Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Chemically coloring cold-rolled steel

What chemicals are used to produce blues, yellows, greens,reds, ect on cold-rolled steel. I am trying to create a unique look for some patio furniture I am building. Thank-you.

Scott Roberson
- Las Vegas , Nevada, U.S.A.
2003

Black for iron:2 gm tannic acid [on eBay or Amazon],2gm tartaric acid [on eBay or Amazon],1 lit water

Redish brown:15 gm iron chloride,1 lit water

Blue:50 gm copper nitrate [affil links],50 gm manganese nitrate,1 lit water,temp. 50 °C

Green:1 part silver acetate, 20 parts oil of lavender.Must be applied with cloth and then heated to 150 °C

Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2003

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: