Old West Iron Blog: Craftsmanship, Heritage & Hand-Forged Expertise

We’ve helped customers install iron hardware on cabins in Montana blizzards, desert ranches in frost, and off-grid homes in the dead of winter. If you're unsure what finish to use, how to install in cold temps, or want to place a rush order — we're here to help.

Our team is happy to guide you. Whether you're coordinating hardware across a home or matching a restoration piece, finish matters — both visually and functionally.

Whether you're restoring a historic homestead or building new with soul, don’t underestimate the role of finish in hardware longevity. It’s not just about looks—it’s protection, performance, and pride in craftsmanship.  

Whether you're restoring an antique door or simply giving your entryway a facelift, replacing your hinges is one of the fastest, easiest ways to refresh your space—and when you choose hand-forged, American-made hardware from Old West Iron, you’re investing in quality that lasts generations.  

At Old West Iron, we believe in giving gifts that carry meaning and endure over time. Whether it’s a bouquet that never fades or a romantic table setting that becomes a tradition, your gift will reflect the heart and soul you put into choosing it.

Start 2026 with a commitment to craftsmanship. When you choose Old West Iron, you’re not just choosing parts—you’re choosing heritage, resilience, and pride.

Your project deserves more than mass-produced parts. It deserves purpose-built hardware with soul—designed to honor the past and built to hold strong for generations.

Understanding why hand-painted and living finishes are better for your hardware—especially in winter.Explore Our Finishes → At Old West Iron, we’re often asked: “Can I get this powder-coated?” The short answer? We don’t powder coat—and we don’t recommend it for cold-weather climates either. In a world dominated by fast, mass-produced solutions, powder coating is often sold as the gold standard of durability. But when it comes to hand-forged iron hardware, that standard doesn't always hold up—especially outdoors, and especially in freezing conditions. What Is Powder Coating—And Why Is It Popular? Powder coating is a dry finishing process that involves electrostatically applying powder to a metal surface, which is then cured in a high-heat oven. It’s widely used in commercial manufacturing for furniture, tools, fencing, and appliances. Yes, it’s quick. Yes, it’s cheap. But it's not the right fit for hand-forged architectural hardware—and here's why. The Hidden Flaws of Powder Coating in Winter In cold climates, powder coating has a tendency to crack, chip, and peel. Why? Rigidity: Powder coating lacks flexibility. When temperatures drop and metal expands or contracts, powder coatings can’t flex with the material—leading to micro-fractures. Moisture Traps: If moisture sneaks under the surface (from a scratch, nick, or imperfection), it rusts beneath the coating, often undetectable until it’s too late. No Touch-Up Options: Powder-coated hardware can’t be spot-repaired. Once compromised, it usually has to be stripped and redone entirely. In short, powder coat may look nice at first, but in rugged or wet climates—and especially in freeze-thaw cycles—it just doesn't last. What We Do Instead: Living, Hand-Painted Finishes At Old West Iron, we use hand-applied, layered finishes that are made to age gracefully and weather naturally. These “living finishes” develop character over time—and can be easily touched up or sealed again when needed. Our options include: Oil-Rubbed Bronze – a warm, dark finish with copper undertones Raw Iron – ideal for natural patina development Antique Pewter – for a cold-forged medieval look Rust Patina Sealed – gives you the aged, rusty look but protected Custom Color Matching – send us a sample or photo, and we’ll replicate it Plus, all our finishes can be clear-coated or wax-sealed for additional protection—making them suitable for both interior and exterior use. Need Powder Coat Anyway? We’ll Help You Arrange It While we don’t offer powder coating in-house, we’re happy to ship your hardware raw so you can have it powder-coated locally—or we can refer you to a trusted third-party finisher for an extra fee. Just know the limitations before choosing that route. Why It Matters: Finish Is About More Than Color The finish you choose isn’t just about aesthetics. It determines: Durability Maintenance Weather Resistance Authenticity If you're restoring a colonial barn, outfitting a mountain lodge, or building a forever home on your land—your finish should reflect your values. Hand-painted, repairable finishes aren't just more beautiful—they’re more honest, more sustainable, and built to evolve with your home. Shop Hand-Forged Hardware, Built to Last Our textures & finishes page explains all your options. You can also order sample kits to test finishes in your lighting and environment. Browse the full catalog → Written by the Old West Iron Forge TeamCrafting authentic American ironwork from our Idaho forge since 2011. Experience-backed, veteran-built, and proudly Made in the USA.  

Explore our full collection of hand-forged pizza oven doors and create a Christmas Eve your family will never forget. Our doors are crafted to last for generations—just like the traditions they inspire.

Our Quick Ship Picks are in stock and ready to roll—but quantities are limited, and the clock is ticking. Skip the stress and give something that actually means something.

In a season where so much feels commercial, giving hand-forged iron sends a different message: “I see you. I value you. You deserve something real.”

At Old West Iron, we don't just sell hardware—we carry forward a legacy. Whether you're restoring a historic structure or building something new with soul, our pieces are forged to honor the iron backbone of American history.