Influenced - and Camp.

I certainly don’t believe everything the influencers suggest, even though I am drawn to some apparently simple tips. 

I have played around with bicarbonate of soda and other trendy solutions. I have even exploded an egg in an air fryer.

On Thursday, I happened to be watching BBC Morning Live when the presenter was encouraging us to refresh our garden furniture. I was intrigued when she suggested that one or two store-cupboard products work really well.

I had the items in my own store cupboard, and my garden bench was looking decidedly grubby.

I had a go. I mixed the stuff, found a toothbrush and set to work. I was surprised, and delighted. The wood lost its green and mucky look.

Stage one a success. 

Now came the time to condition the wood. Another list of obvious common ingredients. Just one item that I needed to buy - brown cake colouring. 

I looked in Waitrose. They had pink, green, blue, even yellow. No brown. I looked in Aldi. The same. I ventured to Morrisons…..still no brown.

A very helpful lady suggested Camp coffee or Bovril.

It made sense. I had some Camp coffee in the cupboard ( I don’t drink it, but I bought it years ago for some thing I was making.)

I’m praying it won’t rain. The wood is looking refreshed - and brown. I hope it will dry evenly. I have to apply a second coat at some point. If all else fails, I can always buy some proper varnish. 

I daren’t blip the bench - yet !

But I like the crocuses.