Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lighting is recommended?
It depends on location. At indoors, artificial light is highly recommended, preferably directed downward. There are all kinds of wall-art-specific light spots at any market, as well as different light bulbs (halogen or LED recommended) you can apply with minimum knowledge. Of course, it does involve the handling of electrical equipment, meaning you should ask for professional help if you do not feel confident in this area.
At outdoor environments, the direct sunlight gets the best results. However you should avoid that the reflected light causes any glare to the surrounding space.
Wherever you choose to display your metal art, you can always customize the visual effects obtained by combining colored lamps or other light sources. For example, you get a stunning holographic effect if the light comes both from above and below, highly recommended for places of great circulation!
What sort of cares should I have? Is maintenance complicated?
Only the standard cares that any artistic element requires. Particularly avoid any contact with hard objects and surfaces (rings, bracelets, etc.) that may scratch the panels in difficult places to remove.
The maintenance required will depend mostly of the local conditions in which pieces are exposed. Dust and other particles can be cleaned with any soft dry fabric. Fingerprints or more persistent scratches can be clean with any ordinary green mop. In one case or the other, ALWAYS wipe in straight lines following the direction of the easily visible metal fibers. Do not EVER wipe in circles or in a transverse direction to those fibers! Wet cleaning products are not recommended.
Are the panels too heavy? What is the average weight?
The final weight will depend mainly on the frame, in case you choose to apply one. But in general, only relying on stainless steel panels, they actually are not much heavy. A medium size piece (800x500x1mm) weighs about 8.8 lbs, so the average weight is around 17.6 lbs per sq/meter.
What kind of places are more suitable for the exhibition of this art?
Preferably large good circulation spaces, such as: receptions (hotels, restaurants, clinics, businesses, public services); shops (jewelers, coffee shops, car dealers, etc); privateers (CEO offices, meeting rooms, entry halls, living rooms); outdoors (memorial plaques, building entrances, billboards, etc).
Let me remind that the metal panels can be applied either on vertical surfaces, as on floors, marking entries or defining paths of great beauty and exuberance. Or even as coating elements for large surfaces such as walls / floors of a store or house... In fact, about any steel or aluminum surfaces can be customized!
What about payment/delivery methods?
Currently, all payments are made by bank transfer or on delivery. You only have to identify the work that you want or make a new order by email. As soon as possible, I will contact you to schedule day / time / place of delivery. Typically I request professional delivery services, whose costs are supported by the customer. Every detail is checked in advance with the customer – there are no surprises! All artworks are accompanied by your payment receipt.
Is it difficult to hang the panels? What is involved?
It isn’t more difficult than hanging any framed picture or mirror. Since I leave the choice of the frame to customer’s taste, the hanging system is exactly the same applied to any artwork frame. It only takes a small hole and bolt (wall) according to the total weight of the piece. In terms of lighting, in case it does not exist yet, it is highly recommended to apply a small hot-spot on the wall or ceiling above the table. Any questions or difficulties that may persist, please contact me... I will be happy to assist in everything within my reach.
Is this art hard to work on? How long does it take to complete a panel?
It really is a very demanding technique, YES. The (more popular) abstract themes naturally require less effort and runtime. But still there are distinct differences between a "scratched" metal panel and one that has been artistically worked on... Naturally, the more complex and realistic works that I prefer, like portraits, require, under normal conditions, around 15 to 20 hours, excluding the necessary physical rest pauses.
I would like to learn and work on metal art. What shall I do?
At this point I really do not have the time or place to provide any sort of teaching, although I do wish to do so in the near future.
The first step is to make sure you have a place where you can make a LOT of noise for long hours without disturbing others. Then visit a good locksmith and buy in small panels, a sheet of stainless steel or aluminum. Third, you’ll need to acquire electric equipment such as drilling / sanding / grinding / brushing... well, the greater the variety of items, the richer and diverse will be the obtained results.
Finally, indulge your imagination and be prepared for the impact that this passionate art conveys and discover the "light" within yourself!
Warning: ALWAYS respect and meet all safety rules regarding the handling of electrical machinery. The use of gloves, glasses and hearing protection items is MANDATORY. Do not go lazy on this... small mistakes can come very sorriness!
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