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Materials and Finishes 

Steel, copper, brass, bronze, glass, fired clay, limestone, pink quartz and other stone may be included in the  design of a gate. In general frames are made of mild steel for strength. Depending on the site requirements and the overall strength requirements of the installation, the steel may be of various thicknesses. A key issue in the use of materials is the overall weight to be suspended and the strength of the supporting masonry work or other support structure.

Most gates will be exposed to the elements and require a finish that will protect the surfaces from oxidation and staining. In some cases the oxidation may be an integral part of the design so the materials may be left without a finish. In other cases a heated oil and/or  wax coating may be used. Patinas may be used to achieve a particular color and finish for a metal.

The feel of the gate as it is touched is important. It should be pleasing and without sharp or rough edges or surfaces where it is normally handled. Like old silverware, it should fit the hand and appeal to the eye and the tactile senses.

In most cases, the materials themselves have a beauty that should not be  covered with a solid paint. Steel can be silvery when it is ground and polished and produce dark highlights when heated with a gas torch. Copper produces multi-colored heat blooms and it can gleam with bright highlights when rubbed and buffed. Hammered copper darkened with heat has a special character all its own. 

 The durability of a finish is important to me and the buyer so finishes will be discussed with a buyer during a design review prior to execution of a design. Some finishes, such as oil or wax will require some owner maintenance to retain their effectiveness as a protector. This will also be discussed with the buyer during a design review.

Some times a design needs some added color or a color touch in certain areas. When a paint is desired, an automotive clear coat may be used or an architectural finish product may be used. If a solid colored paint is used it will be an automotive paint, a powder coat, or other architectural finish.

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