The Mission glider is one fine example of Mission style of furniture popular throughout the United States. Oftentimes, Mission furniture is crafted by hand and so you know you're getting a top quality product. The Amish in particular are renowned for their adroitness at this style. No matter where you procured it though, taking care of your Mission glider will ensure that it will last well into the years.
Material
99 percent of the time a Mission glider will be made from wood. This is for a few reasons. First off, it's the traditional material for this style of furniture over say, metal or something else.
Next, wood is sturdy but light enough a material to do really well with the moving parts of the glider style of chair. Finally, when it comes to outdoor furniture in particular, woods, especially hardwoods are naturally durable and resilient. Of the many varieties of wood available on the market the following are the most commonly seen: redwood, cedar, teak, jarrah, shorea, eucalyptus, pine, and willow.
In addition to wood, though, a Mission glider is bound to have metal hardware, especially in the moving parts that include the track and joints of the chair. These metal parts are usually treated with rust-proof inhibitors in outdoor furniture so that they do no oxidize.
Cleaning
Clean a Mission glider is important in lengthening its lifespan. Look for cleaners specifically formulated for your type of furniture -for example, there are wood- and metal-specific cleaners. However, in most case a simple
mixture of soap and water will suffice in cleaning mild stains and dirt.
Oiling
Oiling furniture, especially outdoor furniture, is vital in protecting the grain and heartwood of your Mission glider. Many oils not only create a protective coating, but they also come with UV resistance and are resistant to water, fungi and mold. These oils are available in transparent and semi-transparent shades.
Oils also come in different types, including tung oil, linseed and teak oils. Some woods, including teak, require less frequent oiling than other types of wood because they are heartier or else produce their own oils. Too much oiling can in fact damage lumber, causing it to become discolored.
Finishes
Refinishing a Mission glider can also be a worthwhile pastime. There are a few different finishes on the market. One type of finish for metal furniture is very similar to automobile paint and will last for many years. Wood finishes are usually oil-based varnishes. Another type of finish are paints.
Odds and Ends
Sometimes, outdoor furniture comes with its various odds and ends that don't apply to normal cleaning techniques. For instance, vinyl strapping often found on sun loungers should be cleaned with soap and water or a commercial cleaner.
As vinyl tends to dry out and eventually crack, a specially formulated lubricant can be used. Chair cushions are another common factor. The covers are usually removable and can be machine washed, while the waterproof cushions themselves can easily be wiped down. To prevent color fade, a UV inhibitor can be applied.
Author Resource:-
Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Mission Glider and Mission Glider Chair.
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