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As the sun emerges from its winter slumber, that can only mean one thing: it’s time to get ready to relax and dine in your outdoor space.
However, after months of neglect in storage, bringing garden furniture back to life can seem like a daunting task for those preparing for the warmer seasons.
If your garden furniture and accessories, especially those made of iron, look tired, dirty or rusty, this does not mean you need to buy new ones.
The experts at Birmingham-based Hiatt Hardware have revealed four invaluable tips for breathing new life into your beloved outdoor pieces just in time for spring.
After months of neglect in storage, bringing cast iron garden furniture back to life can seem like a daunting task – but fear not, as experts reveal four tips for reviving rusty chairs and tables (stock image)
Ryan Calvert, product expert at Hiatt Hardware, said: “No matter how you have stored your iron garden furniture, it will require a certain level of maintenance, from a simple wipe down to removing rust or even a complete renovation job.
With a focus on cleaning surfaces and fighting rust, these tips promise to breathe new life into your outdoor oasis, laying the foundation for a vibrant and welcoming outdoor environment.
Step 1 – Assess the situation
It is important to start by carefully inspecting your garden furniture and accessories.
Although a thorough cleaning can be enough to bring garden furniture back to life, if you notice rust, then it is crucial to remedy it immediately.
Rust not only gives an unsightly appearance, but it can also get worse over time.
If you fail to treat it effectively, it will impact the durability of your furniture.
Step 2 – Clean Furniture Surfaces
Start cleaning furniture surfaces using a stiff brush – preferably with wire bristles – to remove dirt, grime, loose rust and paint chips.
It is essential to examine every crevice and detail and remove as much buildup as possible.
Next, gently scrub the furniture with a mixture of dish soap and warm water, applying steel wool or a product such as Brillo Pads, which will help remove stubborn dirt and blemishes.
To dry the furniture, wipe it with a clean cloth and let it air dry.
Ryan says: “Most of the cleaning items needed to remove rust are likely to be found in your cleaning cupboards or can be acquired cheaply, with Brillo Pads costing as little as 90p from major suppliers.
Gently scrub the furniture using a mixture of dish soap and warm water, applying steel wool or a product such as Brillo Pads (pictured), which will help remove more stubborn dirt (stock image ).
Step 3 – Smooth Out Coarser Rust
If you notice that your outdoor furniture has a significant amount of rust, consider using a sanding block to smooth it out to a polished finish.
For lighter rust use a 120 grit block and for heavier rust use a 60 grit block.
After cleaning and smoothing, your furniture will be sufficiently prepared for you to apply anti-rust paint with a brush or spray.
Ryan adds: “For very heavily rusted surfaces, an electric sander may be beneficial.
“They are relatively affordable and useful for a number of furniture renovation or DIY projects.”
Step 4 – Apply Direct Anti-Rust Paint
When painting your iron outdoor furniture, it may be a good idea to choose a paint that rusts directly for optimal results.
This type of paint serves as both a rust converter and a primer, and helps eliminate the need for additional primers, essentially saving you money in the long run.
Rust conversion chemically transforms residual iron oxide (rust) into an inert substance to prevent further corrosion damage.
When applying, ensure surfaces are evenly covered and allowed to dry completely before applying a second coat – two coats are usually enough to get the job done.
Ryan says: “For your finishing touches, think about your desired aesthetic. Choosing a hammered black paint will give a traditional Victorian style cast iron finish.
He adds: “You can also opt for classic iron colors, like dark green or dark red!