Product Care
Post Caps
All Nantucket Post Cap products are produced from the finest grade of Redwood or Western Red Cedar and sold in the natural, untreated finish.
Nantucket Post Cap wood products may be treated with a clear sealer to preserve the natural wood color while protecting them against the elements. Red Cedar and Redwood can be painted or stained as well. Talk to your local trusted paint supply store for best procedures on treating.
A marine grade adhesive can be used to fasten wooden caps to the fence posts.
Copper Post Caps
Materials:
All of Nantucket Post Cap slip over post caps are available in clear, vertical grain, kiln dried, Redwood or Clear Western Red Cedar. These wood types are best known for their durability in harsh environments, and their beauty.
Construction:
Slip over fence caps are crafted using a 5 piece construction with V-nails in each corner of the molding. 12 or more stainless steel staples are used to permanently fasten the molding to the underside of the wooden post cap.
Maintenance of Copper Fence Caps
Copper post caps and stainless steel post caps come with a thin, clear marine lacquer designed to protect them before and during installation. Once exposed to the elements, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, moisture, and pollution begin to break down this coating, exposing the metal underneath.
Copper Top
In its natural state, copper breaks down in the elements and develops a patina. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon color to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina.
- To maintain the shiny look, apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the cap, and reapply every 3 to 6 months.
- To remove an already tarnished finish, remove the old coating with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool. Buff with grade 0000 steel wool for a satin finish; for a mirror-like finish, apply a car wax. Spray with a clear lacquer or polyurethane. Let dry and apply a car wax.
- To encourage a natural patina, remove the lacquer with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool.
Post Cap FAQ's
Will my copper post caps remain a shiny copper color?
Our copper post caps come with a thin, clear marine lacquer designed to protect them before and during installation. Once exposed to the elements, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, moisture, and pollution begin to break down this coating, exposing the metal underneath. In its natural state, copper breaks down in the elements and patinas. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon color to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina.
What does "patina" mean?
"Patina" refers to the natural weathering of copper due to airborne sulfur compounds, which gradually change copper's surface color. The resulting color, called a patina, depends on location and climate. Salt, moisture, sunlight, ultra-violet rays and pollution can affect the final color. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon color to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina. To maintain the shiny look, apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the cap, and reapply every 3 to 6 months. To encourage a natural patina, remove the lacquer with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool.
How do I keep my copper post cap from turning green/patina?
To maintain the shiny look, apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the cap, and reapply every 3 to 6 months.
Can I speed up the patina process on my copper post caps?
To encourage a natural patina, remove the lacquer with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool.