How to keep your metal pieces looking their best
Simple tips for preserving beauty and value over time
At BELT, we design and craft luxury metalwork that’s made to last, both structurally and aesthetically.
No matter the metal or the finish, proper care ensures it retains its value, character, and visual impact over time.
These expert tips apply to both indoor and outdoor architectural metalwork.
With just a few thoughtful steps, you can help preserve the integrity and beauty of your pieces for years to come.
Keep it clean, but be gentle:
Over time, airborne contaminants such as dust, moisture, pollen, and pollution settle on metal surfaces. While invisible at first, these layers can dull finishes, accelerate oxidation, or compromise protective coatings.
Best practices:
For routine upkeep, simply use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust.
When a more thorough cleaning is needed, use a cloth slightly dampened with clean, lukewarm water. Gently wipe down the surface without applying excessive pressure.
Avoid abrasive pads, steel wool, or commercial cleaners that contain ammonia, bleach, or solvents—these can damage painted surfaces, lacquered finishes, and especially hand-applied patinas.
Always dry the metal thoroughly after cleaning, especially around joints or recesses where moisture can linger.
Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule not only enhances visual appeal but also preserves the integrity of custom finishes over time.
Avoid Excessive Moisture
While our exterior metalwork is engineered to endure environmental stress such as sunlight, humidity, rain, and even salt-laden air and consistent exposure without care can accelerate corrosion or surface degradation.
Best practices:
After any contact with water (cleaning, rainfall, irrigation systems), thoroughly dry the surface to prevent standing moisture.
Ensure nearby materials (stone, wood, stucco) aren’t trapping moisture against the metal.
In coastal or tropical environments, rinse exterior metalwork with fresh water once every few weeks to remove salt deposits, and then dry fully.
Proper water management is key in preserving even the most resilient finishes.
Protect from Impact and Friction
Metal is strong, but not indestructible.
Repeated contact from furniture, tools, or landscaping equipment can abrade delicate details or wear down protective coatings.
Best practices:
Avoid placing planters, garden hoses, or furniture directly against metal elements.
Be mindful when trimming hedges or using power tools near decorative ironwork or sculptural elements.
Monitor for Subtle Changes
Metal surfaces, especially those finished with custom patinas, develop character over time. Some evolution is part of their beauty. But not all changes are benign.
What to look for:
Natural aging: Soft shifts in tone or matte surfaces becoming slightly more polished in areas of frequent touch.
Warning signs: Orange rust spots, greenish oxidation, bubbling paint, flaking finishes, or oily-looking dark stains. These may indicate underlying structural issues or failed protective layers.
Perform seasonal visual inspections, ideally in good daylight. Early detection allows for simple, non-invasive interventions before larger issues emerge. This kind of attentive observation helps extend the lifespan of even the most exposed exterior installations.
Trust the Experts
Each of our finishes is individually developed and often hand-applied using techniques that are difficult to replicate. Attempting to restore or touch up these surfaces without specialized knowledge often results in irreversible damage.
What to avoid:
DIY rust removers, metal polishes, or touch-up paints from hardware stores.
Power washing or aggressive scrubbing.
Applying waxes or sealants without verifying their compatibility with the original finish.
We offer expert services to ensure your metalwork remains exactly as it should be: authentic, enduring, and in pristine condition. From custom installations and tailored maintenance plans to precision restoration, our team brings deep knowledge and refined technique to every project.
We offer expert services to ensure your metalwork remains exactly as it should be: Authentic, enduring, and in pristine condition. From custom installations and tailored maintenance plans to precision restoration, our team brings deep knowledge and refined technique to every project.