If I buy unfinished outdoor furniture, do I need to paint it? How soon should I paint it after purchase?

Yes, you should paint or stain the bench or it will not last, and it’s best to do so sooner rather than later. However, you can typically wait for up to about two months. If the bench darkens in color a bit, usually sanding it with 50 grit sand paper will give it back its new look and feel.