Corten Steel Paradise – Raised Water Feature

Our Paradise Water Features have a very gentle water movement element to them where the water comes up through the centre of the bowl and flows over edge of the bowl, along the underside of the bowl and then back into the reservoir. They are perfect for creating a peaceful ambience in any space. it is a very simple but effective product that is easy to install with virtually no ground-prep needed. The water feature is made up of; a corten steel water bowl (60 or 80cm diameter, with a brass hose fitting added to the bottom centre), a pump (PONTEC 'PondoCompact 800' 230V, 50Hz, 20W with a 10m cable), hose (approximately 75cm) and, a reservoir/sump (Finia Water Feature Reservoir 65cm or 100cm). Additionally, for the RAISED PARADISE WATER FEATURE there is a corten steel ring that the reservoir sits inside of. We recommend putting pebbles in the bottom of the bowl to disrupt the water flow from the pump feed - this is because the water fed into the bowl can match the movment of the water in the bowl, causing a resonance that creates waves that increase in size, spilling water unevenly over the edge of the bowl. Please Note: Images are of the Raised Paradise Water Feature - The corten bowl supplied may be at any stage of the weathering process - Corten steel will weather under water but at a very reduced rate - As the corten bowl weathers it will emit rust particles into the water, turning it an orange-brown colour - We recommend weathering your corten bowl dry and then sealing it using an appropriate corten steel sealer for maximum water clarity.

Corten Steel

Corten Steel, also known as weathering steel, is a special steel originally developed for bridge building and skyscraper construction due to its incredible strength. It starts out as a blue steel but on exposure to the elements, develops a protective, striking rust appearance, creating warm rich textures not always associated with metal. Due to the chemical composition of Corten Steel, a very dense oxidisation layer is formed during the weathering process which protects the blue steel inside. This natural fixed coating of rust provides protection against further corrosion. If this protective barrier is compromised, it will simply form a new skin to protect itself. Corten Steel is extremely durable and has a far higher resistance to atmospheric corrosion than other steels.

Run Off
During the weathering process the Corten Steel produces carbon run off or staining to adjacent materials such as stone or concrete. To reduce this possible staining, we recommend raising the product up off the ground by using a suitable stand, blocks of wood, slabs and such like; this will prevent any direct contact with the flooring material. After the initial reactive period Corten Steel will cure and self-seal with little to no carbon run off. The weathering process of Corten Steel is integral to this product and as such we will not accept any responsibility for damage caused to surrounding materials as a result of carbon run off from Corten Steel products. Please ensure you do not place your product on any surface that may be damaged during the weathering process.

Step-by-Step Weathering Guide

• Stage 1 – Freshly manufactured Corten Steel. At this stage the dark oily residue coats the Corten Steel.
• Stage 2 – The oily residue is beginning to break down, as the Corten Steel begins to weather.
• Stage 3 & 4 – The “Run-Off” stage – This can take around 3-9 months depending on weather and positioning.
• Stage 5 & 6 – The final stages of the weathering process. Some “Run-Off” may still occur as the Corten Steels patina develops to a striking, more consistent appearance.

Corten can be easily cleaned using water and a soft brush. it can be sealed using a metal specific varnish, please note this will make the steel appear ‘wet’ or darker for the rest of the item’s life.

If Corten Steel is scratched or the weathered surface is damaged, it will re-weather (heal) itself back to the original weathered state, making the damaged area nearly undisguisable from the rest of the planter.