Custom Iron Connection

Here's what you'll find in this edition of the CI Connection:

•Tips + Tools - Custom Iron Order Checklist


Color Matching
What do we mean by “custom color match” for wet coat paint? For the vast majority of homeowners requesting a custom color match, Custom Iron’s Six Secret Steps will ensure a good match that meets the homeowner’s expectations:

	1.	Obtain a swatch/sample and the sheen preference from our customer.
	2.	Send the swatch/sample to our wet paint vendor.
	3.	Wait for the paint vendor with the fancy computers to do a match, mix up a gallon, and send it back with a spray-out.
	4.	Hold the original color swatch/sample in one hand and the custom spray-out in the other.
	5.	Keeping our hands 4" apart, and extending our arms out about 24", do they look the same?
	6.	Hurray! We have a match. (virtually every time)

Powder coat color matching is a different process using powder vendor catalogs and prepared swatches. The closeness of the match varies significantly. Often, the best we can do is find a color that will complement the original or that is “in the same color family”.

Another great use of Custom Iron wet coat paints is in the creation of faux finishes and other color effects. Look for more info about this type of finish in upcoming editions of the CI Connection.

Custom Iron Order Guide and Checklist

We would like to make your ordering experience easier and more efficient. For spiral stairs, click on the Spiral Stairway Order Guide and you will get a step-by-step ordering process that walks you through all the decisions you need to make so we can design and quote your stair. You also have it available in printed form at the end of the Spiral Stairs section of your catalog. For a simple order checklist to verify order information, click on the Custom Iron Order Checklist. Here are some general tips that will make ordering from Custom Iron more efficient:

	•	50/50 Terms - If the terms are “50/50” that means that 50% is due at time the order is placed and the remaining 50% balance is due before the order ships. For amounts under $1,000 and lead times of a week or less, please pay the entire amount at the time the order is placed. Alternatively, if you split the total into two equal checks, we could hold one until the order ships. We accept company checks, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. You can also use “check by phone” for payment. Your prompt payment arrangements will ensure prompt processing of your order.

	•	Ship Dates - The date given for delivery is an estimated ship date. Fabrication and lead time cannot begin until all required information, signed approvals, and required payments are received. Some ship date variations (before or after the estimated date) may occur. Please tell your salesperson if you require special consideration regarding the ship date.

	•	Order Sheets & Drawings - Carefully read and verify the information on the order sheets and any drawings that we send you. This is the information from which we will fabricate the items on your order. If there are changes, note on your copy and return to us.

	•	Inspect Upon Arrival - When your shipment arrives, before signing the carrier's bill, inspect the shipment for visible damage. If there is visible damage or missing product, do not continue to unpack. Call us immediately. We will advise you whether to refuse the shipment or accept with damage noted. Regardless of the type of damage or shortage, Custom Iron must be notified within 24 hours of delivery.

	•	More Info - See the “Other Info” section of the Custom Iron catalog for more information about ordering, payment, lead time and shipping.

This is where we showcase installed creative metal. If you have Custom Iron metal balusters, panels, or a stair you're particularly proud of, send us a picture and we'll feature it in an upcoming Custom Iron Connection. If we made a spiral or curving stair and it looks fabulous in your setting, send us a picture of it! You'll get credit for the stair (if you choose), some “press” and a chance to showcase what you do. Let us show what Custom Iron and you can do together. Send digital pictures to jq@customiron.com. Send prints to Julie Quinn, Custom Iron, 400 1st Street East, Zumbrota, MN 55992.

		Above: Custom designed arched window gates and exterior stair and deck railing for a home in Minnetrista, Minnesota.

		SEE US IN FLORIDA AT SEBC

		Brad and Paul will be representing Custom Iron at the Southeast Building Conference in Orlando, Florida, August 5-7. If you’re able to make it to the show, stop by booth #963 and say hello. We hope to see you there.
Brad Rippel	Paul Evenson