Questions & Answers About Our Garden Furniture Restoration
Restoring metal and wood garden furniture raises a lot of the same questions, whether it’s a treasured Victorian cast iron bench, a tired patio set, or a garden gate that’s seen better days. Below we’ve answered some of the questions we’re asked most often about the restoration process, what’s involved, and what to expect.
Garden Furniture Restoration — Questions & Answers
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, get in touch — we’re always happy to talk through your project and give advice specific to your item.
What types of garden furniture can you restore? We restore a wide range of garden metal furniture, including cast iron benches and tables, garden chairs, gates and railings, garden features and ornaments, and patio sets, alongside wood renovation work on items like slatted benches.
Is it worth restoring old garden furniture instead of buying new? Restoring garden furniture is often more cost-effective than replacing it, particularly for well-made cast iron or quality metal pieces, and it’s a far greener option than sending furniture to landfill and buying new.
How long does a restored finish typically last? The estimated life of our protective powder coating finishes is around 20 years, offering long-lasting protection against the elements well beyond what a re-paint or basic refurbishment would achieve.
What does the restoration process involve? Restoration typically starts with careful preparation, such as shot blasting to remove old paint, rust and weathering, followed by a durable powder-coated finish, giving furniture a smooth, hard-wearing surface and a “factory look” finish.
Can you restore Victorian or antique cast iron furniture? Yes, we regularly restore Victorian and antique cast iron furniture, taking care with pieces that are too beautiful or sentimental to replace, and returning them to their classic appearance with modern protective coatings.
What colours are available for powder coated garden furniture? A wide range of colours are available beyond basic black, white, or green, including popular options like RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey and gloss black, as well as unique finishes such as transparent copper and wood-grain effects.
Do you offer wood restoration as well as metal restoration? Yes, we have a fully equipped wood workshop and the resources to replace and finish all types of exterior wood, giving garden benches and furniture with wooden elements a “New Look Factory Finish” alongside any metal restoration.
Can rusted or heavily weathered furniture still be restored? In most cases, yes — even furniture that looks weathered, rusted, or structurally tired can usually be restored, since shot blasting removes years of old paint and rust to create a clean surface ready for a fresh, protective finish.
Do you restore garden gates and railings as well as furniture? Yes, we restore garden gates and posts alongside furniture, typically finishing them in durable powder-coated colours such as classic gloss black for a timeless, long-lasting result.
Can you create custom or bespoke garden features from metal items? Yes, alongside standard furniture restoration we also work on bespoke garden furniture and unique garden features, including treasured or sentimental items that can be transformed into a standout feature for a garden.
How do I get a quote for restoring my garden furniture? You can request a quote by getting in touch with your item details and location, and our team will be happy to advise on the restoration process and likely cost for your specific piece.
Do you offer a collection and delivery service? For details on collection and delivery arrangements for your specific item, it’s best to get in touch directly so we can advise based on the size, weight, and location of your furniture.
What’s the benefit of powder coating over traditional paint for garden furniture? Powder coating provides a smooth, hard-wearing finish with long-lasting protection against the elements, generally outlasting traditional paint finishes and helping furniture keep its appearance for many years.
Can garden swing chairs and larger structures be restored? Yes, larger structures such as garden swing chairs can be professionally restored, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to replacing weathered, rusted, or structurally tired outdoor seating.
Who carries out the restoration work? Garden Metal Rescue is run by Maldon Shotblasting & Powder Coating Ltd (MSBPCL), based in Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, specialising in restoring and protecting garden furniture using the same expertise applied across their wider blasting and coating services.