If you have metal furniture in your yard, you’ve no doubt had issues with rust, flaking paint, and dull finishes. But with a little bit of maintenance, you can prevent these problems and bring your furniture back to life.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about waxing outdoor metal furniture to protect it. You will also find a list of my top recommended products for the job.
Can You Wax Outdoor Metal Furniture?
Yes, if you have outdoor metal furniture in your yard, it’s a good idea to wax it on a regular basis. If you clean the furniture properly first and then wax it, you can keep it in good condition for longer.
What Does Wax Do to Outdoor Metal Furniture?
Applying wax to your metal furniture helps to protect it from the elements. Over time, the paint will flake off and the metal will start to rust. If you don’t prevent this, the furniture could become irreparably damaged. The wax creates a barrier to stop oxygen and moisture coming into contact with the metal, so it does not rust.
Wax can also improve the appearance of metal furniture. It smooths over any blemishes and gives the whole piece a nice sheen. So, regular waxing is essential if you want your furniture to look good and last a long time.
Are there Any Types of Metal Patio Furniture to Avoid Using Wax on?
Paste wax should work fine on all types of metal as it simply creates a coating over the top and protects it. It will work on painted metal as well as bare surfaces without any trouble. It is best to avoid using wax on furniture that has a very detailed patterned surface because the wax doesn’t always coat all of the small nooks and crannies properly.
You may be better off using a liquid wax in this case, or looking into alternative metal coatings that can be used as an aerosol spray. Many paste waxes are also not suitable for use on plated metals.
Clean Your Metal Patio Furniture Before Adding Wax
Before you wax your furniture, it’s crucial that you clean it properly. If you leave spots of rust on there and wax over the top, you haven’t solved the problem, you have just locked the rust in. But if you remove all of the rust and oxidation first and then wax it, you can stop the furniture from degrading any further.
You can use rejuvenate wipes to easily clean up and bring old metal back to life. The microfiber cloths quickly strip back the surface layer, leaving the clean metal underneath, ready to be protected with your wax.
Alternatively, if the furniture is in a very bad way, you can try some aluminum restoration cleaning solution instead. You just need to wipe it over the surface with a cloth and it will remove all of the rust and grime, leaving the metal nice and shiny.
When you have properly cleaned your metal furniture and it looks as good as new, you can then apply some wax to protect it.
10 Best Paste Waxes for Outdoor Metal Furniture
The best paste wax for your furniture is actually car wax. The wax that you use to protect your car from the elements is usually natural carnauba wax or a synthetic alternative. These are some of the best paste waxes to use on your furniture.
1. Rolite Metal Polish Paste 
Rolite Metal Polish Paste is a multipurpose polish and protective wax that is suitable for use on most metals. It works on painted and bare metal surfaces, so it should work fine on any furniture that you have.
To apply, simply rub it into the surface with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion until you have an even coating over the metal. As well as protecting your furniture, it will actually remove stubborn stains on the metal and clean it up nicely. So, if you have old metal furniture in your yard that has seen better days, this is a good product to help you bring it back to life.
The other great thing about Rolite Metal Polish Paste is that it is made from eco-friendly ingredients with none of the harsh chemicals that you often find in other paste waxes.
2. Collinite No. 845 Metal Wax
The Collinite No. 845 Metal Wax is another excellent 2-in-1 product that cleans and protects the metal at the same time. You still need to give the furniture a quick clean beforehand but the wax will do most of the hard work.
It is designed for boats and other vehicles, so it gives you robust protection against moisture. You can use it on most types of metal, making it ideal for outdoor furniture. Compared with other waxes, you get an excellent shine from this wax.
Application with a cloth is very easy and it comes off very well. Some waxes require a lot of elbow grease and it takes a while to rub them out and get a nice shine. But Collinite goes on and off quickly, with great results.
3. Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell Paste Wax
Turtle Wax is one of the best known wax brands out there and their Super Hard Shell Paste Wax is brilliant for protecting outdoor metal furniture. The protective layer is, as the name suggests, harder than other wax products on the market.
It also gives you great UV protection, so if you have painted furniture, it will stop it from fading in the sun. The wax lasts 12 months before it needs to be reapplied too, which is longer than other waxes.
Turtle Wax takes out scratches very well too, so it’s good for old metal furniture. Although Turtle Wax isn’t the cheapest option out there, it performs brilliantly and gives long lasting protection, so you don’t need to reapply as often.
4. Chemical Guys Heavy Metal Polish Restorer and Protectant
If you have neglected your outdoor metal furniture and it is very rusty, try some Chemical Guys Heavy Metal Polish Restorer and Protectant. This is a heavy-duty metal cleaner and protective product that is tougher than your average paste wax. It can easily scrub away thick rust and it will also remove stains and grit that dull the surface, leaving your furniture with a nice shine.
