Caring for Black, Beeswax, Argent and Iron

Cleaning and Caring for Black Finishes

We source our Black furniture from a range of high quality manufacturers and suppliers. Each has subtle differences:

Black Iron products are made from cast iron before being treated and then finally coated in a Black finish. Being made form cast iron there are generally some surface imperfections and texture, which provide an aged feel.

Dull Black products are made from mild steel and then coated in a smooth Black finish that has a slight sheen to it.

Hand Forged Black finish is also made from steel before being coated. The black finish is oven baked at a high temperature to make it durable and give it a silky, satin shine.

Antique Black finish is forged or cast from malleable iron. It has a stippled and slightly glossy black iron finish which gives it a unique texture. A final tough powder coat is applied for added protection.

Smooth Black finish is also made from malleable iron. A smooth matt textured, black iron finish, with a tough final powder coat for protection.

They are all cared for in the same way.

Because of how these finishes are achieved, they may not be suitable for Coastal areas or Commercial environments – please contact us to talk through your situation.

Regular Care

All black ironmongery needs frequent care and maintenance to keep it looking good. 

We recommend regular wiping with a lightly oiled cloth, as well as a little oil on moving parts. WD40 or a standard 3 in 1 oil works best.

You should do this every 1 - 2 throughout the year and monthly during the winter months.

Never use any form of cleaning agent or metal polish as this will remove the applied finish.

Protection

To help protect the life of the finish we recommend that occasionally it is treated with a good quality wax polish. We tend to use Beeswax and a soft, lint free cloth.

Repair

Chipped Paint – touch up using a Smooth Black Hammerite or similar exterior paint.

Rust – gently rub with 00 grade wire wool to remove the rust. Then treat as for chipped paint above.

Cleaning and Caring for Argent, Beeswax and Natural Iron Finishes

We have a range of products in natural beeswax and iron. These very tactile metals look beautiful, but require a little more maintenance and TLC than other metals. So if you are considering installing them you need to ensure you are willing to invest the time in keeping them in good condition.

Beeswax – forged from steel and left as raw steel you will see colours ranging from blue to deep ochre red. They meld together to give a very soft black overall tone. Pure beeswax is applied to preserve and protect the colours and texture of the steel.

Cast Iron – the iron is cast and left in its raw metal state. It is oiled to create a barrier and provide protection. In some cases, the iron may be given a clear powder coating to protect further.

Natural Smooth – the iron is cast and a clear matt lacquer is applied to protect the metal.

Because these are raw metals, they are only suitable for INTERNAL use - please contact us to talk through your situation.

External Beeswax - A new unique finish by From the Anvil, manufactured from an anti-corrosive beeswax, making it suitable for External Use. It has the same depth of colours and softness that regular beeswax has.

Argent - has a slight stippled 'naked' silver metal finish which creates subtle highlights in differing lights. Differing from Pewter in that it is a bare metal finish with a coat of clear lacquer for protection, which makes it suitable for External Use, although not harsh environmental locations.

Regular Care

Use only indoors and avoid high moisture areas. These finishes will need frequent care and maintenance to keep them looking good.

Beeswax – we recommend that you regularly apply a good quality beeswax, with a soft, lint free cloth.

Iron - we recommend regular wiping with a lightly oiled cloth, as well as a little oil on moving parts. WD40 or a standard 3 in 1 oil works best.

You should do this every 1 – 2 months.

External Beeswax - maintain as regular beeswax.

Argent - maintain as Iron

You should do this every 4 - 6 months.

Never use any form of cleaning agent or metal polish as this will damage the raw metal

Protection

To help protect the life of the finish we recommend that occasionally it is treated with a good quality wax polish. We tend to use Beeswax and a soft, lint free cloth.

Repair

Rust – gently rub with 00 grade wire wool to remove the rust. Then treat with an application of good quality beeswax.