natural black (burnished steel) Our favourite finish. This natural forge black is the most traditional of finishes for forged iron and displays the finest textures of the metalwork. The surface is heated & oxidised to produce the natural subtle black of handforged iron and then dipped in hot beeswax. As the wax cools it hardens to give a protective finish to the metal and can be left matt or buffed to a soft sheen. On larger chandeliers the metal surface is sealed with a protective clear satin lacquer. light burnished steel a brighter more up to date variant of the natural black finish described above, again finished with a clear beeswax or protective clear satin lacquer coating. This finish looks stunning, particularly on some of our more contemporary curtain pole finials and fireirons. Not to be confused with chrome or stainless steel, this is a subtle, natural buffed steel reminiscent of a mid pewter colour.