How to Maintain Thermoplastic Coated Picnic Tables

Picnic tables coated in thermoplastic are a great way to enjoy outdoor meals, with a durable and long-lasting surface that can withstand all kinds of damage from weather and the elements. While these tables may be more expensive than wood tables, their resistance to scratching and fading makes them worth the investment. To get the most out of your thermoplastic-coated picnic table, there are a few things you can do to maintain it properly. 

Clean

First, it is important to do some routine maintenance to keep your table looking great. Start by dusting the table with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris. You should then clean the surface with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using any harsh cleaners as they may negatively affect the thermoplastic coatings. Once the surface is clean and dry, you should use a soft towel or brush to lightly buff the surface and bring out its shine. 

Repair

After the cleaning, it is important to inspect your picnic table for any chips or scratches. If you notice any damage, you should get to work quickly on repairing it. The picnic table coating not only brings color to the furniture but it protects the raw metals underneath. If the steel is exposed for an extended duration of time, it will begin to rust resulting in further damage to the picnic table or to park users. Typically, chips and scratches can be filled in with a thermoplastic coating, which is available at a number of home improvement stores or you can purchase from your dealer for a more accurate match. Fortunately, repairing these chips and scratches is easier than you may think. Just follow these simple steps to ensure a clean and safe picnic table again. 

1. Start by gently sanding the area with a fine-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining rust or corrosion. Be sure to sand in the direction of the grain for best results. 

2. Clean the affected area of the picnic table with a soft rag and warm water. This will remove any dust or other particles that can interfere with the repair process.

3. Fill the chips and scratches with a thermoplastic filler. With a putty knife, smooth out the filler until it is level with the rest of the table. Let the filler dry completely before proceeding.

4. Once the filler has dried, sand the area again. This time use an extra fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. 

5. Clean the table one last time with a clean cloth and warm water so that it is free of all dust and debris. 

6. Apply a coat of clear sealant to the area. This will ensure that the repair is sealed and protected from future chips and scratches.

In addition to the coating, it is important to inspect the hardware as well to make sure it is free of rust and is properly tightened. The coating from a zinc-rich primer goes a long way by filling in the metal’s pores and keeping moisture out. 

Replace

If any part of the thermoplastic picnic table goes beyond the ability to repair then it is time to replace it. By replacing a part, the life of the investment can be extended without having to incur the full cost again if the rest of the picnic table is in good condition. This sounds simple but it can be rather tricky when it comes to finding parts. Since picnic table manufacturers don’t share a uniform standard for structure or bolt-hole patterns, it is important to know the brand, model, and year it was purchased when replacing any part of the frame, seat, or top. For example, the top for a Webcoat WCT8UL picnic table built in 2015 will not share the same top for the same model made today. This is because designs are constantly changing and improving to meet their customers' needs. Furthermore, if you know where the picnic table was purchased from, their sales associates may be able to use those details to help you with your inquiry.

If you practice these basic maintenance methods, your thermoplastic picnic tables can last a long time and be enjoyed by people for many years! If you have any questions regarding the care of your thermoplastic-coated picnic tables, please email your inquiry to sales@picnictablesupplier.com or call 1-844-289-3044 for further assistance from a professional consultant today!