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Metal is easily affected by both air and moisture, so it’s especially tough to maintain metal furniture in Singapore’s hot and humid weather. As a general rule of thumb, you can prevent rusting of your metal furniture or parts by giving them a coat of car paste wax. You can find it in hardware shops and petrol stations. It’ll provide a barrier between the metal and the air’s moisture.
Otherwise, here are some of best ways to maintain metal furniture or surfaces in mint condition.
Aluminium Furniture
Aluminium doesn’t rust, but it can discolour and develop a rough surface through oxidation. If your aluminium furniture or surface is only mildly discoloured, wash with a mixture of soap, water and lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice will help keep your aluminium shiny. If the surface is a bit rough, polish it with a steel-wool pot cleaner soaked in soapy water.
The guest bathroom makes a strong bucolic statement with cement and pebble flooring, Balinese tiles and copper sink.
Copper Furniture
If your copper furniture or surface has tarnished and looks dull, apply acidic liquids such as vinegar or lemon. To remove grime, rub a mixture of salt and vinegar on the surface. Remember to rinse with water and then polish the surface with a soft, dry cloth.
Cast iron furniture
Furniture made from cast iron is extremely durable, but will rust easily if the protective surface is broken. Use sandpaper to remove the small rust spots or a rust remover from hardware stores. Then, seal the surface with paint, a rust protector or a sealant. It is advisable to cover outdoors cast-iron furniture pieces with a plastic cover to protect them from rain.
The stainless steel kitchen countertops and backsplash are easy to clean and maintain. The position of the stove was fixed due to geomancy reasons.
Stainless steel furniture
Stainless steel is the easiest type of metal furniture to care for, stainless steel requires you to wipe its surface with only a damp cloth and a touch of detergent.
Flaking paint on metal furniture
If it is just a tiny area of flaking paint on metal furniture that needs a touch-up, use nail polish of the same colour on the spot. But if it’s noticeable, scrape away and apply a metal primer followed by your colour of choice.
"The homeowner loved the blue wall in our showroom so much, that she wanted one of her own in her city apartment in Newton. This formed our inspiration, together with the beautiful black & white canvases she brought from Australia. The result is a trendy, urban apartment for young people to relax in and entertain."
Restore metal furniture
Since the industrial and vintage looks are trendy, and there is a great focus on sustainability, you should give your old metal furniture pieces (such as cabinets or chairs) a new lease of life. Especially if the piece is vintage, it is a real treasure that you shouldn't alter or over-restore. Don't paint it, as the interesting metal patina (the colour change caused by oxidisation) would be lost under the new paint.
Just rub off the worst patches of rust gently with a fine-grade sandpaper. Next, apply a clear metal sealer as a top coat to stop the rusting and oxidisation process. The staff at major DIY stores should be able to advise you. Finally, find a way to use it in a manner that plays up its history, or use it in a different way.
If it's an office drawer cabinet, display it in your living room, using it to hold books and family photos. Continue the heritage theme by accessorising this corner with vintage-style accessories and slightly "battered" or distressed furniture.