The finish you choose substantially contributes to the look, and potentially the longevity, of your artwork. At Metalworks Wanaka, we offer a wide range of finishes so your sculpture, brazier, gate, or other custom piece is tailored exactly to your taste and environment.
Many of our finishes are achieved via organic processes using natural ingredients (eg. a vinegar based recipe to accelerate a rust patina). Each piece develops its own unique character. No two are ever exactly the same and that’s part of the beauty.
Corten steel is one of our most popular materials because a solid core remains underneath a light rust surface patina. It is known for its natural weathering and earthy tones, and is an excellent way to give your brand new artwork a sense of being long established. We offer several ways to work with Corten steel and rust:
Can be left raw or sealed to maintain its natural appearance. Raw steel varies from mottled to plain, giving each piece a distinctive look. We make our best endeavours to select either a plain or mottled finish based on the steel available from our suppliers at the time, though results will always vary with natural materials. A note about unsealed Corten steel – the natural rusting process can leave rust marks on a background or base over time. Sealing the steel can help prevent this. It is best to maintain the sealant finish with a reapplication 1-2 times per year depending on your environment. Sealed corten finishes may not be suitable for some environments (very wet or coastal), please contact us with any questions.
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
