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The word “wrought” can be defined as “bent or twisted,” which sounds rather sinister at first glance. When combined with the word “iron” however, wrought iron becomes the epitome of complex and elegant designs that make bistro patio furniture one of the first choices for decorating an outside recreation or entertaining space.

Wrought iron is a type of iron that has been heated and purified to rid it of all impurities to make it malleable for shaping. Because of its manufacturing technique, wrought iron resists corrosion once it’s painted, making it an ideal material for outdoor decoration and equipment. It’s no surprise that this worthy metal is used in chairs, tables, bistro sets, love seats and more for outdoor uses.

What’s more, wrought iron bistro patio furniture evokes a sense of European culture and romance. It’s hard to imagine the cafés of Paris without rows of wrought iron tables and chairs on their terraces. The charming seaside eateries along the Riviera or the bistros along Rome’s winding streets are filled with these sets topped with umbrellas to shade diners from the bright sun. This type of furniture seems to invite relaxation and conviviality, and it never goes out of style.

Bistro Patio Furniture Looks Great In Wrought Iron

Many decorators and homeowners today are rediscovering the elegance of bistro patio furniture crafted in wrought iron. Its beauty is matched by its durability, since well-kept wrought iron will give years of almost maintenance-free enjoyment.

To keep bistro patio furniture in wrought iron as lovely as when it was purchased, it’s best to learn how to maintain it properly. For instance, always wash your furniture in warm, soapy water and rinse well. A good cleaning in fall and spring are usually enough to maintain the set, although it may need another washing whenever spills occur. Most manufacturers make the finish highly resistant to things like sunscreens, suntan lotions and insect repellents. However, should discoloration appear, lightly sand the spot with fine-grained sandpaper and touch up the paint.

In fact, it’s a good idea always to touch up the paint whenever it gets nicked. Apply the paint in thin coats and allow to dry between coats. Wrought iron is tough, but any kind of metal exposed to air and humidity can corrode. You can hold off the forces of oxidation by keep its protective covering in good repair.

The protective finishes applied by the manufacturer generally will protect your wrought iron bistro patio furniture from rusting. If some oxidation should happen, wash the spot with soap and warm water, sand it lightly, and then wipe down with a clean, soft cloth to avoid scratches. Once dry, paint that spot. If the paint resists sticking to the wrought iron, you may need use a fine steel wool to sand it first.

You can keep up the gloss on wrought iron patio furniture that doesn’t have a textured surface by protecting it with a coat of automotive wax. If the wrought iron is textured, then shine it up with mineral oil several times during the season (auto wax would stick in the valleys of the texture and dull the surface).

A little tender, loving care will keep bistro patio furniture in wrought iron the showpiece of your garden.