Product Finish

Brass or Bronze Products

 Our products are protected by the most advanced lacquer available and under normal circumstances should give many years of service. They should be cleaned with  soapy water or alternatively wiped over with a soft cloth with beeswax. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES USE ANY FORM OF METAL CLEANER OR AEROSOL SPRAYS.

However, after a period of time the lacquer coating, especially on external fittings, can suffer a possible breakdown. Therefore, the life of the lacquer is beyond the manufacturer's control and cannot be guaranteed. When the lacquer coating has broken down, remove the brass fittings and coat using a soft brush with acetone thinner e.g. "Nitramores" according to the manufacturer's instructions. Completely dry the product using a soft cloth and metal polish, such as "Brasso" or "Duraglit". At this stage the product can either be re-lacquered or polished as and when required.

A fresh coat of lacquer may be applied, but we strongly recommend that, especially for external use, you should leave the item unlacquered.

 

Chrome or Satin Chrome Products

Our quality chrome products are virtually maintenance free. However, deposits will accumulate especially on external fittings. We therefore recommend regular cleaning with a soft cloth and non-abrasive wax polish.

This will ensure the original appearance is maintained.

 

Stainless Brass orPVD

These products have an advanced vacuum treated process and we can offer a full 25 year replacement guarantee.

The technology involved in this process renders this surface impervious to damage in normal use including oxidation, wear and abrasion. All lacqered brass items require regular cleaning with non-abrasive wax polish.

We recommend the removal of suface dirt by dusting with a soft cloth. Stubborn stains can be removed with the use of white spirit or similar spirit based products.

 

Cleaning and Caring for Stainless Steel

Stainless Steels need to be cleaned for aesthetic considerations and to preserve corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is protected from corrosion by a thin layer of chromium oxide. Oxygen from the atmosphere combines with the chromium in the stainless steel to form this passive chromium oxide film that protects from further corrosion. Any contamination of the surface by dirt, or other material hinders this passivation process and traps corrosive agents, reducing corrosion protection. Thus some form of routine cleaning is necessary to preserve the appearance and integrity of the surface. Stainless steels are easily cleaned by many different methods. They actually thrive with frequent cleaning and, unlike some other materials, it is impossible to 'wear out' stainless steel by excessive cleaning. Stainless Steel performs best when clean - cleanliness is essential for maximum resistance to corrosion.

Stainless Steel Maintenance Program

All exposed stainless steel surfaces should be wiped over with a clean cloth and warm water with a mild detergent on a frequent and routine basis.

For more stubborn dirt or stains use mild, non-scratching abrasing powders such as typical household cleaners. These can be used with warm water, bristle brushes, sponges or clean cloths. For more aggressive cleaning a small amount of vinegar can be added to the powder.

Carbon steel brushes and steel wool should be avoided as they may leave particles embedded in the surface, which can lead to rusting.

Cleaning should always be immediately followed by rinsing in clean hot water and the surface then wiped completely with a dry towel.

The maximum recommendation for routine cleaning is once a month and more often in areas subject to heavy soiling or frequent use.

Oak Beam Furniture

The European Oak is sourced from sustainable oak forests. As it is a truly natural material it will have imperfections in the form of knots and splits. These will season in after time and will enhance the beautiful characteristics of the wood, giving it a more rustic quality. In no way will the strength of the furniture be compromised. In fact the wood will harden even more in the seasoning proccess.

Oil finished furniture will need little more than another coat once a year if used outside and as and when needed if used outside.( Approx every 5 years).

Varnished furniture will require only a wipe with a damp cloth if used inside and a simple recoat as and when if used outside. PLEASE NOTE. We no longer varnish new oak beam furniture. We feel it is better to wait until the oak has seasoned before sealing with Varnish. You cannot varnish over oiled furniture.

BEES-WAX

All of the Rustix range is available using the traditional method of applying bees-wax to the fittings which gives a stunning effect of a rich dark brown/black colour tinged here and there with the deep red/ochre colour from the forging process

The bee-keeping Brothers at the nearby Buckfast Abbey supply Dartington Steel Design with true beeswax, which is vital for a traditional finish that is able to bring out the dark brown and ochre tinges from the forging process. This does give the 'Rustix' fittings that aged look and feel. Any good Quality bees wax should be a good alternative.

A regular application of bees-wax should be applied to any fittings, which are used externally, or where they may become exposed to the weather such as an open window where stays and fasteners might experience occasional damp conditions. A soft shoe brush is ideal for polishing the fittings.

PATINA

The majority of the Dartington and Rustix range is now available in this anti-corrosion pewter colour. This finish gives a superb old iron colour and is suitable for external uses.