Care Guide
A quick-start guide to installing and caring for your sculpture. Every Axel Decor piece is handcrafted from heavy-gauge steel and built to live outside for decades — these notes will help you get the most out of yours. If you have a question that isn't here, email axeldecorla@gmail.com and we'll add the answer.
Quick start: installing your sculpture
When your piece arrives, unpack it slowly. The packaging is custom-cut foam — save it if you ever need to ship the piece somewhere later.
Standalone placement (no anchor needed)
Most pieces under 24" can sit directly on grass, gravel, or a patio. The base is heavy enough to stay put in normal weather. For maximum stability, place it on level ground.
Ground anchor installation
For pieces installed in windy or sloped locations, the stainless steel ground anchor kit (included or available as a checkout add-on) keeps the sculpture firmly in place. Choose your final spot before installing — the anchor is permanent.
The kit includes a steel rod that drives into the ground and a clamp that secures the sculpture base to the rod. Drive the rod into the ground using a rubber mallet — not a steel hammer, which can mar the threads. Drive it deep enough that only 4–6 inches remain above ground. Slide the sculpture base over the rod, position it where you want it, and tighten the clamp with the included Allen key.
Done. The sculpture is now anchored and won't shift in wind, on slopes, or after heavy rain. If you ever want to move the piece, loosen the clamp, lift the sculpture off, and re-drive the rod in the new location.
Shaping your sculpture: bending leaves and petals
Every sculpture leaves the studio in its standard form, but the leaves and petals are designed to be lightly adjustable — you can bend them outward or inward to get the exact silhouette you want for your space.
How to bend without damaging the finish
- Use both hands. Grip the leaf or petal at its base with one hand and at the tip with the other.
- Bend slowly. The steel will give in small increments — a few small adjustments are better than one big push.
- Bend at the base, not in the middle. The base is where the metal is designed to flex.
- If a leaf feels stiff, that's normal. Apply steady pressure rather than forcing it.
Common adjustments
- Wider stance — bend each leaf outward 10–15 degrees at the base. The piece reads more horizontally and works well in wide planters or open beds.
- Tighter cluster — bend the outer leaves slightly inward toward the center. Creates a more upright, vertical look that suits narrow spots.
- Asymmetric — bend a few leaves more than others to create movement. Looks great alongside live plants where the irregularity reads as natural.
If you ever bend too far, gently bend it back. The steel handles dozens of adjustments without fatigue at this gauge.
Choosing the right spot
- Negative space matters. Leave at least 18 inches of open ground around the piece so it has visual breathing room.
- Light direction. Pieces look most dramatic in raking morning or late-afternoon sun. Avoid direct overhead noon light if you want the most depth.
- Backdrop. Pieces pop against simple backdrops — gravel, decomposed granite, white walls, low ground cover. Busy backgrounds compete with the silhouette.
- Grouping. Two or three pieces in different sizes (a 12" and a 36" agave, or an agave with a blossom) read as a deliberate composition.
- Companions. Native succulents, ornamental grasses, and lavender all grow well alongside steel sculptures and create year-round interest.
Routine care
Steel sculptures are low-maintenance. Here's what they actually need.
Cleaning
- Wipe down with a damp cloth as needed — usually once a season.
- For stuck-on dirt, use mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or harsh chemicals (vinegar, bleach, ammonia). They can dull or strip the finish.
Inspection
Once a year, walk around your sculpture and look for spots where the finish has chipped from a stray rock, lawnmower bump, or storm debris. Touch up small chips with a matching outdoor enamel paint to prevent rust from starting underneath. We can mail color-matched touch-up paint — just email us.
Anchor check
For anchored pieces, give the sculpture a gentle sideways nudge once a year. If there's any wobble, snug the clamp with the Allen key.
Long-term care: year five and beyond
A well-cared-for Axel Decor piece should look as good in year ten as it does the day it ships. The finishes are designed for the long haul, but a few habits extend the life significantly.
Annual outdoor sealer (optional, recommended for harsh climates)
For pieces installed in coastal, humid, or high-rain climates, applying a clear outdoor sealer once a year keeps the finish saturated and blocks moisture. The Outdoor Seal add-on at checkout includes the studio-grade sealer plus instructions. Apply with a clean cotton cloth on a dry day, in indirect light. Takes about 10 minutes per piece.
Storms and high winds
Sculptures are engineered to handle sustained 50+ mph winds when properly anchored. For named storms or hurricanes, lay the piece flat on the ground temporarily — easier than rebuilding a damaged piece.
Snow and ice
Snow won't damage the steel. Just brush it off when convenient — don't chip ice off with a metal tool. The patina finishes (rustic, blue patina) actually deepen and improve with weather.
Salt air (coastal installs)
Salt is the enemy of any outdoor metal piece. Rinse with fresh water once a month if you're within a mile of the ocean. Touch up any chips immediately — the combination of salt and exposed steel is what causes rust.
Storage
If you ever need to store a piece (moving, renovation), keep it dry and off the bare ground. A dry garage on a piece of cardboard is enough.
Common questions
Will my piece rust?
Not under normal use. The sealed finish protects the steel. If a chip exposes raw metal, surface rust can start — touch it up promptly to prevent spread.
Can I paint over the original finish?
Yes, with a high-quality outdoor enamel. Lightly scuff the area first with fine sandpaper for paint adhesion. Email us if you want guidance on color-matching.
Is the finish pet-safe?
The cured powder coat finish is non-toxic once cured. Pets can sniff and brush against the piece without issue. They shouldn't lick or chew the piece (it's metal — not great for teeth) but no chemical concern.
What if my piece gets badly damaged?
Email us with photos. For pieces under five years old, we offer paid restoration in the LA studio at cost — usually a fraction of replacement.
Still have a question?
Email axeldecorla@gmail.com.