Metal Casting Zone Info Blog

Posts Tagged ‘cast aluminum’

Aluminum Garden Furniture – Keep Your Aluminum Patio Furniture Looking Brand New

Aluminum garden furniture has become really popular for those who have large outdoor living areas that need to be decorated and who spend a lot of time entertaining in their outdoor lounging spaces.

Aluminum patio furniture is outstanding because it is so strong, lightweight, rustproof and fashionable and the best part about it is that it is really low maintenance furniture. It’s important to know, though, that despite the fact that your aluminum patio furniture might not need too much extra care, a little bit of TLC from time to time will insure that your aluminum garden furniture will last for a really long time.

Aluminum garden furniture will come with care instructions from the manufacturer and these could differ depending on where you purchased it from and who made it. The way in which you care for your aluminum garden furniture will depend on whether the furniture is made out of extruded, wrought or cast aluminum.

]]>

There are, however, some normal tips everybody can use to take care of their aluminum patio furniture.

The easiest of cleaning instructions is to spray it over often. This is to prevent build up which may cause damage and it’s fast and easy to complete.

You should also use a mild soap that is earth friendly along with some warm water to clean your aluminum garden furniture from time to time. If the frame happens to be exposed to any type of chemical, especially those found in repellents and suntan oils and lotions, clean the frame immediately or as quickly as you can. These chemicals might cause some of the finishes on your furniture to become faded or deteriorated.

If your aluminum garden furniture picks up scuff marks, these can be removed somewhat quickly by using a light abrasive. If the scuff marks are a bit larger, you can use fine grained sand paper or even a wire brush to get rid of them.

Touch-up paint is another a good way to keep your aluminum garden furniture in perfect shape. If there is a part that needs to be touched up, buff it with a fine steel wool to improve the adhesion of the paint. After you scrubbed it with the steel wool, wipe the spot to get rid of any residue that might have been left. Now you can add thin coats of touch-up paint to your aluminum patio furniture. If you are going to apply multiple coats, allow for each coat to dry before applying a new one.

To make your aluminum patio furniture last through a long and icy cool winter, you should coat it in some oil. This is not any kind of special oil, motor oil works and cooking oil works just the same and it is environmentally friendly! When winter is complete, remember to wipe it all off. During the warm months, you can apply baby oil or mineral oil to your aluminum garden furniture to keep it looking beautiful and shiny.

Wax is another great way to keep your aluminum patio furniture in good condition – this should be applied once or twice a year.

By taking the steps above, your aluminum garden furniture will be more lasting and will give you a good life span.

Related Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture Articles

Things You Should Know About Cast Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

These days, there are many styles of cast aluminum all-weather furniture available one can design a deck or patio to suit even the most vivid imagination. Exterior design is becoming as popular as interior design. So, we can make our own outdoor rooms after all. Cast Aluminum outdoor furniture is sturdy and holds up well in the toughest of climates. It is great for use in a humid environment or pool area because it is durable and low maintenance.

In higher humidity areas you may want to go with sling seating rather than deep seating cushions. So, it is that you won’t have issues with dry time or mildew. Cast aluminum outdoor furniture is great for all kinds of outdoor spaces. If you have a small patio area or live in a climate with cold winters so that you will only use your all-weather furniture for a few months of the year, you may want to consider purchasing chairs that are stackable and can be stored at a moment notice. One can find beautiful bistro or streamlined dining sets for smaller spaces that will look great and last for years.

Here are three major considerations when planning your space:

The Size of Your Area

You should always take into consideration the size of your area when planning your outdoor space. Just make sure to measure or graph out your sitting area before you buy furniture. When measuring the space needed for a round or square dining set, remember that a seated adult usually requires a depth of about twenty inches with an additional 12-16 inches more to pull back the chair.

]]>

Rectangular tables require an additional 4 inches, or 24 inches per adult and 32-36 inches to pull back the chair. You will want to leave at least 44 inches between the barrier and the table if you have walls or barriers.

The Intended Use of the Area

Imagine what you want to do in your space. If you think about it enough you may come up with something very different from your original idea. That little deck that holds the grill and potted plants could actually turn into an outside bedroom for sleeping under the stars. You may just want to keep it simple with a dining set and 4 chairs, or you may want to make it a comfy outdoor living room.

Try to think about how you plan to entertain, and decorate accordingly. If you just want to have a place to sip coffee and read a good book you may want to go with a couple of chaise lounges and a small table in between. If you wish to entertain your friends or your family you should consider the size of the “usual” crowd, how many chairs you will need, and whether you prefer a modular unit with a dining set or coffee tables.

You may want to consider adding bistro seating or a bar area, if you think of this area as a place to have parties. If you have ample room you might consider an outside kitchen/grilling area. So that you have everything on hand and don’t have to run back and forth when entertaining.

The Climate in Which You Live

While cast aluminum outdoor furniture will work well in any climate you will need to consider whether you wish to have sling or deep cushion seating. Sling seating will always be my reference for poolside. It is comfortable and is not going to soak in moisture like deep seating cushions will. There is nothing worse than plopping down on a wet chair! Sling seating dries quickly and lasts for many years.

If you love your cast aluminum outdoor furniture set and get tired of the sling fabric, they are relatively easy to replace, so you can change the whole look of your furniture. Deep seating options are maybe the most comfortable choice, but also take a bit more maintenance, and are not really the best choice for a humid environment as cushions that never dry can mildew even if the fabric is water and mildew resistant.

You must maintain your furniture similar to the way you would your car body, start off with a good cleaning, and wax your cast aluminum frames to protect them from harsh pollutants that, when baked in the sun on a daily basis, will damage the furniture.

The worst offenders are salt spray, car exhaust, suntan oils, human perspiration, unfiltered water or ground water, pods, bark and pollen from trees and shrubs. Always remember to never use a pressure washer on your furniture unless you are a pro and use one on a daily basis. You should clean cushions or sling seating with a sponge and mild detergent.