Something to take advantage of, before they get thrust into full-time usage, is the opportunity to spruce up that wood burner a little. What better than to get your stove looking pristine for a fraction of the cost of a new one? Wood burning stoves present some very unique challenges for painting, and so choosing the right paint for your wood burning stove is important, not least of all because that paint has got to withstand some intense heat. The only downside of this method is waste. A sprayer takes up a lot of paint, so make sure to account for this when choosing the quantity. Apart from this, the process is straightforward. Fill the reservoir with paint, put on protective equipment and spray paint the objects from 10-15cm of distance. It’s been a peculiar summer, without a doubt, but the nights are once again drawing in. This being the UK, that means that sooner or later temperatures are sure to start dropping like nobody’s business, and it may well be time to start thinking about cranking up the heating. If you’re someone who owns the delightful winter heating solution of a wood-burning stove, now is also the time when you start to prepare for a winter of getting the most out of your stove.

Closely follow the instructions to apply the paint stripper, leave it to work for the specified time, then scrape off the paint using a scraper. You may need more than one application, and may need to use a stiff brush to get into the details.This highly heat-resistant spray paint from Plasti-kote offers a lovely, smooth satin sheen with high levels of durability. This high level of durability is also actively resistant to fading, to help preserve the life and looks of your wood burning stove for even longer. As well as preserving the life of the metal it’s also highly abrasion resistant to prevent rubbing and scratching.

The two main functions of a primer are to provide short term protection and provide a surface to which a subsequent top coat or finish coat can adhere to. The primer paints used are RAL 7024 dark grey in colour and have been specially formulated to create a barrier to corrosion. The primer can be over coated with epoxy, polyurethane or acrylic paints. Kent advises that the best way to repair cast iron is through cold stitching. 'Specialist firms can take moulds from cleaned originals and recast components.' This works particularly well for items with repeat sections, such as railings or balustrades. Apply the primer following the manufacturer’s instructions and cure the surface for at least 24 hours before applying the paint.

Rust Treatment

Stylish and equally classy is copper. Enhancing a luxurious yard or a romantic English garden, this hue mixes well with evergreen vegetation, looking at its best on wrought or cast iron and galvanised steel. This work can be done with a chemical paint stripper. A hot air gun can be used, but older paint may contain lead. If working with a removable item such as a gate, you could take it to an industrial stripping company.

Cast iron can be difficult and uneconomic to repair, so if a decorative section is completely missing, there is little hope of repairing it. A proficient welder could, however, restore a detached section or a concealed structural element,’ says Allum. To remove rust patches or stubborn marks, cut a pad of medium grade steel wool to rub away the rust and, wearing protective gloves, gently work away at it until it vanishes,’ says restoration expert Helaine Clare.It if there are only small areas of flaking paint, it is not worth removing all of the paint on garden furniture before applying a new coat. 'Wearing protective gloves, use a steel brush to remove flaking paint to make a sound substrate for a new coat of paint,' says Clare. Particular caution should be taken when using the product indoors. Volatile organic compounds in the paint can cause irritation or allergies when handled in poorly ventilated spaces. Limit indoor application, use a protective mask and keep windows open during the application process.