Finishing Your Project at Home

Because of time constraints, your piece may not look “finished” when you leave — and that’s totally normal! You’ll leave with a handmade steel or copper project that’s fully formed but may still have scale or a darkened surface. If you’d like to give your project a more polished look, here’s how:

Option A: Quick & Simple

• Leave your project as-is (some folks love the raw, rustic look!), or

• Spray it with black paint to help prevent rust.

Option B: Full Finishing Process

Want a cleaner, more polished look? You can finish your piece at home using simple supplies:

1. Soak in white vinegar for 8–12 hours (plastic containers work well).

2. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

3. Wipe with paper towels to remove any scale.

4. Lightly sand with 220 grit or finer.

5. Choose your final finish:

   • Paint black, or

   • Heat & Oil Finish:

     • Broil at 500°F (top rack) for 1–4 hours.

     • Remove while hot and coat with virgin olive oil (carefully!).

     • Wipe off excess oil.

     • Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes.

     • Let cool and wipe down again.

6. For extra rust protection, apply a clear coat or polyurethane spray.