The finish you choose plays an important role in the appearance, character and potential longevity of your artwork. At Metalworks Wanaka, we offer a wide range of steel finishes and surface treatments, allowing your sculpture, brazier, gate or other custom metalwork to be tailored to your taste, surroundings and environment.
Many of our finishes are achieved through organic processes using natural ingredients, such as a vinegar-based recipe to accelerate a natural rust patina. These processes allow each piece to develop its own distinctive character over time. No two finishes are ever exactly the same, making every custom metal sculpture and metalwork piece genuinely unique — and that individuality is part of the beauty.
Corten steel is one of our most popular materials for custom metalwork and sculptures, thanks to its natural weathering properties and distinctive earthy tones. A durable steel core remains beneath the developing surface patina, allowing the material to develop its characteristic weathered appearance over time. Corten steel is an excellent choice for giving new artwork a naturally aged, established character while creating a warm, organic finish that complements both natural and architectural environments. At Metalworks Wanaka, we offer several ways to work with Corten steel and rust finishes, including:
Raw Corten steel can be left unsealed to develop its natural weathered appearance or sealed to help maintain its original finish. The steel can vary from a plain to a naturally mottled surface, giving every Corten steel finish its own distinctive character. We make every effort to select a plain or mottled finish based on the Corten steel available from our suppliers, although the final appearance will naturally vary because each piece of steel is unique.
It’s important to note that unsealed Corten steel continues to develop its natural rust patina and may leave rust marks on the surface beneath or around the artwork over time. Sealing the steel can help reduce this. If sealed, we recommend maintaining the protective finish with reapplication approximately 1–2 times per year, depending on the environment and exposure. Sealed Corten finishes may not be suitable for every location, particularly very wet or coastal environments, so please contact Metalworks Wanaka if you’re unsure which Corten steel finish is right for your project.
The colour and texture vary depending on location, weather, and orientation, ranging from bright orange to deep brown tones.
Our in-house rusting techniques give you options such as:
For a clean, polished look, stainless steel is an excellent choice, especially for contemporary designs or where durability is key. We offer both 304 food-grade stainless steel and 316 marine-grade stainless steel, perfect for coastal environments.
Options include:
Smooth, low-reflective finish.
Fine texture with a matte sheen.
Bright and mirror-like.
Matte black
Matte black
Every finish has its own character, whether it’s the warm tones of rust, the sleek shine of stainless steel, a bold colour finish, or a fusion of these choices. For something a little different, galvanised steel creates a crystalline, frosted look, while high-visibility finishes are designed to reflect light and stand out. We’ll guide you through the options so your piece reflects your vision and is built to last.
Backing plate option
Backing plate option
