Over time, the metal and plastic elements in our gardens—whether railings, gates, benches, tables, chairs or decorative features—can suffer from exposure to the elements. Rust begins to form, paint starts to flake, UV rays dull plastics, and what once looked smart can start to bring down the overall appearance of your outdoor space.

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Surface
No matter the material, every job should begin with a thorough clean. Start by washing down the surfaces with a degreaser. Rustbuster Safer Degreaser is a great option, available in three strengths: a ready-to-use direct-application formula, and 50% or 100% concentrates if you want to mix a stronger solution yourself. Apply with a soft brush, agitate as needed, then rinse with clean water. It’s safe for plants and grass, so no need to worry about your garden.

If you're working with metal, now’s the time to get out the tools. Use a wire brush, abrasive pads, or a drill attachment for tougher areas. Rustbuster offers a wide range of surface preparation tools. The cleaner the surface, the better the new coatings will adhere. Once cleaned, use Rustbuster Panel Prep to remove any lingering contaminants—this ensures the following steps are as effective as possible.

Step 2: Neutralise Rust with FE-123 Rust Converter
If there’s still rust present but the metal is structurally sound, apply Rustbuster FE-123 Rust Converter. It chemically transforms rust into a stable black surface that’s ready to be painted. It’s perfect for areas where stripping back to bare metal isn’t practical.

Step 3: Protect the Metal with Armaguard Epoxy Mastic
Once the surface is dry and prepared, apply Rustbuster Armaguard Epoxy Mastic. This tough, corrosion-resistant coating is designed for harsh environments—more than capable of standing up to the British weather.

It can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed, and offers excellent coverage. Epoxy Mastic isn’t a temporary fix; it forms a long-term barrier that blocks out moisture and oxygen, the two main causes of corrosion.

Step 3a: Restore Faded Plastics with Polytrol
Plastic, GRP, and painted finishes often lose their colour and sheen after years of sun exposure. Polytrol Colour Restoring Oil is designed to revive that faded appearance. It penetrates the surface to re-wet the oxidised layer, restoring richness and depth. Use it on anything from plastic garden furniture to vehicle trims—just apply, leave to soak in, and wipe off the excess.

Step 4: Add a Decorative Topcoat (Optional)
For a more polished look or added UV protection, you can apply a decorative topcoat. Rustbuster products are compatible with most other manufacturers' coatings, but it’s always worth discussing your specific needs. We particularly recommend Rust-Oleum CombiColour for garden furniture—it’s tough and attractive.

Why Choose Rustbuster?
At www.Rust.co.uk, Rustbuster offers professional-grade rustproofing and restoration solutions trusted across the automotive and marine sectors for over 25 years. Their coatings are designed to perform in the toughest environments—making them ideal for restoring garden metalwork where both resilience and appearance matter.

Conclusion
Restoring garden metal or plastic doesn’t need to be a daunting task. With the right products and a bit of effort, tired garden fixtures can be brought back to life and protected for years to come. Whether it’s a rusty gate or faded patio furniture, choosing a quality treatment will make all the difference.