Here are three different methods for treating outdoor lighting, urns, and garden furniture made of cast iron. Many of our outdoor lamps, urns, garden furniture, and boot scrapers are either made of or contain cast iron. It's a durable and heavy material, stable in all weather conditions. Many of our cast iron products are treated with rust-protective oil and/or painted with a matte black finish. But is it really necessary to treat cast iron to prevent rust? The answer is somewhat nuanced...
Scraping Away Oxide:
Unlike steel, cast iron contains high carbon levels, preventing traditional rust. However, untreated cast iron sheds an oxide that resembles rust. Once you scrape or brush off this oxide, it doesn’t return, keeping the surface clean and attractive.
Letting Nature Take Its Course:
Alternatively, you can let nature take its course. After a few months, the process stabilizes, and the cast iron develops a protective, maintenance-free brown-black surface. However, during this process, be mindful of where you place the cast iron items, as rainwater and similar substances can be stained by the oxide, potentially discoloring surfaces like wooden decks or stone tiles.
Rust Protection:
A third option is to use rust-protective linseed oil paint or oil to prevent the oxidation process from starting. This method offers an extra layer of protection, particularly useful in environments where the natural patina process might be undesirable or could cause staining issues.
