In this blog post, we delve into the world of maintaining metal garden furniture. You'll not only receive the best tips and tricks to protect your furniture against rust and discolouration, but also simple ways to make them shine as if they've just come out of the shop. So, whether you're an experienced gardener with a passion for DIY projects, or simply looking for practical advice to brighten up your outdoor space—this is the guide for you! Let's get started and get those metal furnishings back into top condition.
What is steel?
Steel is an exceptionally robust material, comparable to other metals such as iron and aluminium. Garden furniture made from steel has the property that it doesn't crack or break easily, even when exposed to prolonged sunlight or rain. This is crucial, as the steel frames of garden furniture often need to bear heavy loads.
Stainless steel, also known as inox, is a special type of steel that is resistant to rust and corrosion. This property stems from the addition of chromium to the steel, which forms a protective layer that prevents oxidation. Curious to know more about stainless steel garden furniture? Then check out the blog about maintaining stainless steel garden furniture. If the steel garden furniture is not made of stainless steel, it is usually provided with a special coating to protect it.
The characteristics/properties of steel
Here are a few more important characteristics you should know:
- A strong, durable and classic material.
- Steel furniture is standard equipped with a protective coating at the factory.
- This material provides a sturdy and solid basis for the furniture construction.
Types of metal
Below we have listed a number of types of metal for you:
Galvanised metal
Many outdoor furniture pieces are made from galvanised metal. In this process, the metal frame is covered with a thin layer of zinc to prevent rust formation. Thanks to this galvanisation, the furniture is excellent resistant to various weather conditions and requires minimal maintenance. All that's needed is to wipe it over with a cloth or soft brush now and then, and you can enjoy your garden worry-free!
Curious about how to remove rust from garden furniture? Read this article!
Powder-coated metal
Powder-coated steel garden furniture requires little maintenance. The frame, made from aluminium or metal, is equipped with a powder coating that protects against moisture and dirt, preventing rust from taking hold. To keep these furnishings in good condition, a simple wash with an all-purpose cleaner or liquid soap is sufficient. Should a small scratch occur, revealing rust spots, you can easily touch this up with a paint marker. Such a marker is available at various garden centres.
Aluminium
Finally, there are also many garden furnishings made from aluminium. These aluminium chairs are simple to clean: wipe them regularly with a cloth to prevent dirt from building up, and use a mild cleaner if necessary. Due to exposure to UV rays, aluminium outdoor furniture can become somewhat dull. To prevent this, you can treat the furniture with aluminium wax, a special 'metal protector' or a polish.
How do you maintain steel?
As mentioned earlier, steel can rust, which affects the strength of the material. If this happens, it is important to treat the affected surface as quickly as possible. This will help to apply a protective layer that protects the steel against weather conditions and thus extends its lifespan.
Cleaning steel garden furniture
It is important to maintain your steel garden furniture properly to preserve its condition and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to keep your steel furniture in top condition.
Do's: Clean your steel garden furniture regularly with a damp cloth. You can also make a mild wash with warm water and green soap to keep your steel outdoor furniture in good condition. Make sure you rinse the furniture thoroughly to remove any traces of cleaning agents, as these can otherwise cause corrosion.
Don'ts: Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents or hard brushes, as these can cause scratches and damage to the steel. Do not use aggressive chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, as these can affect the finish of the steel and cause discolouration. Also avoid using a pressure washer, as the powerful water jet can damage the surface and accelerate rust formation.
Our advice for winter
We strongly recommend purchasing a protective cover to cover your furniture when not in use. Rust formation is a natural process caused by weather conditions and unfortunately cannot be completely prevented, which is why this does not fall under warranty.
If your furniture eventually shows signs of rust, we advise using a special metal paint to slow down or stop the rusting process.
Also read: Removing rust from garden furniture and Maintaining stainless steel garden furniture
