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Q&As since 1989


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Textured Black Finish on Mild Steel Sculptures for outdoor exposure?

2007

Hello, I am developing my practice as a sculptor, alongside my work as a designer and (learning)metalsmith. I have designed a sculpture about 4 meters by 3 meters to be fabricated from mild steel sheet. I'd like to be able to finish most of the surface area in a textured black finish; something that shows some depth, not industrial slick and glossy, but also not looking artificially aged.

If there was a way of cleaning up and sealing the black carbon finish on carbon steel, that would be close.

Its an outdoor application.

Thank you in advance for any input.

Mark McClelland
Designer, developing as metalsmith and sculptor - Sydney, NSW, Australia

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Try immersion copper plate + liver of sulfur [on eBay or Amazon] patina.Surface texture can be obtained with etching or with sandpaper or you can use electric tools. You must clearcoat it. Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2007

Thanks Goran, does liver of sulfur work on steel?

Mark McClelland
Artist - Sydney, NSW, Australia
2007

No -- liver of sulfur cannot be useful on steel. As simplest immersion copper plate you can use acidified copper sulphate [on eBay or Amazon]solution(add few drops of sulfuric acid). Your object must be oxide and grease free! Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2007