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How do I blacken mild steel for use in very high temps

I build model boilers for steam engines and have a need to fabricate a mild steel boiler door - paint will not withstand the temperature, is there any easy process that will?

Nije Jons
hobby - Wigan, UK
February 22, 2009

Hi, Nije. The ideal would be a ceramic coating, but you cannot do that yourself. But I don't share your lack of confidence in high temperature paint [affil links] -- it is used on wood stoves all the time.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 24, 2009

Polish and clean the metal.
Heat gently, preferably on a sand bed, until you like the colour. Quench in oil. Remove excess oil before use.
Try on a scrap piece of MS first to help judge the temperature.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
March 3, 2009

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