Metal blackeners?

[Ray Dunakin]

Can someone recommend a good chemical metal blackener (and a place to buy it)? Do different types of metal require different types of blackener?

[IRONHORSE77]

RAY

GO TO A GUN SHOP AND LOOK AT BIRCHWOOD CASEY PRODUCTS.

DIFFERENT METAL REQUIRE DIFFERENT PRODUCTS.

EXCUSE MY CAPS, IT'S EASIER FOR ME TO READ.

CHUCK

[Anonymous]

I would agree with chuck tho the modellers blackeners are a bit more user friendly  gun  black is  more persistant  provided you get the right product - i would suggest thorough , as in tricoethylene , degreasing and some gloves . NOT COTTON THO !!! unless  a lack of fingerprints is an asset..............

[kstrong]

I'll second the Birchwood Casey products. I use their brass blakener a lot. If you look at the boiler jackets of most of my locomotives, they're blackened brass as opposed to paint. I've used "Blacken-it", which is fairly commonly found in hobby shops, but I've not had nearly the results that I've had with the Birchwood Casey Brass Black.

As mentioned above, Birchwood Casey products are designed for different metals (aluminum, brass, steel, etc.) so you'll have to make sure you get the right stuff for the right metal. BTW, if you don't have a gun shop nearby, try Sulphur Springs Steam Models. They specialize in small scale live steam locos, parts, and other accessories.

Later,

K

[John Busby]

Hi Ray
It may also be worth trying gun brown as preferred by the black powder gun owners
depending on the finish required
As far as I Know you can get black, blue and brown in the gun colouring's
but use the stuff in a VERY well ventilated area.
regards John

[Loco]

    I just purchased a bottle of "Blacken-It" to see how it worked.  It was 7.59 for 4oz.  But it sounds like I'll be heading to the gun shop :o)

It does say on the bottle that it is not for use with aluminum or stainless...