How to Preserve Your Outdoor Wood Signs and Coir Mats

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Outdoor decor adds warmth and personality to your entryway, but exposure to sun, rain, dirt and changing temperatures can wear things down quickly. With a little routine care, your wood signs and coir mats can stay looking fresh season after season.

Caring for Outdoor Wood Signs

Wood Signs are especially vulnerable to moisture and UV exposure. Here are a few simplaes ways to extend their life:

1. Seal the wood

   Signs purchased from Grey House Creations will intially be coated with a weather-resistant sealant to protect against moisture and humidity. Recommendation is to reapply yearly depending on your climate.

Rust-leoum CLEAR is a great product that I like to use. Read instructions for application. Make sure to clean/dust sign prior to spraying.

https://amzn.to/4nq5TpK

2. Keep Them Out of Direct Weather

   Whenever possible, hang sign under a covered porch or awning. Even treated wood lasts longer when shielded from constant sun and rain.

3. Clean Gently

   Dust and dirt can build up over time. Wipe signs with a soft damp cloth when needed. Avoid hard scrubbing across any raised pieces, pressure washing or harsh cleaners that may strip paint or finish.

4. Store During Harsh Seasons

   If you experience heavy snow or extreme weather, consider storing decorative wood signs indoors during the off-season.

Preserving Coir Mats

Coir mats are durable and naturally great at trapping dirt, but they still need maintenance to stay effective and attractive.

Consider a DIY workshop and paint your own mat.

1. Keep Them as Dry as Possible

   Coir is made from coconut fibers, which can break down faster when constantly soaked. Place mats in covered entryways when possible.

2. Shake out Dirt Regularly

   A quick shake helps remove trapped debris and prevents fibers from becoming compacted.

3. Avoid Saturation

   After heavy rain, stand mat upright to dry fully. Prolonged dampness can lead to mold or fiber deterioration.

4. Rotate for even wear

   Foot traffic patterns can wear one side faster than the other. If the pattern on your mat allows... rotating your mat every few weeks helps it age more evenly.

5. Seal it

   Use weather-resistant clear coat every 6 months or so to keep the painted design vibrant and from fading due to weather elements. Grey House Creations uses outdoor paint for application of our coir mats and is sprayed with clear coat for extra protection. Re-sealing will extend the design and life of your mat. The same rustoleum clear spray that you used for your outdoor sign as stated above, can also be used for your coir mat. Follow instructions on can for application. Find it on amazon, https://amzn.to/4nq5TpK, or any local hardware store.

6. Elevate your Front Door

   Besides maintance to preserve your mat- elevate your decor by layering your mats. Love the black and white look - here is one similar to mine below https://amzn.to/4dlc8qd

Outdoor wood signs and coir mats are simple details that make a home feel welcoming. A little preventive maintaince goes a long way toward protecting your investment and keeping your porch decor looking its best year-round.

Send me pics of your entry way. I love receiving mail - especially when it comes to home decor and gifting.

xoxo,

Melissa