Curious about our Wild Irish Kin? These steel creatures don’t talk (yet)… so we’ll answer for them. Here’s what you need to know before welcoming one into your space.

Wild Irish Kin – Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1. Will they survive Irish weather?

    They’re hardy creatures. Rain, wind, drizzle — no bother. They’ll even age gracefully, their patina deepening like a true garden veteran.

    Each sculpture is cut from mild steel and finished with a controlled rusting process to achieve a rich, weathered surface. The patina is then sealed with a professional-grade exterior oil, meaning it’s safe for outdoor use year-round. Over time the colour may deepen or shift slightly, which is part of the natural beauty of mild steel. To keep them looking their best, simply reapply a clear exterior metal sealant every 6 to 12 months if exposed to very harsh conditions.

  • 2. Indoors or outdoors?

    Both! They’re as happy out in the wild as they are keeping you company indoors.

    Outdoors, they’re designed to live in lawns, borders, pots, and patios — just avoid placing them in areas where water will pool constantly beneath them. Indoors, the sealed finish means the rust won’t flake or stain under normal conditions. They look fantastic in conservatories, sunrooms, or planters. A quick dust with a soft cloth is all they’ll ever need.

  • 3. How do I set them up?

    No IKEA instructions needed. Each Wild Irish Kin comes ready to install with one of three simple systems.

    • Ground Spike: Built into the cut-out, the stake slots directly into soil, lawn, or a flowerpot. Just push it in until secure.
    • Wall / Fence Mount: Certain animals feature two fixing holes so they can be screwed to a wall or fence. Standard wood screws will be supplied; wall plugs may be needed for plaster finishes. Optional spacers (approx. 10mm) may also be provided, so the sculpture can step slightly off the wall for added depth.
    • Shepherd’s Crook Bar (Flying/Jumping Animals): Some animals in mid-air poses come with a hole designed to slot over a bar. The bar (sold separately) stakes into your garden or a large pot. Just slip the animal over the hook and it will stand proud, appearing to leap or fly.

    Each method is simple, secure, and requires no specialist tools.

  • 4. Do they rust?

    Yes — and that’s the point. The rusted finish is created by design, not by accident.

    Each sculpture is treated through a controlled oxidation process, then sealed with a clear protective oil to stabilise the patina. This means the surface is safe to handle, won’t flake excessively, and continues to evolve naturally over time. Minor shifts in tone or texture are part of what makes each piece unique.

  • 5. What do you mean by “made to last outdoors”?

    “Made to last outdoors” means the sculpture is structurally sound, weather-resistant, and crafted to endure outdoor exposure. It does not guarantee a fixed surface finish — rather, an evolving patina that matures with the seasons and can be easily maintained. We craft each piece to look beautiful in our Irish weather.

  • 6. Do I need to do any maintenance?

    If you want to preserve the original patina or keep the surface appearance stable, then yes. A light re-application of protective oil approximately every 6–12 months (depending on local weather conditions) will greatly extend the life and appearance of the finish. Under heavy coastal exposure, wetter climates, or frequent rain, you may wish to re-coat more frequently.

  • 7. What product should I use for re-coating?

    We recommend Owatrol® oil (or equivalent penetrating rust-inhibiting preservative oil). Apply a very thin coat with a clean, lint-free cloth or sponge, then wipe off all excess after 10–15 minutes — this prevents tackiness, pooling, or uneven finish. Ensure the metal piece is completely dry and ideally do this on a dry day 

  • 8. What happens if I skip maintenance?

    The sculpture will continue to weather naturally — but the finish may darken more quickly, rust may deepen, and surface degradation can occur (faster in coastal or damp climates). The good news is that a simple maintenance oil coat can always restore protection, and in most cases, the sculpture remains structurally sound for many years.

  • 9. My metal animal is rusting more than expected. What should I do?

    Each piece is handcrafted from metal, so slight variations and environmental conditions can occasionally lead to surface rust. The good news is that this is easy to fix. Simply apply a small amount of Owatrol® oil (rust-inhibiting oil) to the piece. The oil penetrates and strengthens the metal, evens out the surface appearance, and helps remove light scratches.

    Just like caring for fine wood or seasoning a chopping board, a light re-oiling from time to time keeps your piece looking its best. If you’re unsure or would like guidance, feel free to get in touch and we can assess the piece and advise on treatment.

  • 10. Are they Celtic souvenirs?

    Nope. We’re not about fridge magnets and shamrocks. These are Celtic-inspired silhouettes with a modern twist.

    Wild Irish Kin sculptures are contemporary designs rooted in Irish visual heritage. They feature Celtic spirals and knotwork, but the style is witty, playful, and made for today’s gardens and living spaces — far removed from mass-produced souvenirs.