Metal Decor At Home Can Be Preserved From Wearing Down

New Delhi: metal furniture can transform any space. However, no matter how good the quality of a decorative element may be, it does not always withstand changing weather conditions and increasing levels of indoor pollution. This is especially true for metal decorations and accessories, which are very durable, but often rust and scratch.

Whether it's rustic wood frames, silver plated service, handcrafted cast mirrors or metal displays and collectibles; It's hard to resist some exclusive items, especially if they are part of our homes. They are objects that must be handled with extreme care.

Palash Aggarwal, founder and chief designer, Vedas Exports, talks about different ways to care for metal products and protect them from wear and tear so you can enjoy them for years while keeping them as close to their original condition as possible. .

Paint metal figures with powder paint.

Powder coating techniques have effectively replaced traditional painting methods. That's because powder-coated coatings are thicker, stronger, and tougher than conventional coatings. Powder coating involves applying well-hardened, dry pigment powder to metal products, which is applied with a powder coating gun. After the product is powder coated, it can be exposed to heat to extend its life. If you apply a coat of primer first (in powder coating form), your metal work is sure to stand up to corrosion and tarnishing in the long run.

Choose a professional cleaner

If your decorative items have been stored in largely unattended storage, they may have a thick layer of rust that is not easy to remove. For stubborn rust stains like these, a commercial rust remover can help. These cleaners are available in liquid or gel form and can instantly dissolve rust on decorative metal objects. Regardless of the nature of the product, precautions such as wearing gloves and a mask are recommended when handling, as they contain harsh and toxic chemicals.

Apply a small amount of clear varnish

This widely recommended method is used to protect works of art, especially items that have been exposed to excessive sunlight or moisture. The colorless finish works best for decorative metal items with a powder coat; Provides added protection from acids, UV rays, rain, mold and chlorine. The advantage is that the clear coat is pigment-free and transparent and can be easily applied to metallic materials and paint coatings. However, keep in mind that the clear coat will need to be repainted from time to time, without it the artwork will rust within months.

Try a UV protection spray

Most of us think that UV protection sprays are for protecting our skin and hair, but now you can also use them to protect your metal decorations. While the metal itself is unaffected by harmful UV rays because its free electrons absorb light, the paint covering the material can fade, change color, and crack. This is where UV protection sprays help, extending the life of decorative items.

Use sandpaper to remove rust

If you don't want to use harsh chemicals on your work, try sanding the surface until the bare metal is exposed. You can try sandpaper with a finer grit from 24 to 80. If the item is still rusty, use a coarser grit to remove the rust and get a smooth surface. If you're unsure about hand sanding, get a power sander to speed up the process. If you see flaking rust or peeling paint, clean them off with a wire brush before sanding.

With some of these treatments, you can protect your precious metal jewelery from rust and extend its life for several years. But remember to repeat either of these processes at least once or twice a year to maintain the look and quality of your home decor items for years to come. We assure you that the extra effort will not be wasted!