Care & Maintenance

Metal Finish Maintenance

Bronze & Copper:

• Hose lightly to remove dirt and dust and then wash with a mild automotive soap.
• Dry the container thoroughly with a soft cloth.
• Periodically apply 303 Aerospace Protectant, WD40 (light coating) or an automotive spray or paste wax to protect the finish.
• Lightly buff with clean cloth.

Stainless Steel:

• Hose lightly to remove dirt and dust and then wash with a mild automotive soap.
• Dry the container thoroughly.
• Periodically apply Turtle Wax Ice Premium Car Spray Wax or equivalent to protect the finish when water no longer beads up on surface.

Matte Black without sealer:

• Hose lightly to remove dirt and dust and then wash with a mild automotive soap.
• Dry the container thoroughly with a soft cloth.
• Periodically apply WD-40 to a cloth and apply evenly to the surface.
• Lightly buff with clean cloth.

Matte Black with sealer:

• Hose lightly to remove dirt and dust and then wash with a mild automotive soap.
• Dry the container thoroughly with a soft cloth.
• Periodically apply Turtle Wax Ice Premium Car Spray Wax or equivalent to protect the finish. Do not use WD-40 on finish.  

Painted Finish Maintenance

Shiny White/Bone/Brass/Coffee/Cobalt Blue/Oxblood/Sterling/Silver Matte White/ Grey/Terracotta:

• Hose lightly to remove dirt and dust and then wash with a mild automotive soap.
• Dry the container thoroughly with a soft cloth.
• Outdoor installation: apply automotive paste wax to seal paint. Periodically apply Turtle Wax Ice Premium Car Spray Wax or equivalent to protect the finish when water no longer beads up on surface.

Moving IAP Products

Careful handling, do not move the containers by pulling on the top lip.

Aging

Careful handling, do How will they age over time? Copper, Matte Black, bronze and Stainless Steel are constructed with metals fused to the fiberglass, therefore they will age naturally over time. Certain factors will affect the degree of change due to climate. For example, geographic areas with higher salinity will accelerate the patina of the bronze and copper finishes. Matte black and stainless will become more matte over time. A great way to slow the aging process is to apply a clear wax on the container you can use an automotive grade wax or a clear furniture polish, which will give you an additional moisture and UV barrier. Please note this will add a shine to your finish, so before applying to the finish apply in a small area that is not visible. The painted finishes are best suited for indoors and covered outdoor applications. Prolonged UV exposure will fade darker colors over time lighter colors will do better but will still fade eventually.not move the containers by pulling on the top lip.

How to repair IAP Products:

Rough handling can crack, scratch or chip fiberglass containers, please handle as carefully as possible. If damage has occurred, most can be repaired by applying fast drying epoxy resin that has been mixed with the appropriate metal powder (request from IAP) or color matched with acrylic paint. To repair large holes or sections fill with glass fibers or cloth fabric and apply polyurethane resin in layers until even, sanding lightly between layers. If you can not feel the scratch with your fingernail we recommend trying to first polish out with a metal polish like Flitz.  If you have the Bronze, Copper or Matte Black finish a clear wax or WD 40 will help blend out the damage.  For surface scratches you can feel with your finger nail it may be necessary to fill utilizing quick drying epoxy mixed with the corresponding metal powder (please request from IAP).  Contact IAP directly at info@iapsf.com if you need assistance with maintenance and repairs.