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Q&As since 1989


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Turning brass and copper black

Gentlemen;

I'm building a model of HMS Victory (admiral Nelson's ship at the battle of Trafalgar). This model has 100 brass guns which should be black, painting would reduce the details on these guns. It would be better if I could using a chemical solution turn them black. Could some one tell me what chemical would do this for me? Much appreciated and kind regards.

Neil R [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
Retired - Bauline, Newfoundland, Canada
2003

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You would try James Watts' creative sulphiding approach, Neil: hard boil an egg, break it up, put it in a baggie overnight with the brass. Or you can buy brass darkening solution [on eBay or Amazon] very inexpensively by following the link. Finally, you could send the parts to a plating shop to have the darkening done professionally. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003