8 easiest ways to prevent the metal urn from being rust

The rusted metal urn planters have a distinctive rusty feature that many individuals desire, but not all share the same aesthetic. Many people assume it's such a nuisance, and it detracts from the elegance of their ornament. Therefore, through today's article, we'll show how to prevent the rust phenomenon and keep your decorations as shiny as new.

The natural, old, rusty surfaces have gained so much love from many vintage holics, but it is not for everyone. Many modern individuals want to get rid of this patina hint and are struggling with it because removing this plaque is not pleasant at all.

So, let us show you how to prevent and remove it!

1. Stainless steel planter

"Prevention is better than cure"

Indeed, before you even think of removing the rust, you should consider using a rust-resistant planter in the first place.

This will keep your planter in good shape for a long time, and your plant will not be affected by potting impurities. However, rare manufacturers make this kind of planter; typically, you have to order it custom-made, and it could be quite costly.

Nevertheless, you will get what you pay for. With the addition of approximately 12% of chromium components, we have the well-known stainless steels. This chromium creates a thin, chemically stable, and passive oxide film that helps the metal heals itself when exposed to oxygen.

In simple words, the stainless steel flower pot is exceptionally resistant to corrosion and rust, and you can use it with complete peace of mind.

2.  Galvanized metal planter

Currently, every galvanized planter on the market is designed with a coating layer, most often zinc, to protect the underneath surface from environmental impacts and enhance the product's appearance.

However, everything has its advantages and limitations. Since zinc can infiltrate the soil and adversely affect your agricultural products, we do not suggest using this planter for fruit and vegetable cultivation.

But suppose you are still pleased to use this pot for vegetable growing purposes. In that case, you can grow your plant in a pot made of another material, such as terracotta, plastic, or fiber, and place it as a disguise inside the galvanized metal. This way, the soil quality can be assured and is also highly aesthetically appealing.

It is also worth noting that you should be careful when moving or touching them because when this protective layer is stripped off, rust can instantly occur.

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3.  Inner pot

The interaction between the metal surface and water is the chief cause that contributes to rusting. As mentioned above, water will seep into the soil as you water your plants, and a certain amount of water will reach the pot's surface, both inside and out.

Same technique as the galvanized and metal planters, you should place your plant in another pot made of different material and use the metal pot as the cover.

Doing this will help prevent the inside of the pot from contact with water. Hence, it reduces the chances of rusting and keeps your planter as shiny as new.

But you will need to be extra careful when watering the plants so as not to splash the water on the outer metal pot or take the main pot to water separately and then put it back in afterward.

4. Powder-coated planter

Urn planter with powder coating

Pots for plants with powder coating is just as hard to find as those made of stainless steel.

For your own sake, you can purchase regular metal plant pots and apply the powder coating yourself.

Special powder coatings are manufactured from materials such as acrylic, polyester, nylon, vinyl, urethane, etc.

This coating mechanism is similar to the zinc layer mentioned above: the metal layer will be primed with an extra layer of protection to prevent direct contact of the metal underneath with the surrounding environment. From there, preserve the metal layer and avoid rusting.

However, the same goes with the zinc coating. You will need to protect your plants from the powder coating substances, so you should use the technique of using the powder coating planter as the cover for your main pot.

5.  Rust-resistant coating

There are specialized products made for rusting prevention. Apart from powder coating, another one that can prevent rusting is rust-resistant painting.

Since you have to thoroughly paint the inside and outside of the pot, this approach takes a little more effort. And it is essential to not miss a single spot, from the bottom to the top, inside and out.

You will need to apply for two layers, and as soon as these protective coatings have completely dried, you can rest assured to use the potted plant without worrying about rust.

Unfortunately, just as with the powder coating, it would be beneficial to avoid the plant from the paint's chemical portion.

6. Waterproof foam

You can reduce the likelihood of rust on your flower pot by lining the inside of the pot with a sheet of waterproof foam. It is the layer that separates the water in the soil and the metal pot's internal surfaces.  

However, you need to apply the waterproof foam inside the pot only and avoid clogging the drainage holes.

7.  Move your planter indoors.

Rusting is a kind of oxidation reaction. The iron of the metal reacts with water and oxygen from the environment to form hydrated iron(III) oxide, which is rust.

If you live in a climate prone to rain, storm, etc., or are a perfectionist, you do not want anything to happen to the pot most firmly. Then we recommend moving your planter pot in your house, sheltered place, or covering it up with waterproof material.

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8.  Fix it as soon as possible

Despite the methods, we've just suggested preventing rusting, acknowledging that rust results from a natural process. This situation is somehow inevitable, irrespective of how many layers of protection you use.

So what can we do when rust is starting to show up?

Rust is the result of corroding steel after the iron particles exposing to oxygen and moisture. Therefore, once the protective paint is scratched, the metal surface can get affected by rust immediately.

All you can do then is to fix it as soon as possible.

You'll need to clean the planter first to remove any rust that might have begun to form.

It would be best if you started cleaning the pot and scraping away any rust that you see. Put the plant in a different pot and wash the entire pot with soap, soft brushes, or sponges; remember that if anything touches the planter’s surface, it has to be gentle, do not use rough ones as this may cause further scratches on the pot. As for areas where rust occurs, a rust removal solution would be a perfect choice.

Then repaint those parts with protective paint immediately and keep the pot dry to ensure there is no water or moisture left on the surface.

Moreover, for the best, you should clean and repeat this process after each season.

This periodic maintenance will increase the lifespan of your planter and keep it in years of beauty.