Etching / coloring steel

[Mark Gibney]

I'm bidding a job that will require that I "treat" small steel components to color them.

These will be mild steel 1/2" x 16" x 13" approx.

I have done blueing on steel, and then sprayed with lacquer, but I'm wondering if there are other approaches I could run by the client?

The client is open to ideas, but I want to avoid powder coating for instance, because I think the texture of the steel will add a lot to this project.

Thanks for any guidance on this! Mark

[Richard Verwoest]

Look at David Mark's website. Patination.

Richard

[ChrisA Edwards]

Sounds like an application for a CO2 laser.

Just an idea

[Richard Coers]

Just research patina. There are cold and hot bluing, browning, hot oil, and on and on. The book to reference is Patina by Matthew Runtola. Lots of samples shown with chemical recipes.

[Tom Bain]

I just saw a Woodsmith show where they used a combination of hydrogen peroxide followed by distilled water and wax to age the steel. I haven’t tried it personally but it seemed fairly straightforward and easy.

[Bill Dufour]

Look into heat treating and tempering steel. It can result in nice color patterns.
Bill D

[Mark Gibney]

The book Patina looks promising. Thanks!

[Ted Calver]

Also check out:
The Colouring, Bronzing and Patination of Metals Hardcover – Illustrated, February 1, 1991
by Richard Hughes (Author), Michael Rowe (Author)

[Mark Gibney]

Thanks for the book suggestion Ted.

[John Goodin]

Sculpt Nouveau. They sell all kinds patinas, both hot and cold, for metals. I bought several products with not only excellent results but the results I expected. They are very helpful on the phone as well. Just google the name.

[John Goodin]

Sculpt Nouveau. They sell all kinds patinas, both hot and cold, for metals. I bought several products with not only excellent results but the results I expected. They are very helpful on the phone as well. Just google the name.