We recently discussed why a 6-seater metal garden furniture set is a great long-term investment but that if you use them regularly - and we hope you do - they will require a little basic TLC.
Caring for and maintaining metal garden furniture constructed from cast aluminium is super simple. It does not require any labour-intensive sanding, painting or re-sealing as our durable powder-coated finish provides all the long-term protection your tables and chairs need.
The aim here is to keep it clean, ready to use when the sun shines, and to maintain the integrity of the painted finish. Here we have 8 simple steps/tips we should all follow to ensure the longevity and appearance of our garden furniture:
1. Clean Regularly
We would recommend you adhere to all 8 on this list, however, if you only do one thing, then giving your garden furniture a regular cleaning is the one to do. All you need is a bucket of warm soapy water to wash it down and keep it ready to use. Car shampoo is our preference as it produces a nice lather that removes dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris that can accumulate on the surface.
2. Avoid Abrasive Materials
Avoid using any abrasive cleaning products or materials such as steel wool or wire brushes on your garden furniture as they will scratch the painted surface. Instead, only use soft sponges and cloths or a soft-bristled brush to get in between the latticework on your garden table and chairs if need be. If you have any stubborn stains or spots that can’t be removed with warm soapy water and sponge then our how to remove tree sap and bird poop posts have some safe solutions/methods you can try.
3. Rinse Thoroughly
After cleaning, rinse the garden furniture thoroughly with clean cold water to remove any soap residue. No need for a pressure washer, they’re too powerful. A hose on the spray setting will suffice. Car shampoo is great for this reason as it is designed to rinse off easily and it leaves no residue on the paint. Make sure you dry the furniture completely with a clean towel or allow it to air dry before storing or using it.
4. Apply Protective Coating
After it’s clean and dry, we would recommend you consider applying a light coat of car wax or a sealant specifically designed for painted metal garden furniture to provide a little extra protection. You won’t need much but it will reduce the need to clean it as often and it gives our paintwork a nice lustre. Our how to apply article looks at the steps, why you should apply, and we recommend some of our favourite carnauba-style car waxes.
5. Inspect Regularly
With any type of garden furniture that is left outside, even in the summer months, it pays to periodically inspect for any signs of damage, chips, scratches, loose hardware, etc. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of the furniture. If you find a chip or scratch on the paintwork of your rust-proof cast aluminium garden tables or chairs, then touch it up with our metal touch-up paints.
6. Store During Bad Weather
If possible, store your 6-seater metal garden furniture set indoors during the winter months or during high winds to protect it. If storing indoors is not feasible, then cover it and move to a sheltered part of your patio. Storing and covering will keep it clean as the painted finish is UV and water-resistant, however, high winds could blow chairs over, so it pays to be proactive if things pick up to weather warnings with wind speeds above 30 mph (which meteorologically speaking would be classed as a “strong breeze”).
7. Tighten Loose Bolts
Check and tighten any loose hardware - such as screws, bolts, or nuts - regularly to maintain the stability and structural integrity of your garden table and chairs. Be careful when doing this as you don’t want to over-tighten or over-torque and risk damage. A quick squirt of WD-40 before you do this will help to reduce friction and allow you to turn them more easily.
8. Use Our Protective Foot Pads
Your 6-seater metal garden furniture set will come with a pack of 28 protective feet pads (also known as glides). These screw into the bottom of all table and chair legs to prevent scratching the painted metal, damage to your patio surface, and adjustment for uneven patio surfaces. Regularly inspect to check they’re secure and if you need to replace them (they are plastic so can wear on a stone surface, for example) we have packs of 4, 6, 8 & 10 available in our Spare Parts shop.
By following these 8 simple tips/steps, you can ensure your 6-seater metal garden furniture set remains in excellent condition and provides years of relaxation and dining enjoyment in your outdoor living space.
If you have any photos of your new 6-seater metal garden furniture set, we’d love to see a few for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
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