How To Weatherproof Your Outdoor Decorations
Find Out How to Weatherproof Your Outdoor Decorations
Your porch is begging for a cute sign this fall and a pretty wreath this December. Your house loves dressing up... Seriously, it told us! And the best part is that it can be looking as good at the end of the season as it did in the beginning.
CREDIT: CASIE REEDER
When you think about how harsh nature can be with rain snow, sun, and wind it's likely that the appearance of your house's decorating accessories can look ragged in short-time. We're breaking down the basics with a few easy steps you can take before you put out the decor to keep them lookin' fresh any time of year.
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Weigh it down.
The biggest concern for outdoor decor is wind because many decorations are made to be waterproof. The element that usually catches our team by surprise is the wind. It's true for Chuppahs installed by the river for weddings and wreaths for holidays on the doors of homes and businesses. Over the years of installations at Colonial House of Flowers we have learned that it is essential to anchor items so they don't blow away or over. Use hooks, wires, fishing line, dental floss, hidden ropes, you name it.
Flimsy little candlesticks and votives and plastic-ness don't stand a chances once the breeze picks up. Look for accessories that are heavy or be prepared to keep decorations in place.
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Remember to protect the property.
LIke so many others, I find myself so focused on the decorations that I must remember to protect the property. The decor and the mechanics can cause property damage to homes and businesses so make sure your garlands, wreaths and lights are secured in a way they don't blow around and scratch paint or break a window.
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Put a clear coat on it.
To remember this rule, I think about that time as a middle schooler I was just humiliated that my mom made me Scotchguard my jeans to go on the youth ski trip with our church and 4H. But y'all! How wonderful it felt to be dry at the end of the day. A clear goat of acrylic or polyurethane works great on wood-based materials. Using a thin, even coat test a small area of your decoration to make sure it won't change the appearance in any way. Then, clear it up!
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Waterproof it all.
Even though signs and decor say they are waterproofed, I suggest applying a washer shield to anything you can. You might be surprised at how much you can put Scotchguard on. It will keep nice things looking swell longer. Waterproofing will refresh some of the tried and true pieces. Waterproofing is practical and extends the life of your investment into fabulous decor.
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Skip the metal.
Choose metal pieces carefully especially if you live in an area that's humid or has salty air (hello, all my favorite beach towns!). You can incorporate some metal if it is rust-resistant or you treat it with something like Rust-Oleaum. Remember screws, frames, hardware, and lots of things in decor can be metal. It oxidizes, rusts and then looks ragged.
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Does this inspire you to dress your house or your office this fall and winter with the decor of your dreams? Check out our home & garden retail shop for lots of affordable and beautiful decor and ideas. Take pictures of what you do and share it with us using #CHOFathome or @colonialhouseofflowers. If you are in the Atlanta area let us help. We love to bring seasonal whimsy to the door of your business, home or corporation.
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