How Can I Keep My Outdoor Furniture Looking Like New?

With the summer season in full swing, people around the country are taking to the outdoors. From backyard BBQs to rooftop bars, it's important to keep outdoor furniture looking fresh. As a leading manufacturer of outdoor luxury furnishings, Royal Botania knows a thing or two about proper care and cleaning techniques. Its catalog of products offers a diverse range of materials including teak stainless steel, Batyline and CoaXXS®. As the pool parties begin, the experts weigh in.

Teak

Teak is strong, lightweight, and resistant to outdoor elements. It has naturally high oil content, which creates a built-in resistance to the elements so that it does not decay and will not splinter. As such, teak does not need to be sealed or treated to protect the wood. When left outdoors, it will gracefully turn to silver patina to harmonize with its surroundings. Royal Botania uses mature, high quality, kiln-dried teak that has been harvested from sustainable sources. Available in collections such as Solid, O-Zon & Kokoon, it should provide a lifetime of use with minimal maintenance.

To keep teak looking chic, Royal Botania recommends a freshening every 6-12 months. When teak furniture first arrives any “teak dust” on the furniture should be wiped off using a damp cloth, otherwise it can leave marks on clothes and cushions. For standard cleanings, scrub with a soft brush and natural soap. Rinsing with fresh water regularly is also encouraged. Many stains can be removed by using a diluted bleach mixture with water, in a 4:1 mix.  Scrub with a soft brush and rinse with fresh water. Do not fear a change in color of the stained area. Thanks to teak’s natural oil content the wood’s color will even out within a month after cleaning.  For frequent stains, use products like Semco Clear Coat.

Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel, featured in O-Zon, Ninix & Flexy, is durable and stylish and will hold up to frequent cleanings. Royal Botania offers a 304-grade as well as a 304-EP electropolished or marine-grade stainless steel. The latter offers the same quality and performance as 316-EP stainless steel, yet comes at a more affordable price point. This treatment increases resistance to corrosion and helps prevent salt water and chlorine damage.

To maintain its luster, Royal Botania recommends

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How Can I Decorate Using the Color of the Year?

(Blenko glass, courtesy of The End of History)

Janet Ramin - When I was little, I dreamed in tangerine – maybe the deep orange painted wall across my bed had something to do with it but now finally the world has caught up! Pantone has declared Tangerine Tango the color for the year 2012 - and not a moment too soon! Its power may just block out a little of the world’s woes. Tangerine Tango is a deep reddish orange, full of pop and vibrancy, a little like that child in all of us. Below are a few samples of tangerine furnishings.

(Geo Bedding from Z Gallerie)We have a wonderful geometric pattern in tangerine from Z Gallerie called Geo Bedding, great for those sweet dreams. Below is a bold graphic rug in shades of orange and rust from Foreign Assets.

(Pumpkin rug from Foreign Assets)Provide a little groovy mood in your pad with the following tangerine furniture: an enameled coffee table with cutouts of birds in flight and acrylic chairs. The Ice Chair is designed by Calligaris and all are available from All Modern.

(Botanist Flight Cocktail Table from All Modern)

 (Calligaris Ice Chair from All Modern)What's that orange flying object?

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