Metal Finishes & Patinas Common Questions Contact Us About CCW

IMPORTANT: While finishes are your best defense against rusting, it’s important to remember that whenever the surface of a finish is scratched through, penetrated, damaged or weakened by age, the metal will begin to oxidize(rust). Inevitably oxidation will occur!  This will happen sooner in areas where the finish is the weakest or thinnest (corners, damaged areas, scratched areas etc.) Never use harsh chemical cleaning agents that may scratch the surface. To protect outdoor furniture, a light application of a natural paste wax or automotive wax is recommended.

Our Product Finishes... are very durable if properly handled and cared for.  We do not offer cheap finish methods as these are inferior methods and do not reflect the quality and craftsmanship of our products.  If you have any questions regarding our finishes please feel free to contact us to discuss them or review the information below.

  • Oil: The most basic metal finish. Penetrating oils retard rust and add color and depth to the metal. Re-oiling is recommended for maintenance.  Oil finishes may be maintained by rubbing with fine steel wool and applying Watco Oil lightly.
  • Paint: Sprayed, airbrushed and/or applied by hand for color and decorative effect.
  • Polyurethane: Hand-brushed or sprayed application to seal and protect the look of natural metal or to serve as a protective topcoat for more delicate finishes.
  • Oxidation & Patinas: Induced either by chemicals or natural exposure for the look of naturally aged metal. Upon reaching the desired effect and color, the metal is then cleaned and sealed to prevent further change.
Faux & Aged Finishes - (all metals, exterior & interior)
"verde" "Old Copper" "Dark Slate" "Aged Black" "Aged Gold" "Antiqued White"
"Rusty Red" "Verdi" "Crackle White" "Natural Rust" "Aged Bronze" "Swirled Copper" "Imperial"
"Textured Bronze" "Majestic" "Aged Pewter" "Antiqued Gold" "Coral" "Antique Iron" "Limestone"
   
Click on small images to see a larger view.  Due to uniqueness of the hand application technique, finishes may vary slightly. Please contact us if you have any questions before ordering.
   
Hammered & Textured Finishes - (all metals - exterior & Interior)
"Hammered Ivory" "Hammered Green" "Hammered Slate Blue" "Hammered Silver" "Hammered Dark Slate" "Hammered Black"  
"Hammered Red" "Hammered Dark Grey" "Hammered Seafoam" "Hammered Dark Brown" "Hammered Copper" "Hammered Dark Blue"  
 
Faux Patinas - (all metals - interior only)
"Faux Aged Copper" "Faux Aged Gold" "Faux Aged Pewter"  
 
Patinas - (Copper & Brass - interior only)
Hand Applied Patinas - (all metals - interior only)
  • Brushed - A clear finish that shows the bare steel below, with dark striations in the metal and sanding marks still visible. The result is a subdued, classic, hand finished look that works with almost any decor.
  • Spun - etched in brushed swirls, gives a low sheen textured look.
  • Polished - polished to a near mirrored finish.
  • Hammered - created by striking the metal with a blunt hammer to achieve an age old hand crafted texture.
  • Antiqued - distressed look of old metal, depending on the desired degree either oxidized, hammered texture and/or finish is distressed.

 

Natural Metal Patinas - (all metals - interior only)
  • Clear Coat - This is a smooth, thick glossy clear coat over sanded or un-sanded metal that gives our products a unique shine, that shows the bare metal below.

 

Premium Finish Options: (all metals, exterior & interior)

These options are available to enhance any standard single color. 

  • metallic flake

  • pearls

  • color changing chameleon paints

About Pearl Finishes:

Pearl finishes are a type of color enhancing/changing finish.  They are applied over the primary color of the object.  They are translucent until the light hits them.  When the light is directed on the finish the pearl will become visible. The primary color still being dominant but the pearl hue enhancing this.

The images below will illustrate this type of finish. A pearl finish allows a piece to have two finishes in one that both enhance each other.  It adds a luster as well as a color enhancement in the sunlight.

"Satin Black"

"Emerald Green"

 (in low light)

 (in bright light)

About Metallic Flake Finishes:

Metallic flake can be added to a finish to enhance and give a luster upon sunlight.  They can be single color like "gold flake" or many colors like "rainbow flake".

Pearls and Metallic can be used together. The result is a beautiful, deep finish with an iridescent sheen. 

About Chameleon Finishes:

Chameleon finishes are paint finishes that are very expensive, but have amazing color changing properties.  They can change up to three completely different colors as you move about the finish area.

 


COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT FINISHES...


1.   What is the difference between aged and antiqued finishes?

Aged Finish - is achieved within the finish itself.  It is a finish that appears to be weather worn by natural elements upon viewing its color or patina. Neither the underlying metal nor finish is physically distressed. 

Antiqued Finish - is a physical worn approach that can include distressing of the finish and actual metal by brushing, hammering etc..

2.   How can I get the most out of my finish?

  • Follow the care instructions in the products care guide that was issued with the product.

  • Keep the product away from as many corrosion elements (wind, water, salt spray etc.) as possible to minimize wear.

  • Be sure to purchase an outdoor finish if it is to be utilized outdoors.

  • Minimize scratches, dents, and damage to finish as much as possible. 

  • Touch up areas of damage immediately to avoid corrosion.  Call us if you need assistance with obtaining finish or advise applying it.

3.   How do I care for my finish? The amount of care and what product to us in cleaning and caring for your items finish will depend on  several factors.  Depending on if it is an interior or exterior piece and also what material it is constructed of.  It is best to consult us on the care for your specific piece and/or reference the care guide that is issued with every product purchase.  Custom work will come with touch up paint instructions and general care and cleaning instructions.

4.   What do I do when it does begin to rust? Oxidation is a natural phenomenon and will happen of course much faster if the item is outdoors or in direct contact with the elements.  A finish is designed to inhibit this.  Touch up rust areas immediately to avoid staining, continual rusting, and a bigger job down the road.  You can also have the item entirely refinished.  Contact us for information regarding this option.

5.   Can we send the product back to your company for refinishing? Yes, we do not guarantee our finishes for life as they will eventually degrade as will all finishes.  We can finish your item with the same or other finish upon receipt of the item.  We can offer you a price quote prior to shipping.

Still have questions? Ask us!

 

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