Metal Patio Furniture: 5 Tips to Prevent Rust

White metal patio furniture.
What You'll Need
Paste wax
Grease or oil
Patio chair upholstery
Furniture cover
What You'll Need
Paste wax
Grease or oil
Patio chair upholstery
Furniture cover

Metal patio furniture is an excellent choice for outdoor spaces. It is elegant, attractive, and enhances the ambiance of the patio. Metal furniture is durable and with minimal maintenance, will last several years. For the most part, it stands up well to weather changes and extremities, so you need not worry about exposure to the elements. However, metal is prone to rusting, and this is one problem that may befall your metal furniture. It is especially frequent in occurrence where damp conditions prevail.

Heat and salty water also accelerate the development of rust. If there's one thing that can spoil the beauty of your metal patio furniture, it is rust. However, the good news is that there are measures you can take to prevent rust. The following are useful tips for rust prevention.

Keep Furniture Dry

When water or moisture settles on your metal furniture, it facilitates the process of rusting. Metal outdoor furniture is more resilient to water effects than wicker or wooden furniture. However, it is best to keep it dry as much as possible. Avoid letting water remain on your furniture for extended periods, as this will facilitate rust setting in. It is a good idea to wipe off any water as soon as you notice it with the help of a soft absorbent rag.

Keep Furniture Covered

Patio chair upholstery is a great idea. Not only will it dress up your chairs, but it also provides significant protection from the elements. Use cushions, chair backs, and arm covers on your metal patio chairs to reduce exposure to moisture and heat, thereby minimizing the incidence of rust.

Careful Storage

Metal patio furniture is generally considered durable and can remain outdoors for extended periods. However, it is a good idea to store your furniture carefully, especially when not in use. During the winter when patio furniture is not likely to be used much, it is best to keep it away in a shed or some other closed area where it will be better protected from the harsh elements. You can also get a large outdoor furniture cover that is waterproof to cover your furniture in the patio during those periods when the weather changes frequently.

Apply Paste Wax

A paste wax provides excellent protection from rust because of its water-resistant qualities. It also helps in maintaining the fine appearance of your outdoor metal furniture. Be sure to clean your furniture first before you apply the paste wax. You also need to wait until the furniture is completely dry before applying paste wax. Use a wide paint brush to apply the protector over the entire surface of the furniture. Exercise more care on the difficult to reach areas such as cracks and crevices.

Once you have completed applying the paste wax, allow it sufficient time to dry well before you dress it with upholstery.

Regular Greasing

Apply grease or oil as part of a regular maintenance measure. Rust is less likely to develop on greased metal.

By using the five tips, your metal nation furniture will not be a rusty eyesore. Not only this, but it will also last longer