How To Clean Metal Yard Art?

Cleaning Metal Artwork:

In general, metal art sculptures placed indoors do not require much maintenance beyond an occasional light dusting to remove dust or cobwebs. We recommend that you use a soft, clean, dry microfiber cloth or dusting cloth to gently wipe away dust.

To remove residue, wipe your piece with a soft, damp cloth with water and a drop of dish soap, then dry with another soft, clean microfiber cloth. We do not recommend using furniture polish/dusting sprays as it can damage the clear coat, leave residue, and dull the finish.

Protect Your Metal Art Sculpture If Placed Outdoors:

When you place metal outdoors, you are exposing it to the elements (oxygen, water, etc.), and over time, the metal will eventually oxidize and rust. Like death and taxes, rust is inevitable.

Please note that we said "rust over time." All of our pieces are clear coated before leaving our care to achieve a glossy, protective finish. This protective coating will not flake off for a year or more, depending on exposure to the elements.

If your metal art sculpture is outdoors, exposed to salt air or frequent rain and snow, we recommend that you re-treat it at least once a year with a spray-on protective clear coat.

You'll need to follow the application instructions on the can, making sure to shake well, apply a thin coat in a well-ventilated area, and allow ample drying time between coats and treatments.

If you haven't spray-coated before, we recommend trying it on a piece of cardboard first!

Quick Tips for Preparing Metal and Applying Clear Coat:

Clean the item with a lint-free cloth. You can also give it a quick wipe with mineral spirits to remove any dirt or residue that may prevent the clear coat from adhering to the surface.
Protect your work area with a dust cloth (clean cardboard works great, too) and lay the sculpture flat.
Lightly apply a coat of clear coat to the exposed surface and allow to dry.
Flip the piece over and apply clear coat to the other side.
Repeat the process a second time for added protection.
Allow to dry as directed on the can before returning it to the outdoors.
Remember to repeat this process every year to preserve the look and finish of your metal art for years to come. We promise those extra few minutes will be worth it!