Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Chemicals for blackening pewter sheeting

I would like to know, for the making of flat pewter artworks, what chemical I can use to blacken it. At the moment I am using black paint and then rubbing it off the areas that I want to remain silver. I know you can use a product called patina, but I cannot seem to locate it in South Africa. Is there a chemical I can buy that will cause the chemical reaction that blackens the pewter surface?

Darleene Smith
hobbyist - Fourways, Gauteng, South Africa
2004

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You can use 200 gm/lit iron chloride solution(water)!

Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2004

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Nitric acid will blacken pewter. You will need to balance the concentration % for the finish you would like.

Nasty stuff - nitric - be careful

Kurt Madison
jewelry, beads and findings - Spokane, Washington, US
2004

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Hi there
The Patina solution can be purchased at PNA if no stock you can order it, or try a good hobby shop

Jena Lee
- South Africa, Cape Town
January 14, 2009