Kitchen Remodeling: Working It into Every Budget

If you have invested in a piece of metal yard art, then you may wonder how you can maintain your artwork to keep it looking attractive for several years. Rinsing your art once a week with fresh water and cleaning it once a month or whenever you notice buildup is a good starting point. However, to achieve the best results, make sure you follow these tips. 

Know What Metal Your Art Is Made From 

Yard art can be constructed from several different types of metal. Some of the most common metals for yard art include copper, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. Each of these metals behaves differently when exposed to a natural environment and each of them requires different amounts and types of care to achieve the look you desire. For example, you may decide to polish copper art but try to seal stainless steal or aluminum art with a lacquer such as an automotive clear coat. Additionally, while scrubbing stainless steel with abrasive pads may not be an issue, it can cause copper to oxidize, turning it a dark shade. Before you attempt any cleaning or care, you should be certain you know what material you are working with. 

Decide Whether You Want a Natural, Weathered Look or a Polished, New Look 

If you do not want to regularly maintain your yard art, you can let it fall into its natural, weathered look. Copper tends to form a light green or turquoise protective layer, stainless steel may develop a rusted look, and aluminum may develop a whitish crust over time. If this weathered look fits with your yard style, you do not have to do much to your yard art besides occasionally rinse it with fresh water to prevent erosion due to salt and debris in the air.

However, if you want the yard art to maintain the polished, new look that it had when you bought it, you should be sure to regularly wash it, making sure to dry it thoroughly after washing. You should then apply an appropriate polish, buffer, or sealant to the art.  

Be Careful When Using Cleaning Agents 

Using the wrong cleaning agent can make your yard art erode or can cause an undesirable chemical reaction. You should always check to make sure that your cleaning agent and polish is intended for the type of metal you own. You should also follow the instructions on the packages, using the type of applicator recommended by the manufacturer. This will help keep your yard art safe. 

For more information, contact companies that sell metal yard art, such as Star Imports Wholesale.