[TheForge] Outdoor finish, rust protection- an intermediate B /S opinion

[Howell Steve]

I would rather do interior ironwork but I am doing some exterior as well
lately. For outside, after clients get over the initial sticker shock I tell
them: 'You can easily spend as much on a good finish.... '.If they are still
listening I try to sell them on a zinc dip followed by a paint or
powdercoat. I have been using a galvanizing place here in town that charges
50 cents per pound and does a great job. 300lbs of railings for 150$ isn't
too bad. This is not the place that does the work that looks like a seagull
passed overhead. Quite the contrary, they told me the secret is a little
powdered aluminum in the mix and, whatever it is, makes the galvanizing
'sheet' very well without the crusties.  The difference from the other local
shop is amazing, and even forged detail is still retained pretty well. 
For me it's also a matter of pride - I don't want my work rusting away in 5
years. 
There are tricks you can do with it such as spray paint over it and then
scotch-brite down the high-spots. Looks like shiny metal showing through a
'patina'. That also brings out forged detail fairly well.

If you are really on a budget, I guess you can't argue with a good coat of
paint- Hammerite to be exact.

Steve
Seattle



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