The metal work that is handcrafted at Badger Village Blacksmithing, Inc is finished with BVB Wax Sealant, a specially formulated wax consisting primarily of beeswax and raw linseed oil. This formula provides an all-natural, environmentally friendly, and easy to maintain finish that, with proper maintenance, will keep your work from Badger Village Blacksmithing beautiful for years to come-even if it is used outdoors.

The application process consists of heating of the work to between 350 and 400 degrees, and melting the sealant onto the work. This hot application process provides for the greatest penetration of the sealant. This finish does not make the material rust proof-the finish must be maintained by following the care instructions that are included with your order.

Like fine furniture, hand forged metalwork has a depth of color and texture that would be lost if a solid color finish such as paint were to be applied. Consider the work that you order from us as you would a fine cherry armoire or a birdseye maple coffee table.

The type of finish used will be listed for most products. With many products you may choose one of the following surface treatments shown* prior to the application of BVB Wax Sealant.

*Please note that the colors displayed in your browser may not perfectly represent the actual work. The pictures shown are only to give a general idea of the comparison between the available finishes.

Natural Black- the process of heating and forging steel creates an oxidation process that gives it a black appearance. When no surface treatment is done to the work prior to the application of BVB Wax Sealant the result is a ‘black’ finish. The actual colors that you can see in work that is finished in this way include blue-grays, reds, and black. Other examples of this finish are the Leaf Hook and the Mantle Hook.

Silver Highlighted- this finish adds a little more depth to some work. Prior to the application of the wax sealant, the surface of the work is lightly polished using a wire brush, sandpaper, or steel wool. This highlighting creates a deeper contrast between the high and low areas created in the work by the forging process. Another example of this finish is the Bookstrap.

Bronze Highlighted- the bronze highlighted finish is created by preparing the work in the same way as for the Silver Highlighted and then applying a light coat of linseed oil. The coated piece is then slowly heated to color the oil. The range of color created by this process can actually include deep reds to lighter yellows. Other examples of this finish are the cattails on the Cattail Bookends and the fish in the Fisherman’s table.

Many of the people that stop in at the Merrimac shop ask about caring for or refinishing ironwork that they own. Though a high quality rust inhibiting paint may be suitable for many items, we often suggest wire brushing any loose rust away and then just wiping down with non-petroleum based oil such as linseed or olive oil. Doing this even once a year will produce a rich, deep patina that we feel is much more attractive than a solid color finish that covers up the depth and texture of the material.