One of the main reasons to choose a Lazy Susan garden furniture set made out of cast aluminium is that it does not rust. That said we would still recommend covering it with a garden furniture cover to give it some added protection or popping it in the garage/shed for the winter.
Another great thing about cast aluminium garden furniture is that it is also very light, which makes it easier to move it around and store it. And because it is so lightweight it could be stored indoors and brought out when needed.
However, aluminium garden furniture, like all other popular materials will require a little maintenance from time to time. Chips in the enamelling need to be overpainted or they'll deteriorate over time.
And whether steel, iron or aluminium, metal garden furniture needs covering or putting in the garden shed to keep it looking good. Furniture covers are widely available and last for many seasons, so they're an essential purchase in Lazy Susan's humble opinion.
Garden furniture covers could also save you the expense of shopping for new garden furniture next year. It’s not only greener but with the credit crunch, we’ve got to try and save every penny we can.
Repairing paint chips on cast aluminium garden furniture
Exposed metal surfaces will eventually rust over time, and to prevent this, you need to make sure that the paint has not flaked and is not peeling. You can refresh the look of your garden furniture, as it will fade over time with car polish or wax and as we've already mentioned, you can protect your metal garden furniture with garden furniture covers to keep it clean during the winter months.
You must regularly check your metal garden furniture carefully for any flakes and cracks. If you have an area that is heavily corroded or oxidized it will require some form of treatment to repair the bare metal surface.
Basically, the same method in which you take care of the bodywork of your car applies to metal garden furniture too. Make sure you use a fine car polish with a smooth cloth, and then once polished make sure the area is repainted or metal lacquer is applied. Do not use anything rough to apply the polish as it will leave fine scratches.
Treat any little chips in the paint with paint or lacquer and always use a rust-resistant primer will help keep the rust from spreading. Your local DIY store will have a good selection of paints and lacquers and cleaning products for metal.
Metal garden furniture care and maintenance
Covering metal outdoor furniture when not in use or stored indoors will help to protect it from the elements and the sun’s harmful rays. Regular cleaning and waxing of the painted surfaces can extend the life of your aluminium or cast iron patio furniture.
All Lazy Susan Cast Aluminium Garden Furniture sets are designed to resist the weather, however, in order to fully appreciate your Garden Furniture there are a few things to keep your set in tip-top condition.
We would suggest that all hinges be regularly oiled with a good synthetic oil such as WD40.
Make sure cast aluminium garden furniture is kept clean and free from dirt and grease but please do not use a pressure washer.
On metal work, where the paint has been chipped or scratched, clean and cover with either a similar colour paint or a clear nail varnish, which will provide protection from the elements. if you have Lazy Susan aluminium garden furniture then you need to simply contact us for one of our special re-touching paints and follow our instructional video (above), Repairing Paint Chips on Aluminium Garden Furniture.
To prolong the life of the furniture and to maintain its appearance, the furniture should be protected and stored under covers or indoors.
To avoid unnecessary fading of the material, keep it out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods and wipe off any dirt or grease that comes into contact with the material, with a mild washing-up liquid.
Aluminium garden furniture whether it be extruded, wrought or cast, has the advantages of being lightweight and rust-proof and can be left out in the garden all year long. Simple cleaning with a soapy cloth or sponge is all the maintenance required really.
Although it has great longevity, wrought iron furniture should be brought indoors during the winter, or at least covered, as it is prone to rust, particularly in coastal areas where salt air will have an adverse effect, whilst aluminium can become oxidized (white marks).
Some simple touching up of your iron garden furniture paintwork will be required from time to time and a liquid car wax polish can be applied to prevent rusting and oxidization from forming.