About

Learn how to finish metal projects with Carla Grahn.

Finishes and patinas are a very important but often overlooked part of metalworking.  This 3-hour class will explore different finishes and techniques including applied finishes, textures, and heat. This is a presentation, demonstration, and discussion class. Examples will be shown, with hands-on practice and experimentation to follow with wire wheels, sanding, polishing, and texture finishes on sample materials.

Carla will present a variety of finish examples in a PowerPoint format supported by samples and take-home documents. She will distinguish between appropriate finishes for interior and exterior applications on metal furniture, sculpture, art or display pieces, and site-specific work.                                    

The importance of appropriate preparation for generic and specific finishes will be discussed with examples (e.g., acid, sand blasting, etc.). This will include a discussion of mill scale and how to deal with it. The class will include a discussion of rust, rust as an intended finish, and how to force rust. Methods of sealing with wax, lacquer, oil, Penetrol, paint, etc. will be covered. Steel blackening (common in firearms) will also be demonstrated.

Carla will provide printed references or resources for your future reference.

Details:

• All ages 14+ are welcome.
• Safety and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) will be provided by BARN.

• Students must wear natural fiber clothing, long sleeves and long pants, closed toe shoes (preferably leather or cotton), no stretch fabrics.  

• There is a materials fee of $10 that is included in the cost of the class.

• Please click here for BARN's current COVID-19 health & safety protocols.
  
• BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available - click here to fill out the simple application before registering for a class. For those who might need physical assistance, please learn about BARN's Companion Program here.

Instructor: Carla Grahn (carlagrahn@hotmail.com)

Instructor Bio: Carla Grahn has a 30-year history of metalwork and mixed media, including; sculpture, furniture, installations, and site-specific architectural pieces, both public and private. She has been teaching Creative Metalworking and Introduction to Welding at Pratt Fine Arts, Seattle for 23 years. Her style is broad, and she thrives on discovering/exploring new techniques and combinations of materials. Her work is visible on her web site:  www.carlagrahn.com