It does seal the metal with protective polymers as well as cleaning it, but the protection isn’t as strong as what you would get with a hard wax. This is a good way to bring furniture back to life and then when it comes time to reapply the protective wax, you can use a different product.
5. Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Patent-Pending Graphene Paste Wax
Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Paste Wax is a revolutionary new type of wax that contains ceramic and graphene elements that are still yet to be patented. It is actually a blend of 10 different waxes with ceramic and graphene to give an excellent shine and prevent swirling and marks when you take it off. The result is one of the easiest paste waxes to use.
Application is quick and easy and the protective barrier is incredibly robust. The water will bead up and roll off easily, so the metal furniture underneath won’t rust at all.
Often, when companies come out with a new product that uses “revolutionary technology”, it’s more of a gimmick, but that isn’t the case here. This is probably one of the best paste waxes money can buy.
6. Flitz International Multi Purpose Metal Polish
Flitz International Multi Purpose Metal Polish is a simple, no-frills product that does exactly what it promises to do. It’s designed for use on any kind of metal and even though it doesn’t have any fancy graphene technology, it still gets the job done. It’s an industrial-strength polish but it’s also gentle enough to be used on everyday objects, so it’s ideal for your outdoor metal furniture.
The biggest downside to this product is that it’s messier to use and it takes a bit of buffing to get a good shine. Start by applying the wax and rubbing it over the area, then leave it for a few minutes before rubbing it off with a microfiber cloth. If you persist with it, you will eventually get a nice finish, just don’t expect it to be as quick and easy as some other products.
7. Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Paste Wax
Carnauba wax is one of the best natural waxes for metal and it’s often used for cars. Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Paste Wax is designed for cars but it’s excellent on all painted metals. It contains natural carnauba wax with added polymers to create a stronger protective layer and give a nice sheen.
It’s specifically formulated to work well on high gloss finishes, so if you have furniture painted with gloss paint, this is a good choice.
The wax comes with its own sponge applicator, which you should use to get an even coverage and a better finish. This product is also available as a liquid wax if you have very detailed furniture that is difficult to finish with a solid wax.
8. Formula 1 Carnauba High-Gloss Shine Car Wax Paste
This Formula 1 Car Wax Paste is another excellent carnauba-based wax. The added micro-polishers will buff out any small scratches and imperfections and the wax gives a nice shine and protects against the elements. A quick coat of this wax will leave your furniture looking brand new.
For the best results, you need to give time for the surface to absorb the wax before you buff it off. If you wipe away a small section with your finger and it is completely clear underneath, that means it’s ready to buff. If not, leave it a little longer.
Compared with other waxes, this one can be a little expensive but it’s a high-performing wax that matches up to some of the big brands like Turtle Wax.
9. Simoniz Original Paste Wax
Simoniz Original Paste Wax is a very basic paste wax product, but it’s incredibly effective. This is what a lot of old car enthusiasts would call a “proper wax.” It is a simple formula without a lot of the added extras that you get in newer products, but it will still shine and protect your metal furniture beautifully.
It goes on well with a microfiber cloth and the protection is excellent but it does need a bit of effort to wipe off. However, if you get a spray bottle with some water and give it a slight mist, that does make it easier to bring up.
If you want a no-nonsense, traditional wax product for your outdoor furniture, go for Simoniz Original Paste Wax.
10. Meguiar’s Cleaner Wax
Meguiar’s Cleaner Wax is a 3-in-1 product that cleans, polishes, and protects the surface at the same time. It has conditioning oils added too, to improve the glossy shine you get, and it will cover over any small scratches too. This gives you the same finish that the standard Meguiar’s Wax does, but if your furniture has seen better days, it gives you that extra clean and polish you need to bring it back to life.
This product is actually cheaper than the Meguiar’s Gold Wax, even though it performs just as well and also cleans at the same time. So, out of the two, you may as well opt for this one.
Why Not to Use Furniture Wax on Metal Patio Furniture?
Furniture wax is designed for wood surfaces and it’s not the same as paste wax. If you use normal furniture wax on metal furniture, it may not give you the nice finish that you’re looking for. Also, a lot of furniture wax is intended to be used inside, so it doesn’t give you a solid protective barrier against the rain.
It might protect from spills and splashes, but it won’t hold up under heavy rain. If you go with a good quality metal paste wax, you can ensure that your outdoor furniture is properly protected.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor metal furniture will last much longer and look far better with a regular coat of wax. Car waxes are the best choice and you can’t go far wrong with top brands like Turtle Wax. However, basic products like Simoniz Paste Wax get the job done too. The most important thing is that you take the time to clean the furniture and apply the wax properly, rubbing it in to get that amazing shiny finish.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.