Monday, October 24, 2011

Caring for Your Wrought Iron

Hints to Preserving Your Wrought Iron!



  • Clean your wrought iron fence/furniture regularly if possible with dish washing liquid detergent and warm water to keep it clean of dust, dirt or grime from pollution. Dry if possible or clean on sunny day.



  • If possible, keep the wrought iron furniture covered with tarps or fitted covers.



  • Check your wrought iron furniture or fence regularly for scratches or paint chips. If exposed areas of metal surface are noticed, wash with warm soapy water, dry and sand with fine steel wool. Then spray with Rust-Oleum primer, allow to dry, then finish with spray Rust-Oleum paint to match. Hopefully, a sample paint was provided at purchase for touch-ups.



  • If severe rust is detected, Naval Jelly should be applied to dissolve the rust. If the rust still persists, sand blasting the surface may be the only solution.



  • You may spray your wrought iron surface with an automotive car wax twice a year to prevent rusting.



  • If your fence or railing posts are embedded into soil or a wall cap, check the cement, epoxy or caulk around the base to insure a raised surface above the surrounding area. This area is prone to settling or shrinkage over time and will collect rain water, which will rust your posts. Additional cement, epoxy or caulk should be added as necessary to raise the level of the base area above the soil or wall cap.