Post Cap Installation and Maintenance
Post Cap Installation
Solar Post Cap Installation
Metal Post Cap Maintenance
Wood Post Cap Maintenance
Installation
Post Caps
To install your Maine Ornamental decorative post caps, 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 then place the cap firmly over the top of the post.
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Solar Post Caps
To activate your new solar post cap light:
- Remove the metal top by pressing inward on the side of the clear lens with holes, grasping the edge of the metal top and lifting it off.
- Remove the plastic tab in the battery compartment to allow for terminal connection.
- Replace the metal top by snapping it back onto the clear lens. (Be sure that the holes in the lens line up with the stubs on the metal top.)
- Place your solar post cap light in direct sunlight for 24-48 hours with the switch in the OFF position to fully charge.
- Once your solar post cap is fully charged, turn the switch to the ON position.
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Your solar post cap light is now ready to be installed on your post. To attach to the post, apply an exterior-grade construction adhesive to the inside edge of the moulding at the bottom of the light and place it firmly onto the post.
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 power the light during darkness. Your solar post cap light will stay lit for an average of 6 to 8 hours during the night and turn off during the day, allowing the solar collector to re-charge the batteries.
If your solar post cap light becomes dim or does not light, simply turn the switch to the OFF position for 48 hours and allow the solar collector to fully recharge the batteries.
If your solar post cap does not light or stops working, try these steps:
- Remove the metal top by pressing in on the side of the plastic lens.
- Turn the metal top upside-down and place it on a table so that the solar collector is covered (not exposed to the light). A light sensor inside will prevent it from lighting during the day.
- Make sure the protective plastic tab between the batteries and the terminals has been removed.
- Make sure the batteries are making contact with the terminals.
- Make sure the on/off switch is in the ON position.
- If your solar post cap light still does not light, place it in direct sunlight with the switch in the OFF position for 48 hours to fully recharge the batteries.
- If your solar post caps light still does not light, replace the batteries with AA rechargeable batteries.
Maintenance
Metal Post Caps
Our copper, stainless steel, and brass post caps come with a thin, clear marine lacquer designed to protect them before and during installation. Once exposed to the elements, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, moisture, and pollution begin to break down this coating, exposing the metal underneath.
Copper
In its natural state, copper breaks down in the elements and develops a patina. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon color to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina.
- To maintain the shiny look, apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the cap, and reapply every 3 to 6 months.
- To remove an already tarnished finish, remove the old coating with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool. Buff with grade 0000 steel wool for a satin finish; for a mirror-like finish, apply a car wax. Spray with a clear lacquer or polyurethane. Let dry and apply a car wax.
- To encourage a natural patina, remove the lacquer with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool.
Stainless Steel and Brass
Stainless steel has a hard oxide coating which makes it resistant to stains. To maintain this coating clean periodically with a mixture of vinegar and club soda. As with the copper, our brass post caps are protected with a thin clear coating of lacquer. Periodic reapplication of this clear coating will help to protect the brass.
Colored Metal Post Caps
Our Victoria post caps come in a variety of colors, including white, green, real patina, pewter, and black. These colors are a powder-coated, baked-on finish that is extremely hard and durable, rarely requiring maintenance
Wood Post Caps
As with all wood products, we recommend that you coat these with a high-quality exterior finish to preserve the wood's natural beauty and ensure a lifetime of enjoyment. Apply to all wood areas, including the underside of the cap, before installation.