Product Care - Frames

Regular care and maintenance of your aluminum and steel frames is very important and exceptionally easy. Frequency of care will depend on the amount of use, exposure to the elements, and use conditions.

Cleaning

Wash or spray down the frames with clear water or a mild soap and water solution to remove dust, pollen, chemicals, salt water, dirt, etc. Do not use abrasive cleaners or power washers.

Maintenance

Apply a coat of clear liquid car wax at least once a year to maintain and protect the paint finish.

Coastal Environments

Product that is used in a coastal environment may experience additional demands on the surface finish due to the salt air. Clean away salt residue buildup and prevent oxidation by cleaning the product weekly or biweekly. Wax the finish quarterly to maintain a strong finish. If regular maintenance is not performed and the finish experiences blistering, the warranty on the finish would be void.

Storage

It is best to store furniture indoors or cover them with a breathable furniture cover. If the climate of your area experiences freezing conditions, do not store any product upside down. Moisture can accumulate and freeze in the frames, which can crack, distort, or break the frame tubing.

Powder Coating

Powder coating is a technique employed by Homecrest Outdoor Living for finishing metal frames. A powder-coated surface is durable and requires limited upkeep.

Frame Touch-ups

Follow this process if the finish is scratched or chipped. First, sand the affected area lightly with fine steel wool or 400-600 grit sandpaper for better paint adhesion, then wipe it clean. Cover adjacent areas to avoid overspray and, holding the can 8-10 inches away from the area, apply thin coats of paint. Allow ample time to dry between coats. Do not try to cover the area in one coat; this may result in paint running or a change in the surface texture or the gloss of the finish. Paint may be sprayed on a separate surface and applied using a small artist brush, if desired.

If you are working with a finish that consists of multiple colors, you may want to practice on a piece of cardboard or other material first. Apply the base coat first and allow to dry 3-5 minutes. Then, apply light spurts of the top color until the desired look is achieved. If the area becomes too light after the finish has dried, apply a light dusting of the base coat.

If corrosion has occured on steel products, treat the area with Loctite® Extend Rust Neutralizer or Naval Jelly® Rust Dissolver following manufacturer's instructions. Then continue with the touch-up process described above.

Tip: Contact your dealer for touch-up paint. Always store your touch-up paint upside down to avoid the nozzle from becoming plugged.