colouring steel

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

I need to colour a small (ca.6mm diameter) knob of iron/steel in a dark rust brow oxide shade, that sounds simple but it is part of steel studwork on a very fine satinwood veneered lid and I cannot remove it without causing damage.

I have tried a thin coat of battery acid applied with a brush and other fluids I have at hand but all gave no reaction at all after leaving overnight. I can of course paint it in a sort of right colour but would like to have something that is close to the original oxide finish. Perhaps someone can advice a simple household chemical that I can try. Niko.

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

[JohnFParticipant @johnf59703]

Niko, Not sure where you are but I have exactly the right chemicals but it would not be possible to post them, I am in Lancashire.

However a crude form of rust browning can be achieved with salt water, it will probably require several applications and clean off with de-greased wire wool after each coat until the desired colour is obtained. Lastly apply soda water solution to kill the rusting. [washing soda] The colour will depend on the type of steel/iron the ball is made of, steel does not brown easily, iron does.

Regards John

[jason udallParticipant @jasonudall57142]

Can I suggest a fine polish with degrease/iron wool…and turn back…seems to work for me all to frequently

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

Jason, I have allready turned my back and I agree it normally works perfect and without any problems, but now after completing the turn, no effect is noted. I will try John's salt water perhaps that will have a shorter turning time. Niko.

[jason udallParticipant @jasonudall57142]

Aye

[JohnFParticipant @johnf59703]

Niko you can also try Ferric Chloride if you can get any, this is use in most of the formula use to brown Damascus gun barrels If you want a formula PM me.

John

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Ferric chloride is easy to obtain from any electronic supplies company as it's used for etching PCBs. usually as dry 'crystals' (shaped like small golf balls).

Neil

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

Thanks all for the advice, I took the risk of removing it from the lid and was then able to get the correct colour in a short time. Niko.

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