How to blacken or blue screw heads?

[Bill Dufour]

search for Japaning as in a Japaned finish

[Rob Luter]

That looks pretty sharp!

[Bruce Mack]

That looks pretty sharp!

Thanks, Rob. The bottom is solid oak ebonized with India ink and coated with Tru-Oil. This is a gift that I started more than a year ago. I ruined the first attempt at veneering and then ruined my second 'improved' attempt. The record of failure is in previous postings.
I hope my miter glue-up goes well with 1/2" pin nails to secure things.

[Stadler le Roux]

The other choice is to use brass screws and let them show off.
Dyekem comes in colors including blue, red, yellow, black, green and probably some more. Search layout dye for other makes.
Bill D.

Haven't used it myself yet, but I've been told that leaving brass screws to soak in vinegar with some steel wool for a couple of hours to overnight will also darken them, giving them a more rustic finish.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Next time painting screw heads, stick them thru a piece of cardboard. No worries about over spray, or damaging paint removing them