Hello all! I am about to purchase a used (but well-maintained, no rust) wrought iron patio set; 1 main table, 4 chairs and 2 side tables. The set will sit out on my deck for the rest of spring and summer and I will store it in the garage in the winter.

What is the best way to protect my set? Do I need to rust proof it or anything? Is it OK to leave it out all spring and summer, even through rain? I just want to make sure this set doesn't go to crap on me within a year.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

You might consider buying (or even making) a cover for the set to be used when it rains. Eventually.. no matter what you do... some rust will appear. Metal patio furniture can easily be re-painted with "Rustoleum" type, oil base enamel.

You might consider buying (or even making) a cover for the set to be used when it rains. Eventually.. no matter what you do.... some rust will appear. Metal patio furniture can easily be re-painted with "Rustoleum" type, oil base enamel.

I am going to touch up with rustoleum this weekend. The set is in decent shape and just needs to be painted a little.