The McDonald Mansion Historical Ball will be on July 24, 2010.A wonderful benefit for the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery in which all participants must come in "period attire". Thanks to Hot Couture on Third Street and assistance from my wife, I will be decked out for this special occasion just like a Southern Gentleman from the 1870's. The Mansion itself is decked out year round with some very elaborate ornamental ironwork.
The use of ornamental iron occurs often in historical rehabilitations. Ornamental iron is a decorative element of this renovation that will add a nice touch to the overall beauty of the home.
The materials we use are cast iron, copper, steel, brass and wrought iron. The finish on the cast iron, steel and wrought iron was debated; rather to have a powder coated finish or a
(copper chimney tops) painted finish. The decision came
down to interior andexterior applications and
maintenance factors. A
painted finish was used on the exterior and powder coating on the interior finish, per the owner's request. The reason for not powder coating the exterior elements was, if
you get a nick in the coating, it will lead to flaking and peeling.(brass hinges)
Then after many years of use and exposure the powder coating will eventually gather moisture between the metal and the powder coating finish. Then you will have to remove the entire
(main entrance gate) powder coating and site paint it anyway. Painting
is an easier maintenance process.
Also, we wire filled the crevices, such as in this finials. This process fills in the tight areas where rain and moisture can sit and eventu
ally create rust problems, such as staining and corrosion. We have researched and found some great stock and custom sources: Steptoe & Wife in Toronto Canada, and custom artistic iron workers with shops in California cities such as North San Juan (in the sierra Gold Country), Cloverdale, and Richmond.
This is not wood, but rather a cast iron newel posts..
Enjoy your surrounding,
McDonald Mansion Martin
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