I use something similar to what Steve uses; brass black. For some reason it works well on iron.
https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/...0068626162.jpg
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I use something similar to what Steve uses; brass black. For some reason it works well on iron.
https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/...0068626162.jpg
Second the linseed/flaxseed oil. Turns grey cast iron nice and black after heating in the oven.
These guys make something that should help : https://jaxchemical.com/shop/jax-iro...kel-blackener/ I have not used the product for cast iron, but have used their bronze darkener to good effect for years.
John
Be careful using cold blue (gun blue). It can leave a smell on the metal that doesn’t go away. I used it on an old Opinel knife just for kicks, and while it looks great, it has a smell that gets on my hands when I touch it. The smell lasts for months and months (on the metal, not my hands...).
Black. Haven't noticed any blue tint.
Thanks Steven.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Wow! Who knew that these were so many ways to darken cast iron.
Propane torch might darken the Cast Iron.
Here's where I am at this stage:
I have cast iron knobs for the chest I am building. The are silver-light grey in colour. I would like them to be charcoal-to-black.
The issue with cold bluing formulations is that they create a finish that wears with handling. Drawer knobs get handled frequently (although these should not get daily use).
Hot formulations are more durable than cold formulations. I have a good friend who is clued up on the chemistry of these products. I mentioned that I had ordered a stove polish. This is rubbed on and then the iron/stove is heated. Lots of smoke issue, and then the finish gets rubbed back. He said that this is equivalent to the hot formulation, and should be durable.
This is the product I have ordered ...
https://www.rubbedin.com.au/Product/...horizontalTab1
I ordered one extra knob, and will experiment on that when the polish arrives.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Here's where I am at this stage:
I have cast iron knobs for the chest I am building. The are silver-light grey in colour. I would like them to be charcoal-to-black.
The issue with cold bluing formulations is that they create a finish that wears with handling. Drawer knobs get handled frequently (although these should not get daily use).
Hot formulations are more durable than cold formulations. I have a good friend who is clued up on the chemistry of these products. I mentioned that I had ordered a stove polish. This is rubbed on and then the iron/stove is heated. Lots of smoke issue, and then the finish gets rubbed back. He said that this is equivalent to the hot formulation, and should be durable.
This is the product I have ordered ...
https://www.rubbedin.com.au/Product/...horizontalTab1
I ordered one extra knob, and will experiment on that when the polish arrives.
Regards from Perth
Derek
I'll put aside my joking around and suggest that you Google "Black Magic Patina". You are looking for Sculpt Nouveau. This is a product I had forgotten till I saw my friend's blacken tin mantle shelf.