Following techniques from early 20th century RLM lighting, Barn Light has revived the craft of porcelain enamel steel shades
A Passion for Vintage Light Fixtures
Florida natives Bryan and Donna Scott began Barn Light Electric in 2012 when the high-quality materials and craftsmanship of early 20th century lighting began fading away. The couple decided to make their own line of barn lighting the old-fashioned way using only the highest quality, commercial grade materials. Once a staple of the lighting industry, porcelain enamel lighting, favored for its high gloss finish that never fades or corrodes, had not been manufactured in America for more than 50 years.
Today, they have grown beyond the traditional range of standard luminaires that Barn Light fabricates. Their craftsmanship offers custom manufacturing capabilities allowing designers the opportunity to turn their own ideas into fixtures. You can find Barn Light fixtures in Fresh Direct grocery stores, Wendy’s Food Chain, Lush Cosmetics, Tommy Hilfiger, Bare Burger, Knott’s Berry Farm and currently being installed in Microsoft offices.
Advantages of Designing with Porcelain Enamel Shades
Easy To Clean
Unlike other painted finishes, porcelain enamel can be restored to its original condition by washing with mild soap and water. Each shade’s glass-hard surface retains its vibrant luster after five, ten, or even twenty years of use.
Resists Effects of Time
Porcelain enamel successfully resists harsh weather and work conditions. This finish does not deteriorate or corrode when in contact with chemicals found in most industries. Porcelain-steel shades have been the go-to light fixtures for hazardous locations and commercial manufacturing facilities for decades.
Durable
The hardness of glass combined with the strength of steel gives porcelain enamel the durability needed for industrial and commercial lighting applications. Three layers of baked porcelain enamel causes each shade to be shatterproof and safe for high activity locations.
Craftsmanship Behind the Porcelain Process
Spinning
Beginning with a flat disc of commercial-grade steel, metal artisans spin this material onto a shade mold as the steel slowly forms around it. While applying constant and intense pressure, the “spinning” of the shade reaches approximately 2,500 RPM until the desired shape is created.
Porcelain Enamel
Skilled workers then hand-apply these products with two layers of porcelain enamel glass.
Baking
After the porcelain is applied, the shades are transported to the 1600-degree oven where the baking process ensures anticorrosion and seals the high-gloss finish.
Where Vintage and Modern Collide®
Call us at 212.577.2552 for more information on Barn Light products and customization.
Or email info@oblaneyrinker.com
