Blackening brass

This topic has 1 reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 31 October 2026 at 10:22 by Tomfilery.

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30 October 2026 at 18:12 #872123
paul1956
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@paul1956
On my current project I’ve got some brass parts I’d like to blacken. I’m trying Birchwood Brass black.

So far my best results have come from total immersion for a minute, wash off, dry then repeat (5 times). Garage temp liquid at 14C.
So far the results are a bit so so and I wonder if anyone has any tips to get the best from the product. I’ve seen a few YouTube videos on it and techniques are split.
Also what finish have people used to give a decent sheen to the part and improve durability. Tests so far suggest microcrystalline wax might work.
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31 October 2026 at 10:22 #872190
Tomfilery
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@tomfilery
Paul,

I’ve not used the Birchwood Brass blackening, but have used horological blackening fluid for many years on small model railway parts. The first thing is that all chemical reactions work faster the higher the temperature – 14C is far too cold! Although not directly related, I have used stainless steel blackening fluid where the instructions state it must only be used with a 23C air temperature.

For small parts, put your blackening fluid in a container of warm water to improve the reaction (and hopefully, the quality of the results). For finish, it depends on what you need. One mate uses “dewatering oil” (NOT WD40!!) to protect non-painted parts. I usually lacquer mine – Rustin’s Metal lacquer works well and is easy to apply.

Tom
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Blackening brass

Blackening brass

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