Recommendation? How to blacken nickel ?

[NickHFSS]

Hello everyone , working on a high end knife , I’m using bent nickel hardware , want to use brass spacers and would love the nickel to have antique finish and contrast to golden brass, I got the idea suddenly so I’m not prepared , used my metal blackening Ballistol , it does make it dark but after I put the neutralizing oil and just softly rub a cloth it comes off , I’ve been recommended birch wood Casey brass black but not sure if it will work , any advice or experience with this ? I have to finish the handle 100% then disassemble to do file work on spacers and that’s when I will blacken the nickel.

 

[Hubert S.]

I've used JAX Iron, Steel and Nickel solution on nickel plated hardware for several projects to good effect. The result is not really black, but it gives it a nice aged look.

 

[NickHFSS]

I'll check it out , have to get msds first as I have to ship it on the other side of the world.
Would ferric chloride work?

 

[Hubert S.]

I don't know if ferric chloride will work, I've only ever used it to etch circuit boards. I've tried another solution on nickel with poor results, I think it was a Birchwood Casey bluing product. The result was similar to what you describe you got with the Ballistol Schnellbrünierung.

 

[john april]

the brass black from casey works good on nickel. be aware that that shinier the surface, the easier it wears or rubs off.

 

[Pinoy Knife]

look for a jewelry supplier near you.. get Nickle black from them . most Brass/aluminum etc blackeners are a different strength of Selenic acid..
i bought some years ago tried it on stainless , turned it black in seconds... then gave the bottle to another knifemaker to use on ss damascus..
might have to go get some more (someday)...