Fordite Rings
Like your favorite muscle car, you're bound to be drawn to these rings built utilizing real Fordite, paint layers chipped off the framework of classic paint booths ranging from Chrysler, to Ford and even some from the Kenworth semi-truck factory.
What Is Fordite?
Fordite, also known as “Detroit Agate” or “Motor City Agate” and more, is literally a man-made “gem”. During the early years of production of the Automobile, workers would hand paint vehicles on a track with compressed-air powered sprayers. The overspray from this process would get on the rails of the track, and would go through the ovens that baked and cured the paint. Over time, this overspray would accumulate on the tracks and disrupt production.
Workers would knock off and chisel away the hardened paint from the racks, and then throw away what was considered to be garbage slag. However, a few workers would take the time to split these rocks apart and polish them up into beautiful layered “Gems”. Once word had gotten around of this unique material, many began to buy these rocks from the manufacturers. It would quickly find use in many different fashionable applications.
Companies eventually moved away from the spray technique of applying paint to cars, and now rely on an electrostatic method that leaves little to no waste behind, meaning the supply of this material is now fairly limited and very valuable.
Fordite Is Always Different
No piece of fordite is ever quite the same! Thanks to the layered curing process, it means that each cut of fordite has its own pattern and look. One fordite ring may look wildly different from another, and that’s a big part of what makes this material so attractive. Each ring is a unique piece of automotive history. Take a look for yourself with our collection of Lead-Free Fordite Rings Here!
How To Care For A Fordite Ring.
Fordite, while fairly durable, is still at its core just layers of paint stacked upon each other, and as such can be scratched or damaged if not properly taken care of. Therefore, we have a few tips for keeping your fordite ring looking great:
- Try your best to avoid exposing the ring to harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or other cleaning agents. These chemicals and others may damage the surface of the Fordite.
- Remove the ring before taking part in activities that could put a physical strain on the piece, such as heavy lifting, gardening, etc.
- To clean a fordite ring, we recommend a soft brush or cloth and warm soapy water. Gently scrubbing the ring should remove any grime. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and to dry it with a soft cloth. Be sure any other materials on the ring are water safe first!
- If you decide to try and buff or polish the ring yourself, be sure to take proper precautions! Wear a properly rated respirator, gloves, and utilize wet sanding to protect your lungs from any dust particulates.
- Be careful with ultrasonic cleaners as prolonged time within them could eventually cause damage to the individual layers of the fordite.
Does Fordite Contain Lead?
A common concern when it comes to Fordite is the inherent safety of the material. An especially common concern when it comes to vintage fordite is the possible presence of lead in its mixture. Older cars utilized lead paint for coloration and drying purposes, and lead can be found in paints leading up until the ban of lead paints in the late 1970s.
Element Ring Co. Fordite is sourced from modern productions and is lead-free!