thoroughly. Spray with , r' of clear varnish hao If badly stained, spratl. furniture with K enamel, after washing" ACCESSORIES or ponent parts - nlanir bing, plastic cushions and Beats i, 5 mocks -should also biPT restored or replaced frayed or ripped area 1 possible and wash ml ' " and seats with a sudsy or sponge. Rinse . "s; Thorson advise H Home Environment Club, , furniture questions and nil related topics. Fot formation about Davis r 4-H, contact Ms. Th on T 867-2211, 295-2394 yS" ext 294or 295. |