Metal has provided functionality and architectural interest in buildings throughout history. Stuart Dean’s expertise in metal maintenance was developed through decades of experience researching, developing and applying procedures to repair finishes and care for metal surfaces.

Stuart Dean uses proven methods to remove scratches, eliminate wear and tear damage, repair finishes from misuse or vandalism and restore architectural metal to its original luster. Our skilled service technicians are well-versed in maintenance procedures for all types of finishes, including satin, mirror, oxidized, patina and non-directional finishes.

Architectural Elements:

• Banisters & Railings
• Doors
• Elevators
• Entryways
• Gates
• Lobbies
• Ornamental Metal
• Signage
• Storefronts
• Window Casings

Types of Metal and Finishes:

• Aluminum - Anodized, Duranodic, Painted, Mill
• Bronze - Satin, Polished, Oxidized, Cast
• Copper - Satin, Mirror, Oxidized, Mill, Patina
• Nickel - Satin, Mirror
• Stainless Steel - Satin, Polished, Non-Directional
• Non-Ferrous Metals – Iron-free Metals

Methods:

• Applied Design Application
• Lacquering
• Non-Directional Finishes
• Orbital Machine Polishing
• Oxidation
• Painting
• Patination
• Polishing
• Regraining
• Scratch Removal
• Vandalism Removal

Materials:

Metal Guard Film   
Metal Guard Film protects metal surfaces from high stress and wear. It is chemical-free and can be applied to a variety of surfaces to improve their appearance and reduce metal maintenance costs. Metal Guard Film outperforms conventional coatings in field tests by over 300%, resulting in substantial improvements to the appearance of metal surfaces and reduced maintenance costs.

Applied Designs
Stuart Dean has perfected the process of Applied Design for application of surface detailing. Used on elevator doors or paneling, the decorative effects are applied on-site and inexpensively. Architect and building managers get spectacular results for as little as half the price of industrial etching.

Non-Directional Finishes
Stuart Dean has the ability to apply patterns of non-parallel scratches or marks that scatter light in multiple directions. This unique finish offers a creative solution to surfaces that are prone to frequent vandalism. These textures are commonly known as random grained, angel haired, distressed, shot-blasted, casted or bead blasted.

Oxidized Finishes
Stuart Dean can field apply light, medium or dark statuary, US10B (oil rubbed), antique (two-tone) or patina finishes to most bronze, copper and stainless steel surfaces.

Painted Finishes
A majority of Stuart Dean’s coatings are field-applied using a high volume, low pressure, air-dry system. This method offers the best possible solution for restoring metal with the least amount of disruption to properties and tenants.

Care and Maintenance of Lacquered Metals

The refinishing process for bronze and stainless steel involves coating the metal with a clear, protective lacquer. It is important to note that as you clean refinished metal, you are not cleaning the metal itself but are gently washing the lacquer that protects it. As a result, keep the following facts in mind:

• Metal cleaners and polishes (i.e. Brasso) are unnecessary. In fact, these products can actually damage the lacquer and cause premature breakdown of the protective coating. Furthermore, ammonia-based cleaners (i.e. Windex) can also weaken the protective coating.
• Damp, soft cloths are usually all that is required to clean lacquered metal. Occasionally, a mild detergent (such as Ivory Liquid) can be used to remove stubborn dirt build up. Subsequently, all drying should also be accomplished with dry, soft cotton cloths.
• All cleaning motion must be done in the direction of the metal’s grain. Even on a mirrored surface like polished stainless steel, there is a fine grain to the metal. The wiping motion must be in a straight line. Avoid “swirling” or criss-cross motions that can damage the lacquer coating and impair the metal’s appearance.
• We also recommend that window washing companies use mild detergents like Joy or Ivory to clean windows that are enclosed in lacquered metal or painted metal. Water run down on metal should be wiped off with a clean, soft cotton cloth.

Following these procedures will greatly improve both the longevity and the appearance of coated metal.

If you have any questions regarding the care and maintenance of lacquered metals, contact a Stuart Dean representative at (800) 322-3180.