Metal is a long-lasting material that is ideal for making decorative yard art. Metal is one of the strongest materials available, so it can be continually recycled. Here are some of the advantages of using recycled metals in making creative and interesting yard art.

Metal Is Strong and Durable

Metal is the strongest material you can find to use outdoors. Metal signs and decorations can last for years without much maintenance or upkeep. Metal is almost impervious to extreme weather conditions, including, rain, snow, hail, or wind. If you plan to keep your metal yard art outside during these conditions, be sure to seal the outside surfaces with an acrylic resin to prolong the life of the metal and keep it from rusting. If you have windy weather conditions, it is helpful to create wind holes in thin metal so that the wind can pass through the piece and not toss it around. Metal yard art can last for years as long as it is protected. 

Metal Can Be Repaired and Repainted 

If there is some wear or damage to your metal yard art, you can repair and repaint it to extend its life. If pieces of your metal yard art become worn or thin, you can attach another piece of sheet metal to the front or back side to strengthen the shape and make it strong. Repainting metal yard art can be done by removing any peeled or flaking paint, sanding it smooth, and repainting it with metal paint. The best metal paint can be obtained at automotive supply stores. 

Windmills and Spinners  

You can create metal windmills and spinners with pieces of recycled sheet metal. You can find large pieces of usable sheet metal in automotive junk yards. Automotive fenders, roofs, hoods, sides, tailgates, bumpers, and other parts of discarded cars and trucks can be cut to shape, hammered into different configurations, and joined together. They can then be welded to a central structure made from steel rebar to hold the metal pieces together as they spin in the wind. Windmills and spinners can be protected from the weather by applying several coats of acrylic resin sealer to the raw or painted metal surfaces.  

Metal Yard Art from Metal Discards

Unique and interesting yard art can be created from recycled signs, car and truck parts, yard furniture, and other metal discards. Metal discards can be cut with a power saw, a metal hand saw, metal shears, and metal snips. It can be shaped by hammering it into a steel form and smoothed with steel files. You can create interesting shapes by riveting pieces of metal together or by welding them together with a torch. 

Metal is a most versatile material that can be used, reused, and recycled almost indefinitely. If you have metal art that you would like to use as is or would like to reconfigure into a new creation, you will find that your art will get attention from your neighbors and all visitors and guests who happen to see it. 

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