Painted Metal Outdoor Furniture--Care and Cleaning
Baked-on enamel surfaces such as used on automobile
exteriors are the most durable. Metal having had a metal
primer applied first to a spotless, grease free surface,
and dried, with a second coat of paint or enamel is next
in durability. Paint or enamel applied directly to a
metal surface is least durable, and more subject to
bubbling, peeling and chipping than either of the above
methods.
Care
Handle painted metal items with care to avoid hitting
one against another which will chip paint, just as stones
and gravel will chip paint on an automobile. Painted
metal card table chairs are often banged against each
other in storage and soon paint is chipped badly.
Painted metal furnishing for the patio need inside
storage for severe winter weather.
Moving metal furniture on a cement surface will
scrape paint from legs of patio furniture. If it is left
out in rain, rust spots can develop on both the furniture
and the cement patio.
Cleaning
Wash surface with warm water and a heavy duty liquid
detergent. A brush may be needed to clean grooves during
cleaning process. An old toothbrush gets into tiny
grooves.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any
detergent residue.
Wipe dry, or allow to air dry in sun or heated room.
Apply automobile liquid or paste wax and polish.
(Follow manufacturer's directions). Auto wax is more
durable than wax made for wood surfaces. Two thin coats
of wax are more satisfactory than one very heavy coat.
Wax protection is especially important for table tops.
Seasonal Care
Use cleaning-waxing care method before storing metal
furniture for the winter. In spring spray with garden
hose for immediate use. (Usually people are too busy with
other garden and yard chores to take time to clean and
wax furniture in the spring.)
About midway through summer, a thorough cleaning and
waxing will help maintain general appearance of metal
patio furnishings.