44056

Cast iron garden statue is beginning to rust [North Carolina] 

February 16, 2007

I just bought what I think is a cast iron statue with a powdery blue finish. It does not look painted. I have not taken it out side but had it in the garage where moisture has gotten to it. It is starting to rust and I do not want it to rust. I like the color and finish that it has, but feel I must do something to it before the rust spreads. I actaully bought it to put in the yard, but will not so until I know it is protected. I don't know enough about the finishes of cast iron to know what to do to prevent the rusting and hopefully preserve the finish

Virginia Cornell
home owner - Jamestown, NC

The blue finish is probably a thin coating of a metallic patina. I think it's probably beautiful but delicate. I don't think such a finish is made for outdoors. Cast iron that is to be outside without rust probably requires paint. But you could try a simple clear coat like 2 or 3 thin layers of Krylon clear spray and it might last a couple of seasons before you have to paint it.

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