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Oil-rubbed Steel Handrail

Q. "Oil-rubbed" steel... I understand this finish is not actually oil rubbed but rather a chemical process which produces a sealing oxidized layer over the steel, which then darkens over time.

I want to use this finish on a new guardrail / handrail system for a large University building, and need to build a specification about the process, and fabricators available.

oil rubbed bronze finish on steel

Any information on the process, the chemicals, and potential fabricators and/ or finishers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

David Alt
- Portland, Oregon, USA
2002

Q. I have seen companies in the interior handrail Business, create oil rubbed bronze finish on steel.
its inconsistent in color and is almost a rainbow effect. My guess is that the heating of the metal causes the rainbow. I am told that they heat the part up with a torch, then apply a dark black wax to the piece.
I have tried carnuba wax, turpentine, and japan dryer but do not get any color.
Does anyone know what it is?

oil rubbed bronze finish on steel-2

Rich Busch
- Hackettstown, New Jersey
September 11, 2013

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