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A Word About Wrought Iron Finishes... 

Monitor / Screen Differences

Please note:  Computer monitors differ. The color samples shown on your screen may be different than the actual color.  If you want to be sure of the exact finish and color of the end product, you should order one of our color/finish sample sets for $35.00 + shipping. We will gladly refund the $35.00 (minus the cost of shipping) once the sample set is returned to us.  The cost of shipping is a small price to pay to be sure of the exact color and finish of your order. 

Each piece is finished by hand, and is considered a custom piece.  We do not accept returns on custom pieces.  Please be  sure of your decision before you buy.  We are happy to answer questions if you need assistance.   

Note: Crackle Olive Branch, Antique Black, & Crackle Yellow are being discontinued.  (See replacement colors below.)

New!  "Weather Resistant" Finishes - perfect indoors or out.

About our finishes...

• Natural Rust - Deliberately oxidized (rusted) and sealed, resulting in a variety of warm brown tones that play off an interesting texture.  Because it is a natural process, texture and coloration will vary.  (This is not paint!)  This is our best selling finish.

• Florentine Gold - soft gold sponged over Natural Rust, resulting in a more elegant look.

• Summer Night - Soft black is applied over a brown base, then hand rubbed to give it the appearance of an old, well used piece.  Rather than a solid flat black finish, it is mostly black with small accents of "rust" brown showing through.  Combined with rust inhibitive materials, Summer Night (along with Spanish Moss, Red Clay, & Autumn Gold, are perfect finishes for the great outdoors.

• Crackle Finishes - The multi-step crackle process offers a wonderful opportunity to create an aged finish with today's most popular colors.  The procedure causes the topcoat of paint to shrink away from the base color, thus forming uneven cracks and peeling on the surface areas.  Occasionally, small amounts of oxidation will seep through the color, causing areas of yellow/brown accents.  These markings add to the rustic charm of your piece, and should be considered an integral part of the hand finishing process.  Crackle finishes are available, in white, green, red, yellow, squash and olive branch.

All finishes are handcrafted, resulting in variations from one piece to another.  These variations are a reflection of the unique character of any handcrafted piece.  Due to the primitive nature of construction & finishing, and the fact that we cannot control natural processes, finishes cannot be "matched", and there is no guarantee against further oxidation. 

Will it rust?

Remember that the Natural Rust and Florentine Gold finishes are deliberately rusted.  They have been coated wit sealers that make them feel clean to the touch, but over time the surface will become more oxidized.  Most people find this adds to the antique character of the piece.  If you find it undesirable, another coat of clear sealer may be applied at any time.  The Crackle finishes have been primed with a rust inhibitor, but when exposed to excessive moisture, they will eventually show the areas of yellowing mentioned above.  For outdoor use, be sure to order a new "weather resistant" finish (see above) for optimal outdoor performance, and great looks indoors! 

Can it go outside?  Weather Resistant Finishes...

The new Weather Resistant finishes were developed exclusively for the manufacturer by Sherwin Williams for use both indoors and outdoors.  While we are confident that these finishes offer a reasonable amount of protection for use outdoors in most situations, it is important for customers to have realistic expectations about the use of iron outdoors.  It is your responsibility to determine if the piece you are selecting will perform will in your environment. Please review the information below before selecting pieces to be used outdoors.

Lab tests indicate that these hand applied finishes are as durable as most powder coated treatments, but allow us to continue with our tradition of specializing in hand-crafted furniture and accessories.  It is important to recognize that all iron will eventually rust when exposed to moisture, but that with proper care it can be expected to provide years of enjoyment.  Most of our pieces can be ordered with a Weather Resistant finish.  However, certain design elements are more vulnerable to oxidation than others.  Any area where water can puddle will not be a durable as surfaces that drain well.   Areas where our distinctive woven iron treatment has been employed will be more vulnerable to oxidation where the metal bands have overlapped, preventing a water tight seal between the towo layers of metal.  Paint is expected to rub off on areas where metal rubs against metal (as on gliders) and all moving parts (swivel stools) should be kept well greased.

The exterior surfaces of Weather Resistant pieces are treated to six layers of protection, but it is virtually impossible for us to reach inside iron tubing with the cleaners and rust inhibitive treatments.  Depending on the moisture level in your particular application and on the design of the piece you have chosen, rusty water may occasionally drain out of the tubing, leaving residue on the surface or on the floor below.  Metal surfaces can be wiped clean with soapy water and patio surfaces can be cleaned with CLR or any products designed to clean rust.  Please be assured that this will not significantly diminish the life expectancy of your furniture.  It is simply a maintenance issues that is common with iron furniture used outdoors.

Well-cared for, iron furnishings can last for generations.  Knowing how to care for your pieces will greatly enhance your investment and enjoyment.

• To improve durability of your outdoor furniture, have a quick coat of carnauba wax (car wax) applied before placing outside and reapplied annually.
• The most common reason iron rusts is because the finish has been chipped, thus exposing bare metal to the elements.  Immediately touch up any scratches or rust by lightly sanding the spot with a fine steel wool.  Then apply rust inhibitive primer and paint.  Touch-up kits are available for a nominal charge.  A topcoat of wax or clear sealer will add further protection.
• Clean it regularly with warm soapy water and then dry thoroughly.  Periodic application of car wax will prolong the life of the finish.
• Moving party should be well greased.
• Never let furniture sit in a puddle of water.  If needed, use adhesive pads to lift metal above damp surfaces.
• During the winter and rainy months, keep furniture covered or bring outdoors.
• Saltwater is extremely damaging to any finish.  We do not recommend that any iron furniture be left outdoors in a saltwater environment.
• Cover stone tops to protect from moisture when freezing temperatures are possible.

For more information or for assistance in selecting pieces to use outdoors, contact a Tuscan Decor representative at 1-800-696-1204, or email us at info@tuscandecor.com.