Looking for an industrial, natural metal look? If so, our powder coated clear coat finish is a great option. At Cascade Iron Co., our raw steel products come with a clear matte sealer. This is a non-glossy top coat designed to preserve the natural look of the steel. This clear coat protects the raw steel from moisture and oxidation.
We know many customers aren’t aware that untreated steel can rust over time, so we’re breaking it all down for you below.
What Is Raw Steel, Exactly?
Raw steel is simply unfinished steel just as it comes from the mill. It can be a little messy or oily and left unprotected will rust over time. It often has:
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Visible color variations
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A bit of texture or mill scale
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A cool, blue-gray or reddish tone
Will Raw Steel Rust Without Protection?
Yes, completely untreated raw steel will oxidize, especially in:
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Humid rooms like bathrooms
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Kitchens or laundry areas
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Outdoors (even covered spaces)
That’s why our clear matte sealer is such an important part of the process. It’s our way of giving you the look of industrial steel with protection from the elements.
Yes, It's Sealed - But Still Raw
We call our finish Clear Coated Steel because we don’t alter the metal but professionally powder coat it with a non glossy protective finish. This finish helps:
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Keep the natural look of raw, unpainted steel
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Prevent rust, oxidation, and water spots
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Avoid shine
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Extend the life of your hardware
This allows you to enjoy the industrial character of steel, without the worry of it degrading over time. The powder coating is also non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Still Deciding?
Hopefully this helps clarify our clear coating process and the nature of untreated steel. If you have questions about raw steel or want to compare it to our powder-coated options, check out our Metal Finish Sample Kit or feel free to contact us.
For more information, check more about our story and commitment to being American Made.
