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Wrought Iron can be defined as either a raw material or a finished product. In years past, wrought iron
was a material made in relatively small batches from elemental iron and hammered into billets or bars
using hand labor, which were then made into products. Although wrought iron stock is still available in
very limited quantities, it is quite expensive and has been replaced in almost all applications by mild
steel. Today, the term "wrought iron" is usually defined as an item constructed from mild steel that has
been hand made by an artist-blacksmith in the old ways and methods, which date back many centuries.
A great deal of ornamental iron is available on the market today. Some of it is carefully handcrafted but
much is fabricated quickly by foreign companies who are most interested in generating “pounds per
hour”. It is bent, welded, painted and sent on to its destination in the shortest possible time. For
example, the classic scroll design is reminiscent of a nautilus or snail shell and does not have a
consistent radius anywhere – in other words, it starts tightly in the center and opens in a graceful and
ever widening spiral arc. In mass production, a piece of flat bar is cut and inserted into a machine to
facilitate bending one end of the scroll. The piece is then reversed and the opposite end finished, which
usually results in an “S” or “C” form. These are quite commonly used in lower priced “burglar bars” and
are easily identified. Each end is typically cut square and does not bend for an inch or so before the
scroll actually starts so the results are not as graceful. Conversely, a traditional handmade forged
scroll will usually have the end forged into a smooth taper, small snub or some similar artful dressing
that can’t be accomplished except at the anvil. The result is a natural form that begins with an
interesting place for the eye to light and continues through the whole visual experience. Few people will
pick up a snail’s shell and not admire its natural, beautiful spiral and so it is with the hand forged scroll.
Iron is very “user friendly”. It hefts well and feels good in the hand, plus it will last almost indefinitely
when minimal care is provided. Unlike some other metals, it is non-toxic and compatible with food. Its
natural dark color, which comes from the heat of the fire and the hammering on the anvil, is compatible
with almost any décor or style of home. It is truly a universal material and has been used in many
applications by architects, artists and home owners.
Unprotected iron will rust with time and exposure to moisture or the elements. We use
durable finishes to insure the best protection and with minimal care, ironware will last almost
indefinitely. Many examples of swords, armor and similar things have survived for centuries and your
piece is no different.
After forging and/or final assembly, we use a proprietary coloring process on most items,
which closely approximates the natural, blue-black hues imparted by the heat of the fire. We
gently polish the article by hand to expose soft highlights that are revealed in the texture imparted by
hammer and anvil, followed by application of a finish for the intended use. We have found this method
to be the most reliable so that items purchased at different times will be reasonably consistent in color.
We finish iron cooking utensils with olive or similar food grade oil. This coating will be removed
if the item is washed in detergent or the dish washer so we suggest washing in plain water and wiping
with a clean cloth, similar to the cleansing methods used on a well seasoned cast iron skillet. Iron may
also be re-seasoned by warming to about 300 degrees in the oven, on the range or over an open fire
and wiping with any food grade oil or shortening. Recently, we have been using no-stick, oil based,
cooking sprays with great success since they are easy to apply and generally available in most grocery
stores. Take care not to burn yourself and after the item is cool to the touch, any excess may be
removed with a paper towel or soft cloth.
In normal use indoors, no special maintenance is required for most other applications unless
the location is moist or unusually corrosive. Although seldom necessary, items designed for
general use indoors, such as wall hooks, towel holders, etc., will appreciate a periodic application of any
common paste or liquid wax. Any excess may be removed with a soft cloth. Products that are handled
frequently will often develop a pleasing patina from intimate contact with your hands and the protection
of natural oils present in the skin.
Ironwork used in or around the fireplace is coated with a reasonably durable finish. The heat
of a fire on poker tips and fireplace accessories will typically burn away any sort of coating but it is
usually not necessary to further protect these items from rust unless your fireplace or stove is unusually
damp during the off season. In this case, simply remove the items to a dry location until needed later in
the year. If you wish, any form of similar care described here for other iron parts will serve to protect fire
tools. All items intended for outdoor use, such as boot scrapers or plant hangers, may be left to rust
naturally in the elements or touched up occasionally with urethane or lacquer. Simply clean and lightly
sand the surface then apply your choice of finish. You may also cover any item with paint but opaque
coatings will cover the natural highlights of the iron.
Hardware and Mounting Recommendations:
We include black mounting screws in lengths we have found most useful to install our small
products. These are the only sizes we offer at no extra charge. However, we have access to
many hardware outlets so let us know if you have a special need and we will try to accommodate.
Please do not pre-drill any mounting holes until you have received your order. Although we
use shop built fixtures to assist us in hole placement, it is still a process performed by hand and there
may be minor variations so we recommend that each piece be installed separately.
We hope you enjoy wrought iron as much as we do and are pleased with your purchase. Please feel
free to call 830/608-4491 or email holliswooldridge@msn.com if you have any questions or an
interest in our other products. We appreciate your business!!!
All rights reserved. No part of this site including any original designs may be reproduced, copied or
otherwise used without the express written permission of Comal Forge.
