Does Cast Iron Garden Furniture Rust​?

No material can contradict the appeal, durability, and charm of cast iron garden furniture when it comes to outdoor furniture. For centuries, cast iron has been the most popular choice for garden benches, tables, chairs, and decorative features because of its physical strength and intricate designs. Cast iron’s rich history predates even the Victorian era and during this time was prized equally for performance and ornate pattern. Now you may wonder if garden furniture, made from cast iron, rusts. Although cast iron is quite strong and resilient, it has a common flaw when it engages with natural elements, especially moisture and humidity, mostly rust. Hence, knowing how to take care of your cast iron furniture and prevent rust is the secret to the longevity and good health of your furniture. 

Come, with Cast & Bloom Metalworks, let’s find out why cast iron garden furniture rusts, how you can protect it, and what steps you can take in order to keep your outdoor furniture looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.

Causes of Rust on Cast Iron

A few factors increase the pace of rusting on cast iron furniture:

• The prime factor of rust is due to continuous exposure to rain, dew, or humidity at a high level. Moisture accelerates oxidation and creates rust on the surface of the metal.
• Cast iron is painted, powder coated, or receives other kinds of protective finishing to keep it from rusting. Over time, this paint coating wears off because of the direct effects of sunshine, winds, or mere abrasions. Once these protective covers are damaged and worn, moisture and oxygen will quickly penetrate the layers of protection of the raw cast iron to make it readily rust-prone.
• If your furniture is located along the sea or in places having salted air (as in coastal regions), it can hasten the rate of rust. Salt quickens the oxidation of metals. Thus, when you are dwelling in such a place, it’s important to keep your cast iron furniture clean and protected on a regular basis.
• This is by the storage of cast iron furniture in damp places or being left in the open weather without cover, which leads to the formation of rust. Keeping furniture dry and well stored may reduce rust.

How to Prevent Rust on Cast Iron Furniture?

Although rust is inevitable over time, there are several ways to minimize its impact and prolong the life of your cast iron garden furniture:

1. Apply a Protective Coating: The best way to prevent rust, apply a high-grade rust prevention coating. Powder, coat paint, or lacquer work great as a barrier between metal elements. Use a rust prevention-specific paint designed for metal application in cast iron furniture. Build and create a strong protective cover while reapplying when the coating has a chipped or worn finish.
2. Regular Cleaning and Drying: Clean and dry your cast iron furniture regularly to avoid rust. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt and debris, and dry the furniture after rain or washing. This helps eliminate moisture from the surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners which might damage the protective coating and expose the metal below.
3. Apply Rust Inhibitor: Rust inhibitors are products specific to the prevention of rust from ruining metal surfaces. After softly cleaning your furniture, apply a rust inhibitor on the cast iron surface. It adds an important layer of protection on the surface and slows down the rusting process to a great extent. Carefully follow the instructions given with the product by Cast & Bloom Metalworks for the right usage.
4. Keep the Furniture Covered: When the articles are not in use, especially during the winter seasons, use effective furniture covers for your cast iron furniture to save it from the dangerous elements. It prevents moisture from settling on the surface and shields it from rain, snow, and dirt. Use breathable covers so that moisture cannot get trapped under the fabric thus increasing its outlook and strength.
5. Keep indoors in a dry area: If possible, keep the cast iron garden furniture inside a dry, covered space away from the sun when it’s not in use. The most ideal place would be the garage, shed, or even a covered patio. Having your furniture off the ground with minimal contact with moisture inhibits rust from corrupting.
6. Regular Maintenance: Even with the best precautions, cast iron furniture will need occasional maintenance. Periodically check your furniture for any signs of rust or wear on the protective coating. If rust spots do appear, take immediate action to treat them. Light rust can be scrubbed away with a wire brush or sandpaper, followed by repainting the affected area.

Removing Rust from Cast Iron Garden Furniture

If you do notice rust forming on your cast iron furniture, don’t worry—rust removal is a pretty simple process. Here’s how to remove rust:

• Scrub Off Loosely Sticking Rust: Use a wire brush or steel wool to scrub off the loosened-up rust and debris. For most care, it takes a surface that does not scratch in case your furniture has been painted. Where Rust is difficult to remove there is usage of fine grade for sandpaper.
• Clean The Surface: After removing all the rust, clean out the surface with warm water containing soft soap which usually erases any dust residue after scrubbing. Dry this surface fully.
• Apply a Rust Converter: Use a rust converter if rust is widespread. This chemical modifies the rust to form an inert, black coating and can be overpainted.
• Repaint the Furniture: Clean and dry the surface following the removal of rust by repainting the furniture using a top-quality metal primer and rust-resistant paint that will restore the protective covering and prevent rusting later on.

Conclusion

Cast iron garden furniture is graceful and durable, making it a great addition to any outdoor space. Though it easily rusts because of moisture and oxygen exposure, the right care and maintenance will extend the life of your furniture and keep it looking pristine. The rust-proof coatings, along with frequent cleaning and drying of the furniture and usage of rust inhibitors can help prevent rust formation. Fast action to remove the existing rust and restore the furniture with new paint helps ensure its durability over time.

With proper care and Cast & Bloom Metalworks, your cast iron garden furniture remains beautiful and reliable in your garden or patio for many years and offers a wonderful balance between style, comfort, and durability.