Instructions & Care

Hand-forged iron is bare steel. It is meant to be used, and it will change as you use it — it darkens with handling and takes on a patina. That is the material behaving as it should, not wear. A little care keeps it from spotting.

Routine protection

1. Make sure the item is clean and completely dry.
2. Use a clean cotton cloth to rub a very thin layer of oil or wax over the cool metal.
3. Work it into the texture and corners without leaving thick deposits.
4. Let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Buff away all visible excess with a clean section of cloth.
6. Reapply after washing, extended storage, moisture exposure, or whenever the surface looks dry.

Light surface rust

1. Use a stainless-steel brush only on bare or traditionally finished iron. Never on painted, plated, polished or nonstick surfaces.
2. Brush gently until the loose rust is gone, without stripping the surrounding finish.
3. Remove all debris and any loose wire bristles. Wash where appropriate for the product.
4. Dry immediately and thoroughly, including joints and crevices.
5. Apply and buff a thin protective coat.

When to stop and ask us

Some things should not be handled with a brush and a cloth. Stop and send us a photo if you see:

• Deep pitting, heavy scale, or flaky rust
• Damaged paint, powder coat, plating or nonstick finish
• Cracks, loose handles, structural damage or deformation
• Food-contact surfaces contaminated by unknown chemicals or coatings
• Any condition where abrasion might damage the intended finish

By product

Branding irons. These are functional tools, not signs. Keep them dry when not in use and expect a patina. Do not clear-coat the branding face — a coating there will transfer into the burn.

Forged bowls and serving pieces. Wash by hand, dry completely and immediately, and re-oil after washing. Do not leave them wet or soaking, and do not put them in a dishwasher.

Fire tools, roasters and trivets. Heat discolouration and soot are normal. Wipe down after use, dry fully, and re-protect before seasonal storage.

Indoor decorative ironwork. Dust with a dry cloth and wipe off fingerprints — skin oils leave spots over time. Avoid water-based cleaners.

Outdoor ironwork. Raw steel will rust and patina outdoors, and some people want exactly that. To slow it down, clean it, dry it, and use a clear exterior coating, re-coating about once a year. An oil or wax is maintenance protection, not a durable exterior coating.

Copper. Copper needs its own routine. Do not apply the iron protocol to it — get in touch and we will tell you what to do with the piece you have.

Care supplies

We are finishing a cold-applied iron care paste made for these pieces. It is in testing and is not on sale yet. Until it is, everything on this page works with an ordinary food-grade oil and wax.

Still need help?

Email forgedfurnishings@yahoo.com with your order number and a photo of the piece. We would rather look at it than guess.