How Do You Protect Metal Garden Art?

Metal's biggest enemy is rust. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent your metal art from rusting. Here are some strategies for preserving metal art and sculptures outdoors.

1. Choose the metal best suited for outdoor sculptures

One of the best strategies to avoid rust on your outdoor art is to choose materials that are suitable for the environment. Choosing the right metal for your outdoor metal art is the best investment you can make to ensure it truly lasts.

2. Powder Coat Your Metal Outdoor Art

Properly cured powder coating is tougher, thicker and more durable than traditional paint. Powder-coated metal effectively resists oxidation and corrosion over the long term as long as it is primed (or powder coated) first.

3. Cover and protect from rain

Cycles of rain and sunlight can cause rust. Water droplets can penetrate into unprotected and unprimed areas, causing oxidation. You can solve this problem by building a roof over the metal art or placing it under a roofed area. Doing so will protect your piece from rain or strong sunlight.

4. Use grease to prevent metal artwork from rusting

Another simple way to prevent water seepage is to apply grease. Grease is oil-based. Since oil repels water, a thin layer of grease should be enough to protect your art. Of course, grease lubricates moving parts and protects them from water damage.

5. Apply wax paste to metal art

You can protect your metal art by using paste wax, which has been used to protect outdoor metal from the weather for centuries. You can use a brush, paper towel, or cloth to apply wax paste to your metal art.

6. Use UV Protective Spray on Outdoor Metal Art

You can prevent paint from deteriorating by using a UV protective spray on your metal art. What this substance does is absorb most of the UV rays. By absorbing UV rays, your paint will last longer.

7. Apply a clear coat to protect the metal

It is often recommended to apply a clear coat to your art to protect outdoor sculptures, but it does have advantages and disadvantages and is not suitable for all materials.