Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
-----
Flame coloring mild steel
Q. I'm doing Metal Art using plasma torch mainly on 12 ga. sheet steel. I've looked everywhere I can think of on information on coloring the metal using flame and would appreciate any information on this technique. I've seen results of others work but it seems to be kept as a trade secret?
Thanks in advance,
- Roseville, California, USA
2004
A. For good results you must use special kiln (or molten metal bath,lead and tin alloys).
220 °C temp=light yellow
265 °C = brown
277 °C = purple
293 °C = blue
316 °C = black
Only for well degreased and oxide free objects!
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
A. To get the most consistent results use a controlled atmosphere. But many people just use a torch. It's as simple as cleaning it good, and heating it up. The better the polish on the part the more vibrant the colors will look. Use different sized torch tips to get different results (large ones for large areas, small ones for detail work) the thinner the material is the more detailed heat patterns you can get (but also easier to overheat) just grab some scrap metal, polish it up and give it a try, you can always just polish the color off and start over if you don't like the results.
Jason Aube- Flint, Michigan
2004
2004
A. From Metalsmith, spring 1997, Charcoal Dust Bluing by Larry Niday:
Much more durable than temper colours
* polish well
* degrease well
* coat with a fine spray of oil, like WD-40
[on
eBay or
Amazon]
* sprinkle on very fine charcoal dust, to stick to the oil
* place in kiln 400 ~ 500 deg F: temp controls colour, time only that necessary to bring up to temp
Good luck!
- New Zealand
Clear coating flame colored steel
Q. Hello, My name is Kim Heath. After cutting my cold rolled sheet metal and grinding it with a sander, I use my acetylene torch to heat the metal and bring out its natural colors. I then use a clear coat product Everbrite [a finishing.com supporting advertiser].
With keeping a clear coat on my colored steel and keeping the elements from penetrating, how long will my colors last in the steel? Thanks for any help
Kim
- California
May 10, 2012
Q. I have been making a number of items I am selling, I have been flame coloring steel. I then clear coat it with Everbrite [a finishing.com supporting advertiser].
My question is: will this preserve the color for years to come? Can I achieve the same results with wax? It is very frustrating to use clear coat because every speck of dust shows up (I don't have a paint booth).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
artist - Eureka, Montana, USA
November 3, 2013
A. While I can't speak to using a different finish I might have a solution for you when you're clear coating your work, get a box fan and a decent filter to make yourself a positive flow air filter. Just restrict the intake to moderate the air flow across your piece. You can make the whole thing out of cardboard if you want to try it out. Should be a reasonably cheap thing to try.
Alternately you could just make a temporary spray booth with a roll of duct tape and a shipping box for a refrigerator.
I know that I'm not answering your question directly, but I hope I'm giving you some reasonable alternatives that will eliminate the issue with dust.
Blacksmith - Lenoir, North Carolina, USA
November 19, 2013
Q. I want to know the formula for golden oxide burning to make iron golden.
Anyone can tell me?
- meerut city, India
November 5, 2015
Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread