Below are some frequently asked questions about our post caps and other accessories. Read on to learn more about our products' characteristics, installation, fasteners, warranty, and care and cleaning.

Product Characteristics
Installation
Care and Cleaning

Product Characteristics

What are the inside dimensions of your post caps?
Our post caps come in many sizes, but the most common sizes are 4 x 4 and 6 x 6, which are made to fit a nominal 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 post. The inside dimensions of the nominal 4 x 4 measures 3-5/8", and the inside dimensions of the nominal 6 x 6 measures 5-5/8". We carry a limited selection of other opening sizes, such as 4-1/8", 4-5/8", 4-7/8", 5-3/16", and 6-1/8". In addition, we have a 4 x 6 post cap (with inside dimensions of 3-5/8" x 5-5/8") in two, all-wood styles: Newport High Pyramid and Newport Classic. We also offer as 8 x 8 Copper-Topped cap with an opening size of 7-5/8" and a 10 x 10 cap with an opening size of 9-5/8". All of these special sizes are available in cedar. Our 4 x 6 post caps are also available in redwood.

Will my stainless steel post caps rust?
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that contains more then 10% chromium. Its hard oxide coating makes it resistant to stains. If corrosion or wear strips away this coating, however, the steel will rust. Stainless steel, therefore, should be cleaned periodically. One way to clean stainless steel is to use a mixture of vinegar and club soda. Additional cleaning suggestions can be found on the Internet.

Will the brass post caps tarnish?
Our brass post caps are a true metal brass—an alloy of copper and zinc. They are protected by a thin layer of clear coating. This coating, however, breaks down over time, exposing the brass. Once moisture reaches the brass, it begins to tarnish. A periodic reapplication of the clear coating will slow this process.

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What preservative is used to protect our pressure-treated wood post caps?
Our wood post caps are protected by CA-B (Copper Azole Type B), an EPA-registered pesticide containing copper and azole compounds to protect it from termite attack and decay. For more information, refer to the Copper Azole Safe Handling Information.

What type of fasteners (and other metal products) should be used with CA-B pressure-treated wood products?
Hot-Dip Galvanized fasteners are recommended for use with CA-B treated wood. Stainless Steel fasteners are also excellent for this use. For more information on fasteners, refer to Fasteners for CA-B Pressure Treated Wood Products

How bright is the solar post cap light?
The solar post cap light provides an ambient, non-task-oriented light.

Where can I purchase replacement LED light bulbs?
The LED bulbs are part of the whole solar cell component and are not designed to be replaced. The LED bulbs have an average life of 10 years, with a normal usage of 6-8 hours per day.

What kind of replacement batteries should I buy for the solar post cap light? 
If the rechargeable batteries provided will no longer recharge, they can be replaced with any AA rechargeable batteries. The life depends on the quality of the batteries purchased.

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How long will the rechargeable batteries provided with the solar post cap last?
The rechargeable batteries should last approximately one year.

Can I use regular, non-rechargeable batteries in the solar post cap light?
No, the solar post cap light is designed to be used with rechargeable batteries. If regular batteries are used in the sun, they will destroy the solar collector.

How long is the life of the LED light bulbs?
With a normal usage of 6-8 hours per day, the LED bulbs should last an average of 10 years.

What is the metal underneath the post caps with the powder-coated finish?
The base of our powder-coated post caps is made of stainless steel.

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What is powder-coating?
Our white, green, real patina, pewter and black post caps are all treated with powder-coating. Powder-coating is a dry finishing process in which finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto an electrically grounded post cap. The charged powder particles adhere to the grounded post cap until they melt and fuse into a smooth coating in the curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality finish that is also environmentally friendly.

What does “dentil” mean?
“Dentil” refers to the wood frame of the post cap and is one of a series of closely spaced, rectangular blocks that form a tooth-like, dentil molding on the frame of the post cap. Dentil molding, usually found on rooflines of buildings, can also form a decorative band on any fixture.

What does “patina” mean?
“Patina” refers to the natural weathering of copper due to airborne sulfur compounds, which gradually change copper’s surface color. The resulting color, called a patina, depends on location and climate. Salt, moisture, sunlight, ultra-violet rays and pollution can affect the final color. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon to shades of russet brown and gray, and then finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina color.

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What is a post skirt?
A post skirt is a trim molding for the base of a post. Post skirts are available in 4 x 4 and 6 x 6 sizes, three styles, and three wood species: pressure-treated pine, cedar, and redwood. They can be used alone or in combination. Our post skirts are cut to size, with three sides pre-joined. The fourth side can be easily slipped into place and attached with finish nails, staples, or exterior-grade construction adhesive.

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Installation

How do I attach the post cap to the post?
We recommend using an exterior-grade construction adhesive to adhere the cap to the post.   Apply the adhesive liberally to the inside of the cap and place the cap firmly over the top of the post. If you prefer to use Brad nails, be sure to pre-drill all nail holes to avoid splitting. For more information, refer to the installation instructions.

How do I attach the solar post cap light to my post?
To attach our solar post cap light to a post, apply an exterior-grade construction adhesive to the inside edge of the molding at the bottom of the light, and then place the light firmly onto the post. For more information, refer to the installation instructions.

Should the switch on the solar post cap light be in the ON or OFF position to charge the batteries?
Your solar post cap light will need 24-48 hours of sunlight, with the switch in the OFF position, to fully charge. Once the batteries are fully charged, you can leave the switch in the ON position. The solar collector will charge the batteries during the daylight hours, and the batteries will power the light during darkness. If your light dims, try recharging the batteries again by giving the light 24-48 hours of sunlight with the switch in the OFF position.

Should I remove the thin, clear plastic film over the top of the solar collector on the solar post cap light?
Yes, the clear plastic cover is meant to protect the solar collector during shipping.

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Care and Cleaning

Will my copper post caps remain a shiny copper color?
Our copper, stainless steel, and brass post caps come with a thin clear coating designed to protect them before and during installation. Once they are exposed to the elements, however, the sun’s ultraviolet rays begin to break down this coating, exposing the metal underneath. The copper caps, therefore, will gradually progress from a natural salmon to shades of russet brown and gray, and then finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina. Depending on climate, pollution, and sun exposure, this process can begin anywhere from six months to two years.

How do I keep my copper post cap from turning color?
There is no permanent protection system that will keep copper from weathering. There are clear coatings that will provide short-term protection for exterior applications and longer-term protection for interior applications. The copper color can be prolonged by periodically re-applying a clear spray lacquer before oxidization begins.

Can I speed up the patina process on my copper post caps?
You can remove the thin layer of clear coating by using either mineral spirits or acetone. Once the copper is exposed, the patina process can be hastened by spraying the copper with a mixture of lemon juice and water and keeping the cap in a damp place.

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Do I need to apply a finish to my wood post caps?
As with all wood products, we recommend that you coat the wood portion of our post caps with a high-quality, exterior-grade wood preservative to protect the wood’s natural beauty and ensure a lifetime of enjoyment. Apply the finish to all wood areas, including the underside of the cap before installation. Consult your local paint supplier for the best product to use in your area.

Should I allow my treated wood post caps to "season" outdoors before I apply a protective finish?
No, our treated wood post caps are kiln-dried and do not require a drying period. We recommend applying a protective finish immediately.

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