How Long Does Metal Art Last?

Many garden art enthusiasts ask, how long does metal art last?

The answer is no, because the lifespan of metal art is closely related to us, it depends on how we take care of it and maintain it regularly!

Due to the presence of other elements outdoors, any item placed outdoors will require regular care and maintenance. The degree and frequency of care required will largely depend on the type of metal or material used for the sculpture and the location of the sculpture. For example, aluminum products require less regular care than cast iron products, while those who live near the coast will need to increase the maintenance period due to the higher salt content in the air. To help you keep your garden sculpture or decorative item in "like new" condition, we have created this detailed guide. To determine the metal or material used to make the product, please refer to the separate instructions. As a general rule of thumb for all items placed outdoors, the following recommendations should be followed:

Metal products require extra care and attention when used near the ocean due to increased salt in the atmosphere. The same rule applies to products used in large cities or urban built-up areas due to increased air pollution.
Do not use chemical cleaners on any metal or finished product to avoid damaging the surface or removing any protective coating. This includes all household cleaners.
We recommend covering or moving all garden metalwork indoors during the wetter seasons of the year. This is especially true during inclement weather conditions such as frost, high winds and snow.
Sculptures must be adequately secured in place via ground anchors or concrete pads.
Untreated cast and wrought iron products will develop surface rust over time as outdoor elements react to the metal and cause it to corrode. This does not affect the integrity of the iron, but rather adds a beautiful, rustic patina to the piece. Due to the higher maintenance required to prevent the iron from taking on this natural patina, ironwork is best suited for those who enjoy the aged look of metal. Most of our cast iron products are untreated unless otherwise noted. Please see the Painted Finishes section below for repainting recommendations.
While iron is very strong, it can break or crack easily if dropped or subjected to strong impacts, so please be careful when handling ironwork. We recommend bringing iron sculptures indoors during windy weather to avoid any damage.

Due to steel's tendency to rust, most of our steel sculptures and ornaments are hand painted or coated with a protective lacquer to help protect them from the outdoor elements. However, over time this protective layer will begin to break down due to exposure to outdoor elements. To prevent rust, we recommend annual repainting or coating with a general purpose clear yacht varnish. Yacht varnish is available at most quality hardware stores and should be applied within the first six months to ensure the product's original finish and paint remain in top condition.