Cast iron garden furniture is an attractive accessory that provides conversation areas for springtime gatherings, as well as a place where one can enjoy a good book or simply experience the garden on a pleasant day. This furniture offers durability that far outlasts other types of lawn and garden furnishings, and cast iron will not deteriorate in the heat or in wet weather, as is the case with Wicker garden furniture and plastic garden furniture. Metal garden furniture accessories with vinyl coating will hold up to the elements, but it seldom has the design options that one gets with cast iron. For these reasons, cast iron garden furniture is considered to be an ideal selection.
The problem most homeowners encounter with garden furniture is in the off season. During the colder months outdoor accessories tend to be neglected and when the weather finally begins to warm again, they’re faced with dusty and unattractive furnishings. Some may settle for a once over with a cloth or a utility brush and consider the garden ready for visitors again. Others take more pride in the appearance of their accessories and opt for a complete cleaning. When this is the case, there are several methods that will accomplish the cleaning and bring the furnishings to a showroom fresh appearance.
The first involves professional sandblasting and refinishing, which is done in a controlled environment. This method is the most effective and trouble free, but it can be quite expensive if there are number of pieces that require refinishing. The second is a proven method that involves using a salt solution and wire brushes or a wire wheel. And the final alternative is steel wool, soap and water and a generous portion of elbow grease.
Either of these DIY methods are inexpensive, as well as rewarding for those who enjoy the hands on experience. Once the cast iron has completely dried, it can be touched up or completely repainted with a quality, all-weather epoxy paint. This will ensure the furniture holds its’ finish for at least a couple of seasons before another hard cleaning is necessary.
The primary concern when cleaning is finding a location that has both access to a water spigot with a hose, and if possible a gravel or concrete surface that will ship the cleaning debris away from the garden or the lawn. Once the furniture has been moved to this area, the next step is to remove any seat cushions and glass tops in order to expose all surfaces of the cast iron, and then hose away the surface dust and debris from each of the furniture pieces.
When the cast iron has been thoroughly scoured it can be dried with towels or a hair dryer, and two coats of epoxy paint applied to the furniture pieces. Remember to allow each coat to dry completely before applying another, and properly dispose of all unwanted materials when the cleaning and painting is finished.
