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Q&As since 1989


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Is there any low-tech process that can 're-introduce' mill scale to areas of plate steel?

2006

I work for an architect who uses steel in many furnishings - desks, chairs, lamps, etc. He likes the look and texture of mill scale and the color it achieves when blued. At areas where plate is bent or where rust appears, the mill scale is absent. This leaves the piece with a textural discontinuity that is something less than ideal. I would like to know if there is anything I can do using simple chemicals and tools to bring mill scale to those affected areas. Thank you for your time.

Cheers,
Stephen

Stephen R. Chiatovich
- Seattle, Washington, USA

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On small areas You can use hot air gun and linseed oil [affil links] -rub on oil very sparingly to object and then heat it slowly(200-400 C),repeat if need.Good luck and hope it helps!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2006