FAQ's

We recommend using a container with a plastic saucer within the fiberglass planter. No holes or exterior saucers are necessary.

When planting directly into the container, we recommend using a lightweight container soil. Lightweight container soil has a lower density per cubic foot when saturated and will put less of a load on the sidewall of your container. Please do not use sand or clay based soils they will void your warranty. Water must be able to exit your containers so you will need to drill holes at the bottom of the container so water can exit.  The accumulation of water will exert an excessive load on the side wall and may cause bulging, which will void the warranty. When using the #038 “Orb” outdoors you may need to weigh down the container. If this is necessary drill a hole large enough in the upper tray to place small rocks into the bottom chamber of the container, this will not impede drainage as long as sufficient holes are drilled in the bottom. For assistance with location diameter etc. please contact us at info@iapsf.com

043/36 x14 x16 (rectangular planter) three holes approximately ¾” to 1” in diameter evenly spaced on the center line.  

042/48x24 (rectangular planter) three to four 1” to holes evenly spaced on center line.

062/24 (round planter) three holes ½” to ¾” in a triangular pattern centered and evenly space.

One to two inches of drainage medium at the base of the container over the drilled holes. This can be small and fine rock, expanded clay pebble etc.  This will prevent the drainage holes from being clogged.

Cover the drainage medium from end to end with weed screen, the weed screen will keep the soil from mixing with the drainage medium.

Lightweight soil will reduce the load on the side walls, please do not use sand or clay based soils.

Containers made with our Fusion finish (Bronze, Copper, Matte Black, Cast Iron and Stainless Steel) will patina when outdoors. The amount of patina will vary with the finish and the content of salinity in the environment. Please be aware this is the nature of the product and material. If you wish to slow the process and protect the finish you may apply a clear wax (except cast iron) to the containers and buff. Please note this will add a shine to your finish. Test on a small inconspicuous section for suitability. We also recommend spraying and buffing (except cast iron) the containers with 303 Aerospace Protectant to seal the metal finish. This must be applied every 5 to 6 weeks depending on exposure to the elements. It is available through boating supply stores or directly from IAP.

Please handle with care, rough handling can crack, scratch or chip fiberglass containers. In many cases our containers are constructed with a two-part lip. The lip is reinforced, but can be damaged easily if used as a leverage point to move or drag a potted container. To safely move a container, it is necessary to lift (not by the lip) the container rather than drag or push. If you pull or push your container while planted you will automatically void any IAP warranty.

Metal finishes: The metal finish is achieved by a multi-step manufacturing process, the finish is durable and in many cases will patina naturally over time. Like anything else, it is necessary to maintain it to keep it looking good. For weekly maintenance use a spray we recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant.

• Automotive Finishes: Please do not use harsh cleaning chemicals they will dull the finish. To maintain wash with soap and water and seal with a good marine quality sealant such as 3M.

• Resin Finishes: Wash with light soapy water and rinse.

• Containers constructed with the cast iron finish will leach the color onto the floor surface where they are placed. If this is problematic, please select another finish. To remove blemishes from the cast iron finish, rub lightly with a fine steel wool or briskly with a rag. This may remove a small portion of the rust finish but it will return gradually.

The metal finishes are fused to the fiberglass and are an integral part of the material. Finishes are hand buffed and polished, subtle color variations are considered normal and they can be used in outdoor and indoor applications. The painted finishes: Shiny White, Oxblood, Coffee etc. are finished with a marine grade LPU.

Rough handling can crack, scratch or chip fiberglass containers, please handle as carefully as possible. If damage has occurred, most can be repaired by applying epoxy/resin or resin putty that has been mixed with the appropriate metal or coloring to match. To repair large holes or sections fill with glass fibers or cloth fabric and apply epoxy/resin in layers until even, sanding lightly between layers. Small surface scratches can be removed from the Fusion finishes with a light sandpaper #400 to #2000 grit or finer #00 steel wool. You can obtain a glossier finish by buffing out with a metal polish or high quality compound and then sealing with a wax sealant.

A one-year warranty from the date of purchase is valid against cracking due to freezing and thawing only. Planters used outdoors must have drainage holes to prevent damage from freezing and thawing. The warranty is for repairs only; the purchaser will be responsible for freight for any returned items. IAP at their discretion, will either repair, exchange or issue a credit.
Contact info@iapsf.com for questions and warranty inquiries.