A metal fence can make a home look stately while also adding security to your property, and metal outdoor furniture is very durable and built to last for many years. However, metal can eventually corrode and show signs of rust and other damage, especially if you don't know how to maintain the material properly. Note a few tips for keeping your metal items safe and in good repair on your property.

Don't abuse it

Metal is very durable, but rust usually sets in along areas of chips and dings where protective coating has been scratched off and the metal itself is exposed to water and air. If you've ever dented your car and noticed rust forming in that area of the car's body, you understand this risk. To help protect your metal fence and furniture, don't abuse them; for example, dragging chairs across a concrete driveway can scrape off the protective coating and expose the metal. Hitting your fence with sports balls or leaning bikes and other items against it can do the same. Avoid this abuse to keep the metal protected.

Address damage quickly

When metal is dented or dinged and the protective coating is chipped off, remember that rust doesn't form right away but it can form quickly. If you address damage quickly, you can often protect the surface of the metal very easily. Use a fine grit sandpaper to remove chipped paint and prepare the metal for repainting. Before applying paint, use a primer meant for the type of metal used for your fence or furniture. You also want to ensure that you use paint meant for metal; never use an interior paint meant for walls and other such surfaces.

Have the powder coating reapplied

Metal fences and furniture pieces usually go through powder coating; this is a type of paint colour that goes on as a powder and which is then adhered to the surface with an electrical shock. This keeps the coating attached to the metal but, as said above, it can chip and flake if you abuse or damage the metal surface. It can also eventually wear away due to exposure. It's good to inspect your furniture and fence every year to note if there are areas where the coating has come off; even if it seems in good condition, you might consider having your fence and furniture recoated every year or every few years. This can ensure that the metal under the coating is protected and your fence and furniture will always look like new.