Newsgroups: rec.crafts.metalworking

From: okunewck@pds16 (Phil OKunewick)

Subject: Re: Blackening steel?

Date: Fri, 14 Jan 1994 19:08:37 GMT

Lines: 40



>> I have been building some small "Art Deco" steel wire sculptures, and

>> wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to get a nice, durable,

>> matt black finish on these. (Other than ordinary paint!)

>> Is there some sort of "anodizing" process one can use on steel?

>> I seem to remeber there was a "thread" on this some time ago, but I can't

>> remember what the details were. Tks.

>>

>What you want is equivalent to firearms 'blueing', which is really more of

>a midnight-blue to black finish.  There are two ways of doing this, cold

>blueing and (oddly enough) hot blueing...

>

> [...and some sound advice]

 

   The cold blueing finish sucks.  Don't bother.

 

   Hot blueing salts are available from Dixie Gun Works, Union City,

Tenn.  I put a very nice black finish on a revolver this way.  The

object must be completely immersed and boiled in the solution, which

seems to boil at around 300-350 degrees with the salts in it, and

corrodes all metal in the vicinity.

 

   Rust converters for cars (like Duro Extend) produce a nice black

finish.  This is probably the easiest way to go; try it and see if you

like it.

 

   An alternative is browning.  Browning solutions are available from

gun suppliers, for antique gun reproductions.  To apply, you heat the

metal with a propane torch to a couple hundred degrees, then wipe the

solution on.  This produces a nice finish too.

 

 

   It's always a good idea to oil your piece after you finish it.  Use

an oil which won't evaporate - solvent oils (liquid wrench and wd-40)

will flow well but will go away after a few days or months and leave

the piece to rust.

 



From: danw@panix.com (Dan Wold)

Newsgroups: rec.crafts.metalworking

Subject: Re: Blackening steel?

Date: 14 Jan 1994 22:54:24 -0500

Lines: 37

 

>I have been building some small "Art Deco" steel wire sculptures, and

>wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to get a nice, durable,

>matt black finish on these. (Other than ordinary paint!)

>Is there some sort of "anodizing" process one can use on steel?

>I seem to remeber there was a "thread" on this some time ago, but I can't

>remember what the details were. Tks.

 

I recently tried a product that does a good job:

 

        "Tool Black"

        Precision Brand Products, Inc

        2250 Downer's Grove, Il 60515

        718-969-7200

 

It's a three part process - a bottle of cleaning solution, the blacckening

chemicals and a non-evapporating/non-staining rust-preventative. The shade

ranges from "blue" to matte black depending upon the amount of time you

leavethe solution on the piece. the instructions indicate that heating will

accelerate the process and deepen  the color.

 

I got my package from a local distributor:

 

        Eastern  Tool Company, 1-212-925-1006

 

They shipped it UPS and I got it the next day. Cost about $45.

 

Good luck.

 

-Dan ( "Dan the Welder" )

 

 

Newsgroups: rec.crafts.metalworking

From: lucas@watson.ibm.com (Bruce Lucas)

Subject: Re: Blackening steel?

Date: Sat, 15 Jan 1994 16:53:06 GMT

Lines: 5

 

"The Home Machinist's Handbook" recommends coating the part with motor

oil and then baking in the oven at about 350 degrees for 10 minutes