Finishing:

• Degrease product - Our metal products are coated with an oil-based lubricant as part of our manufacturing process. This oil-based lubricant must be removed before any finishing or paint is applied to the decorative item.  Wipe items down using a clean cloth and turpentine, denatured alcohol, strong detergent solution, or a lacquer thinner.
• Metal Primer - After degreasing the item we strongly recommend that you then apply an oil-based metal primer or other type of rust and corrosion-inhibiting coating to the item.  (Follow your paint supplier's directions for preparing, priming and top-coating the material chosen).
• Once cleaned and protected from the elements, items take oil-based paint and powder coating beautifully.  Your imagination is the only limit to the range of color you can apply by:
  • Paint (RustOleum Surface Preperation Guide)
  • Powder-Coating
  • Baked Enamel
  • Gold/Silver Plating
  • Electroplating
  • Air Brush
  • Natural Color - use a clear laquer or oil-based polyurethane varnish
  • Rust - soak items undisturbed in a glass container with equal parts bleach and white vinegar for 24 hours.  (Caution!  Do not breath the fumes and keep away from children & pets).  Let items air dry until the desired level of rust is achieved.

Local companies that can provide quality finishing, painting and plating services:

Methods of Attachment:

• VHB (Very High Bond) or Double Stick Tapes (3M Adhesive Tape)
• Glue Adhesives Info: "E6000" or "Liquid Nails" or "Gorilla Glue"
• "Super Glue" Glue Guide - A quick reference tool to help you select the right glue for the right substrate.
• Epoxy - requires absolute clean surface - roughen with sand grit. 
• Drill & Tack
• Nails, Brads or Rivets
• Welding thin gauge steel items (0.020" to 0.032" thickness) "how to"
  • Spot Welding:
    • Adjust pressure on your foot pedal so you do not crush pieces being welded
    • Adjust the power.  Our spot welders have power settings from 1 to 6, and we only use #1 or #2 setting for thin metal
    • Adjust weld time.  Our weld-time knob reads 0-60 cycles.  We run at settings of 5 and 15.
    • Contact shape of electrode - we suggest shaping your round electrodes into tapered points of 1/8" (3.175mm) diam.
  • Mig Welding:
    • Use smallest weld wire your MIG machine will take.   Wire in 0.023" available in spools of 2 or 5 lbs.  Use appropriate 0.023" tip.
    • Set burnback time - better MIG machines have variable settings.  Experiment on scrap to get best results.
    • Tack weld first - use wet rag to cool - use quick additional tacks to complete weld.
    • For low visibility, plug weld through a hole in the back metal, first position the unit with a tack weld on the exterior.
    • To add stems to leaves, MIG tack or spot weld small pieces of steel welding rod to units, grind and shape ends as needed, weld bevels to base materials.  
• Soldering - Silver solders w/flux - "Tin" the units first. 
• Brazing
  • Oxy/Acetylene Braze bronze w/flux 1/16" rod using an alloy with good "wet down ability" - use #0 or #00 tip.
  • Oxy/Acetylene with bare steel wire - small tip, neutral flame.

Product Applications:

• ANYWHERE you need a decorative accent to enhance your product!
• Architectural Accents
• Retail and Commercial Interiors
• Moulding
• Interior Framing
• Restaurant and Bar Decor
• Lighting: Chandeliers, Ceiling Fixtures, Wall Sconces, Floor and Table Lamps, Lanterns
• Furniture: Tables, Chairs, Baker's Racks, Pot Racks, Armoires, Wine Racks, Shelving, Cabinets, Panel and Drawer Fronts
• Ornamental Ironwork: Fences, Gates, Railings, Fountains and Metal Sculptures
• Point of Purchase Display Fixtures (Permanent & Temporary)
• Fireplace Screens & Accessories
• Office & Reception Area Decor
• Decorative Home & Garden Accessories
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Giftware
• Arts, Crafts and D.I.Y. Projects and Kits
• Kick Plates and Stair Risers
• Picture Frames
• Costume Jewelery
• ANYWHERE!