FAQ’s

Galvanized plumbing pipes are steel pipes that have been dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust. These types of piping were commonly installed in homes built before the 1960s. The galvanized pipe was invented as an alternative to lead pipe for water supply lines.

When making furniture from galvanised pipe we make sure that all oil and grease is removed not only from the outside but also from inside the pipe. This will stop oil from coming out over time ruining your peice.

Use a detergent wash or a solvent based solution like “Prep Wash” or equivalent.

We use an Auto parts wash machine with water based auto parts wash solution. An aqueous or water based parts washer is the safe and effective alternative to using harmful solvent parts cleaning. Solvent parts washers clean parts with petroleum based contaminants that are toxic, flammable and polluting.

Due to the industrial nature of galvanised pipe it is also scuffed and scratched during manufacture and transport. This can be cleaned to some degree using a steel wool or scouring pad. This removes a thin layer of zinc coating leaving the pipe clean and bright.

A galvanised finish can be left as is without treatment to last many years inside our outdoors. An occasional clean with a scourer will remove any dullness.

There are a range of products that can be applied to Raw steel to give a long lasting surface appearance without corrosion.

We use Linseed oil mixed with Mineral Turpentine about 30% oil to 70% turps.

You could also paint with “Penatrol” and allow to dry. This is a clear coat available as a spray or brush application type liquid. This can get a little sticky if applied too thick especially when brushed on. You can dilute this with turps as a brushed on product however to avoid this problem.

You may also apply a metal lacquer like Wattyl “Incralac”. This is designed as a clear tarnish resistant finish on copper and copper alloys in both interior and exterior application but it will do a reasonable job sealing raw steel.
All surfaces should be free of oil, grease and salt contamination before blasting. Abrasive blast clean to achieve a surface appearance that approximates the appropriate standard of “near white” blast. All surfaces to be painted must be clean and dry and uncontaminated.

Of coarse you can leave raw steel to slowly tarnish and rust if you prefer.

Brass plumbing pipe is pure solid brass with no coating applied during manufacture. Fittings like Elbows and Tees have a sand cast finish but hard drawn brass pipe has a polished finish.

Cast fitting can be polished using a polishing wheel to give a finish much like brass pipe lengths.

Brass pipe can have machine marks that may also be polished using a polishing wheel.

Uncoated bare brass has become increasingly popular as the finish of choice for kitchen and bathroom fittings. As a living finish, the initial highly polished appearance will mature over time to develop the unique character of aged brass. The aged patina of high-quality brass complements natural elements such as timber, granite, marble, limestone and copper.

We recommend this uncoated brass finish for al fresco kitchen and bathroom areas, particularly in coastal areas where the brass will rapidly patina without loss of functionality, becoming a striking feature.

Some minor imperfections in the surface of the material are not defects, but a feature of a handmade product.

Installation

It is important your builder or handyman uses clean hands or gloves when installing your brass plumbing pipe product. Ask them to cover the fittings if they are installed before the room is finished to avoid scratches and splatters from paint and commercial cleaning products.

Care and Maintenance

With regular use, expect that spotting will develop on the surface of uncoated brass from everyday chemicals splashing on to the fitting. Food acids such as lemon juice in the kitchen and bathroom products such as toothpaste and shaving foam are common causes. These marks contribute towards the final patina of the fitting.

Brass fittings can be cleaned routinely with mild soap and water which will not alter the patina development.

Over time, Polished Brass will develop a patina and the surface lose its brightness. If desired, the shine can be restored with occasional use of a very mild abrasive cleaner like Brasso.

Clear Coating

Brass can also be cleaned and polished for later clear coating using a laquer or clear powder coat.