Outdoor metal art brings beauty and style to gardens, yards, patios, and various other outdoor spaces. However, elements such as rain, snow, sunshine, and humidity can harm metal art, sculptures, outdoor wall art, and other installations. Hence why you need weatherproof metal art to ensure beauty and longevity of your metal pieces.
Knowing the importance of protection, we create high-quality weatherproof metal art, as you will see below. In addition, you’ll also discover how do you protect outdoor metal art the best way possible.
Understanding the Role of Metal Type in Weatherproofing
Various metals react differently to environmental and weather conditions. To achieve the excellence of a weatherproofing metal, we focus on various aspects. However, there are different metal types we use in our metal art sector. The selection can include bronze, stainless steel, brass, copper, mild steel, and others. This selection also often includes color, mechanical processing, and cost-effectiveness.
Before we see how we create weatherproof metal art, let’s see how common metals are affected by outdoor exposure:
- Bronze: Known for its warm, reddish-brown color, bronze develops a natural patina when exposed to moisture, which can be beautiful but may also signal gradual corrosion.
- Stainless Steel: With its high resistance to rust and corrosion, stainless steel is a common choice for outdoor art. This also applies to coastal metal wall art and other pieces regarding coastal or humid areas.
- Brass and Copper: Both have a distinct color that can enhance the aesthetics of a sculpture but are prone to oxidation, developing a green patina over time.
- Mild Steel: As one of the most affordable metals, mild steel is often used in large sculptures but is highly susceptible to rust and requires proper treatment to be outdoor-friendly.
When selecting outdoor metal art for house or other spaces, stainless materials and austenitic steels are best for withstanding external influences without extensive protection. However, even though milder steels require additional measures to ensure durability, we’re able to achieve it.
Let’s see how.
Mechanical and Chemical Processing for Weatherproof Metal Art Durability
When preparing outdoor metal art, our artists rely on different mechanical processes, including bending, welding, compaction, grinding, and soldering, to create the desired shape and structure. However, the usage of chemical processing or metal coatings adds additional resilience against various weather conditions.
Common treatments can include:
- Galvanizing: Involves applying a zinc coating to steel or iron, providing a barrier against rust and corrosion. This is especially effective for pieces intended for humid or coastal environments.
- Chroming and Nickel Plating: Both methods enhance corrosion resistance while giving metal art a shiny, polished finish.
- Powder Coating: Adds a protective layer that’s both durable and decorative, with a wide array of color options available to fit the artist's and client’s vision.
- Burnishing: Creates a unique finish that enhances the natural texture of the metal while providing a limited layer of protection.
For artworks exposed to external elements, these techniques are invaluable in slowing oxidation and other forms of metal degradation, hence why we pay a lot of attention to these details.
Applying Protective Coatings to Shield from Moisture
Moisture is one of the primary causes of rust and corrosion in outdoor metal art. Applying the right protective coating can help shield the piece from rain, humidity, and even snow. Here are some of the most important coatings for protecting outdoor art:
- Clear Lacquer: A transparent lacquer adds a protective seal over the metal while preserving its original color and sheen. Be sure to reapply annually, as the lacquer can wear off with prolonged exposure.
- Automotive Wax or Sealant: Car wax or sealant applied to metal art creates a barrier against moisture. This option is inexpensive and effective, although it may need frequent reapplication, especially in rainy or snowy regions.
- Polyurethane Varnish: Known for its durability, polyurethane can be used to coat metal art to protect against rust, UV rays, and moisture. Opt for a UV-resistant varnish to prevent fading in sunlight.
It’s important to follow instructions not to harm yourself!
These coatings work well on metals like mild steel and bronze, which are more susceptible to rust and discoloration. Applying these protective layers regularly on your weatherproof metal art ensures your artwork maintains its intended appearance and durability.
Powder Coating for Additional Color and Weather Resistance
Using powder coating is a good way to protect outdoor metal while also allowing for vibrant color customization. Of course, the process isn’t easy and desires proper equipment and knowledge.
Powder coating is better than paint since it bonds to the metal via a heat process, creating a durable even layer that does not fade or chip easily. It is highly effective on mild steel because it adds a layer of protection against oxidation and moisture while enhancing the sculpture’s visual appeal.
Preventing Weatherproof Metal Art Corrosion with Proper Placement
Another crucial aspect in preventing corrosion is choosing proper placement. For example, placing your sculpture directly on grassy or soil surfaces can increase exposure to moisture. This can be a problem since it can cause rust to form at the base.
Instead, it’s better to use the following options:
- Use a stone or concrete base: This elevates the sculpture slightly, reducing moisture contact and prolonging its life.
- Install on elevated pedestals: Pedestals offer added protection from ground-level moisture and provide a more prominent display for the art.
- Choose sheltered areas: Position sculptures near walls, fences, or under partial cover to shield them from direct exposure to rain and snow.
In addition, this is also one of the reasons why the debate about metal art vs print leans toward metal art since it can be an outdoor weatherproof art piece.
Cleaning and Maintenance for Long-Lasting Appeal
Even weatherproof metal art needs cleaning and maintenance to preserve its original appearance. Here’s how to care for common metals:
- Stainless Steel: Wipe down with a mild detergent and water to remove dust and dirt. For tougher stains, use a stainless-steel cleaner, which can also help protect against rust.
- Bronze and Copper: Clean using a soft cloth and a mixture of water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbing, as it can damage the surface.
- Mild Steel and Painted Surfaces: Gently scrub with a soft brush to remove dirt, then reapply a clear lacquer or wax sealant every few months.
Once again, it’s important to follow instructions in order not to harm yourself before using these options!
Seasonal Protection and Storage Options
Even though infinite outdoor placement is ideal for many pieces, seasonal storage might be an option if your piece is small enough to move.
One of the options is to cover your piece with a waterproof tarp during extreme winter conditions to protect it from snow and ice. Furthermore, this is also a good option for outdoor hanging metal art to protect it during extreme weather.
If your piece is of high-value, you can consider relocating it to a sheltered area to preserve its beauty and reduce the need for intensive maintenance.
Final Thoughts on How to Weatherproof Metal Art
There’s no doubt that outdoor metal art is a fantastic addition to any landscape. With our proper creation and your additional care, your outdoor pieces will withstand the changing seasons.
With our usage of proper metal the right way, applying protective coatings, and performing regular maintenance, your art will remain vibrant and resilient, no matter the weather. Whether it’s a weatherproof wall art, sculpture, or any other art piece, you will have no problems.
If you have an idea for an outdoor metal art, feel free to contact us to bring your art vision to life!