How do I maintain and protect black metal garden furniture?

Last month we published our guide to buying and styling and we want to follow that up with a closer look at how to maintain and protect black metal garden furniture.

In that post, we highlighted that:

“Black furniture generally tends to show dirt and stains less readily than lighter colours. This can be particularly advantageous for us here in the UK where we are exposed to lots of wind, dust, rain, and pollen."

We went on to say that:

“Maintaining and cleaning black metal furniture from Lazy Susan involves a few simple steps to ensure it stays looking great and ready to enjoy when the sun shines.”

That is where we want to pick up from in this article. Take a closer look at some of the simple steps you need to take to maintain and protect not only our black cast aluminium but also other types of black metal garden furniture.

What are the different types of black metal garden furniture?

The popular types of black metal outdoor furniture on sale in the UK include:

1. Cast Iron
   Known for its intricate designs and classic look, cast iron garden furniture is durable and weather-resistant but prone to rusting if not maintained.

2. Cast Aluminium
   Lightweight and rust-resistant, aluminium furniture is easy to move and maintain and available in a host of intricate classical designs.

3. Steel
   Often powder-coated for extra protection, steel furniture is robust and offers a contemporary look.

4. Mixed
   Common in the UK is garden furniture that combines the durability of metal frames with the natural appeal of wood or a stylish glass top.

5. Mesh
   A synthetic mesh fabric or rattan is often used for seating surfaces on metal frames, providing comfort and durability.

How to maintain and protect black metal patio furniture

Maintaining black metal garden furniture involves specific care routines depending on the type of material you have.

Here are our go-to methods and tips for maintaining the different types of black metal garden furniture commonly available in the UK:

1. Black Cast Iron Garden Furniture

To clean cast iron, start by washing it down with washing up liquid and warm water to remove dirt and grime. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface or a pressure washer which can remove the painted finish.

Regularly inspect for rust and if necessary use a rust remover/inhibitor on small spots and touch up with matching paint. Cover or store indoors during the winter to prevent rust and damage from wet weather and freezing temperatures.

2. Black Aluminium Garden Furniture

Cast Aluminium can also be washed with warm soapy water. Our preference is a little car shampoo but washing up liquid works too. Aluminium is rust-resistant and our collection is then powder-coated to give it a tough durable finish.

As an extra step, you can apply a light coat of car wax annually to maintain shine and add a layer of protection. Cast aluminium furniture can be left outside year-round, but covering or storing it during winter will help keep it clean and ready to use.

3. Black Steel Garden Furniture

Much of the black steel on sale in the UK is also powder-coated, so again it can be cleaned with warm soapy water. It is the metal we find that is most susceptible to rust, so if you find any spots, gently rub them with a paste of baking soda and water or a specialist rust remover.

Regularly check for chips in the finish and touch up with paint to maintain integrity. Store indoors or use covers during wet weather and the winter months to further protect, and avoid using any harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive pads as they can damage the painted surface.

4. Black Metal & Wood Garden Furniture

It is important that you clean the metal and wood parts separately and with the appropriate cleaning solutions. The metal you can clean above and while washing up liquid or car shampoo won't damage wood, we find it better to clean it with a specialist wood cleaner or restorer (depending on how weathered the wood is).

Apply rust protection to the metal if it is unpainted and oil or varnish on all wooden pieces annually. Store inside or use covers during wet weather and winter months to protect both materials.

5. Black Metal & Glass Garden Furniture

Most metal frames with glass tops are powder-coated steel or aluminium, so wash both the metal and glass with warm soapy water. When dry, use a glass cleaner and a microfibre glass cloth or kitchen roll on the tabletops to remove any streaks and watermarks and buff to a nice finish.

With glass, you also need to ensure it is not exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent it from breaking. Often the glass tops are removable so store them indoors or if not an option, cover them during the winter to protect them.

6. Black Metal & Texteline Garden Furniture

Texteline is a type of synthetic fabric mesh that is made from high-strength polyesters with a PVC compound. Water and UV-resistant they are paired with a metal frame for comfort and are commonly found on garden chairs and sun loungers. Both the fabric mesh and metal frames can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a sponge or soft-bristled brush.

Be sure to rinse well with a garden hose on the spray setting to remove all soap residue from between the mesh weave. Also, try and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent the texteline from fading and store indoors or cover it during winter to protect the fabric.

Our final thoughts…

Here at Lazy Susan, we chose to sell cast aluminium because of its suitability for the changeable UK climate. Our black finish is our best-selling colour, and its versatility means it works with most patio design schemes.

By maintaining your metal garden furniture sets, you will ensure they remain an attractive, functional, and durable part of your outdoor space for many years to come.

Regular maintenance helps maintain the protective powder coating we apply. If you do get a chip or scratch, then they are easily repaired with our 2-stage (Black Base and Antique Bronze Fleck) Touch-Up Kits.

We think a black metal furniture set is elegant and stylish, but neglecting it can lead to fading, chipping, and an overall worn-out appearance.

Proper care and maintenance will significantly extend the life of your metal furniture, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective choice in the long run.

If you have any photos of your new Black Metal Garden Furniture from Lazy Susan, then we’d love to see a few snaps for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.

Related Articles:

1. The Lazy Susan guide to buying and styling black garden furniture
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