Metal wall art have always been interesting additions to any home. With their interesting colors and different textures, they can easily provide color to a seemingly dull and lifeless room. They are also the best choice because they are not only durable but they are also much cheaper than paintings, sculptures and other works of art.
Despite those characteristics, a lot of people are afraid of them because they are known to accumulate rust. Some homeowners simply want to avoid the possibility of having old and rusty decors hanging on their walls. However, what they fail to realize is that rust only develops if they let it to. With proper care and maintenance, metal decors and furniture in general can last years or maybe even decades.
What exactly can you do to care for them? Here are but a few but effective tips.
1.Be diligent enough in checking your decors at least once every two weeks. Doing this can help you determine if your decors need some thorough cleaning or repair. If you notice that the paint is chipping, immediately repair it by dabbing a few touches of paint on the exposed part.
2.If during your routine checks you found that your décor has accumulated rust, you can remove it by applying a commercial rust remover or a concoction of lemon juice and baking soda.
Should you decide on using a commercial rust remover, make sure that you take all the necessary precautionary measures as commercial rust removers are notoriously known for being toxic.
3.Maintain your metal wall grilles squeaky clean with the use of a trusty sponge and a mild dishwashing liquid. A mild dishwashing detergent is best because it does not leave any white residue on the surface of your décor.
Yes, it is ok to get them wet as long as you make sure that they are completely dry before you even attempt on hanging them again. In addition, refrain from using a scouring pad or any brushes with hard bristles as these may leave scratches on the metal.
In between thorough cleaning, make it a point to keep your decors dust free with the use of feather dusters or vacuums as necessary.
4.As much as possible, do not hang your metal décor outside the home, or in places where they are susceptible to moisture or direct sunlight. This is important because high moisture level increases the susceptibility of the metal to rust and direct sunlight can speed up the fading of paint that covers the décor.
If you plan to use metal decors outside, make sure that you pick items that are weather and water resistant. You can find the information that you need on the labels of the items themselves.
5.In cases of broken or detached details such as vines, leaves or flowers, it will be best to have these repaired by a “metal professional”. Sure, compared to welding, the application of super glue can be a quicker and cheaper fix, but that quick solution may not last that long.
By: Andrew Dalton
Posts Tagged ‘Decors’
Six Common Methods of Rustproofing Iron Wall Art Decors
December 30th, 2009Since its discovery, iron has been used for a variety of purposes. Usually it is used as a construction material. In addition, iron, due its malleability and strength, is used as a medium for decorations and art pieces. For example, it can be used as a decorative divider for homes that aim to have a Victorian feel. In many houses, iron grilles provide a point of interest as well as a security measure on windows. Some properties also have decorative lawn furniture that is made of iron.
Indeed, iron is sturdy and tough. However, iron always rusts. Rust is actually the number one enemy of all things made of iron. The length of time of rusting depends on the kind of iron. Aluminum and stainless steel rust slower because the rust itself provides a protective passive coating for the material. Steel, on the other hand, rusts rapidly. A day or two out in the open and a coating of rust shows on many steel pieces.
Rust itself is an oxide, which is a reddish brown substance that is made when properties in iron reacts to moisture. Rust is extremely corrosive. Left untreated, all iron in a piece will eventually disintegrate. Rust can be removed, but it is tough and takes many hours.
Rust also destroys the visual appeal of a decorative object, say an iron wall art décor. That is why people who make or collect such art make sure that these decorations are rustproofed before they are displayed. Ways to rustproof iron pieces range from simple to complex.
1. Galvanizing is a traditional method of preventing or lessening rust buildup. The object to be protected is treated with an application of hot-dripped or electroplated zinc. Galvanizing is popular because it does not cost much, it adheres well to steel, and provides cathodic protection to the surface if the zinc layer is damaged. Cadmium or aluminum instead of zinc is used in more corrosive environments.
2. Bluing is a passivation technique used to prevent rust corrosion although it offers less resistance to rust than galvanization or electroplating. However bluing is very much preferred on smaller steel items such as pewter figures. Bluing makes use of blued steel; however, the metal still needs to be coated with oil to prevent water from attacking the steel.
3. Applying primer and rust resistant paints are effective ways of rustproofing. A primer and rust resistant paint acts as an immediate buffer between the iron surface and the outside environment. These are very effective for large pieces of iron wall art decors.
4. Slushing oil that is normally used on cars and ships can also be used as a rustproofing material for art pieces. Slushing oil is waxed-based material that is injected into the surface.
5. Enclosing the metal with a non-rusting material such as transparent cling wrap or a glass encasement also prevents rust by not allowing the metal to oxidize with air.
6. Another way is to place the piece away from environments that are conducive to rusting. For example, place the piece away from areas with high humidity or with high salinity such as near the sea.
By: Alyssa Davis
How to Give Your Walls the Southwestern Flavor
December 24th, 2009The desert is very much part of the countries down south. Many people might not appreciate living in this place. Places like Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and other states in this region still have rich cultures that we can try to get to know. If you look at it, people in this region are very gifted with hand crafted items and accessories. On top of that, people are adventurous, mysterious and warm just like how their desert can be. Their lives are laid back and simple which are things that many people want to have. The beauty of the Southwestern Culture has inspired a lot of people. No matter what their beliefs and practices may be or even how different it is from others, theirs is a unique blend. No matter how arid their lands may be or dry their climate is their way of living has inspired many designers to create a theme out of it. What you have read above is just an eye view of what is all about. The beauty of their practices has lead to inspire many architects and interior designs. Understanding what their culture is about and injecting the meaning of it in to different interior designs, has added to the many wonderful options people can choose from into making their homes a better one. Southwestern wall art is one of the many contributions of their culture to our daily living. Many artists are compelled to create various accessories that you use to hang on the walls of your homes. These decors are anything that you can find in the desert and anything that you can relate to your culture. Metal works of various creatures like iguanas, lizards, and the bear are very notorious as an inspiration for this modern works. Different collections of paintings showing the beauty of their vintage pots and vases give great colors that can also be used in Tuscan or Mediterranean themes. Blankets and quilts attached to hangers simply to make the walls covered with great colors and patterns giving us a Hispanic setting. They have one of the greatest weaved materials that you can use to complete your southwestern theme. Their items involve a lot of colors and textures that can simply remind you how the desert looks like in a hot afternoon. It is often times blended with colors that can clearly show the personalities of various people in this region. A touch of red, yellow, tan, green and other pastel colors and can fill your walls; giving a natural look derived from the natural elements in the South. It is a definite that southwestern wall art can really spice up your walls and make them even more attractive than they should be. Having them as part of your decors can remind you of the warm sun and the stillness of the desert. It also gives you a taste of beauty that can naturally come from simple things. This is one inspiring culture that it has contributed in making many good home designs all throughout the world.
