Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
-----
Urgent questions about acid wash for steel!
Q. I understand that I can make my steel sculpture look blacker and aged with a mixture of tannic acid [on
eBay or
Amazon] and phosphoric acid. But, I don't know how to apply it? Do I leave it on or wash it off? Can I weld onto it once it has been applied or must I do all my welding first?
Is there someone here who can explain the process, I am a novice! Thanks!
TigerLilly Design - Canyon Lake, Texas
2006
A. I work in a custom blacksmithing shop and I acid wash a lot of my art with muriatic acid [affil links] you should be able to buy at most ranch supply stores, and hydrogen peroxide 3%) [affil links]. Use a large plastic spray bottle and fill with mostly hydrogen peroxide and a few capfuls of acid. Use a torch to heat your piece(not too hot or the acid will just evaporate), and just spray generously while the heat cools. I coat it after with clear-coat. That's it, your finish should look great! It's my favorite old school rustic look. Hope that helped.
And also you can weld onto it after the acid wash no problem, but not after you clear coat it (if you do, which I think you'll be pleased if you choose to). Thanks ... PaulTheBlacksmith
Paul Fahnestock- Castle Rock, Colorado, USA
May 29, 2008
Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread