How to keep wrought iron furniture rust-free

 Wrought iron furniture can be perfect for outdoor use due to its durability and attractive appearance. Restaurants, bars and cafes often decorate their outdoor patios with wrought iron due to the style and sturdiness. This material is known for its longevity, making it perfect for commercial and residential use. If not properly maintained, wrought iron can succumb to the elements and begin to rust. Let's discuss how to keep this furniture looking and performing at its best and proceed with refinishing those pieces that are not well maintained. Don't be afraid and buy wrought iron online.

 

How to clean and refinish wrought iron furniture

Some wrought iron furniture is exposed to the elements without proper care or finishing. This exposure can cause rusting of the finish and impact the structure of the furniture. The elements that most affect this material are snow and rain. While some decors or styles go for the rustic look, you may not want a rusty set for your commercial patio. Fortunately, it's easy to clean and refinish rusted or worn wrought iron furniture.

 

What you will need

There are several options of paint types, finishes and colors for your wrought iron furniture. Be sure to consider whether your wrought iron furniture will be used outdoors or indoors to get your supplies. Exterior spray paint comes in hundreds of colors and even metallic finishes. It's easy to match outdoor furniture to your patio decor with a quick coat of outdoor paint or spray paint. Look for these supplies for your wrought iron refinishing project:

 

Steel wool, stiff brush or wire brush

Medium-grit Sand Paper or Sand Paper

Weather or rust resistant primer

Outdoor rust-resistant enamel paint

 

Clean the rust

Take a stiff brush or steel wool and scrub away the rust. Scrub until all visible rust is gone.

Then, sand the entire piece to remove the paint and to prepare the primer. Use medium-grit sandpaper for best results.

Clean the furniture with a solvent to remove accumulated dirt and grime. Make sure the entire piece dries before priming. If a wrought iron piece of furniture has a lot of chipped or peeling paint, you can use a pressure washer to clean it quickly. The powerful spray will easily remove any loose paint; However, make sure the metal is in sturdy shape before using this tool to avoid damage.

Paint and finish

Now you will need to prime the entire piece. If the furniture will be outdoors, use a weatherproof or rust-proof primer .

After the primer dries, lightly sand the furniture to prepare the paint.

Paint using an exterior enamel paint that contains a rust inhibitor.

Finally, you will finish the cabinets with a sealant. This can help prevent fading due to UV exposure.

 

One of the most helpful tips for painting wrought iron is to try a direct-to-metal (DTM) paint that contains a rust inhibitor. Once you've refinished your wrought iron furniture, it's ready for your commercial patio! It will look elegant and last for years to come with proper care.

 

Maintenance of wrought iron furniture

One of the biggest challenges with wrought iron is limiting exposure to the elements . Once this metal is exposed to water, it rusts. It is essential to choose a weather-resistant coating for your wrought iron furniture to protect it from water and other elements to prolong the life of your investment. We have listed below some tips for maintaining your outdoor furniture:

 

Wrought iron table surface

Clean regularly with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. Use gentle, non-abrasive detergents. You can also use a small brush to clean intricate areas of the wrought iron.

Touch up chipped or scratched surfaces immediately to prevent rust.

Cover or store your furniture indoors during the winter months.

To avoid rust, keep surfaces clean and free of dust and debris. Be sure to clean frequently with warm, soapy water and dry completely with a towel. It's also important to touch up scratches and chips as soon as possible. You can also make your wrought iron shine by lightly sponging it with a mixture of baking soda and water, and then allowing it to dry completely.