General Care Instructions for Forge 53° Finishes

At Forge 53°, we take pride in providing high-quality finishes that are both beautiful and durable. To ensure the longevity and appearance of your metal products, follow these care instructions tailored to our powder coat and patina finishes.

Powder Coat Finishes

Care Instructions:

  • Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soapy water to clean the surface. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads that can scratch the surface.

  • Maintenance: Inspect regularly for any signs of damage or wear, especially in high-traffic areas. Touch up any chips or scratches promptly with a matching powder coat touch-up paint.

  • Avoid: Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or acidic cleaners, as they can damage the powder coat finish. Avoid using pressure washers or high-pressure steam cleaners directly on the finish.

Recommended Applications: Ideal for doors, railings, washrooms, kitchens, and other high-contact areas where durability is essential.

Patina Finishes

Care Instructions:

  • Cleaning: Gently dust the surface with a soft cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap and water. Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth immediately after.

  • Maintenance: Apply a high-quality furniture wax or metal-specific wax every 6-12 months to preserve the patina finish and prevent oxidation.

  • Avoid: Do not use abrasive cleaners, metal polishes, or harsh chemicals, as they can strip away the patina finish. Avoid placing hot or wet items directly on the surface, which can cause discoloration or damage.

Recommended Applications: Best suited for interior cladding, feature walls, fireplaces, and metal furniture accents where the natural beauty of the steel is showcased.

Specific Finishes & Their Care

  1. Blackened Copper Steel & Blackened Steel

    • Hand-applied patina finishes that highlight the natural variations in the steel. Follow general patina care instructions. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.

  2. Coppered Steel

    • A light copper-mimic patina finish. Regular waxing is recommended to maintain the finish’s vibrancy.

  3. Raw Steel

    • This cool-toned finish retains its natural mill scale. Use a light protective coating to prevent rust in humid environments.

  4. Gunmetal

    • A slightly metallic powder coat that mimics raw steel. Clean as you would any powder coat finish, and touch up any scratches promptly.

  5. Minitex Black

    • A matte, tactile finish. Clean gently to avoid altering the matte texture.

  6. Sable Black

    • A smooth, semi-gloss finish. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth will maintain its sheen.

  7. Lodgepole Green & Sand Dune Beige

    • Matte powder coats. Avoid using abrasive materials that can dull the matte finish.

  8. Brass Mimic

    • A transparent powder coat over stainless steel. Clean regularly to maintain the brass-like appearance, and avoid harsh chemicals that may tarnish the finish.

Final Recommendations

  • Variation Awareness: Due to the unique characteristics of steel and hand-applied finishes, the final product may vary slightly from samples or earlier projects. This is a natural part of the manufacturing process at Forge 53° and adds to the unique beauty of each piece.

  • Communication: For any concerns regarding care or maintenance, or to request touch-up materials, please contact Forge 53° directly. Our team is here to ensure your product remains in excellent condition for years to come.

Following these care instructions will help preserve the beauty and integrity of your Forge 53° metal finishes, ensuring they continue to enhance your space for years to come.