Making it Black.. Gun Blue? or Tool Black?..or what?

[rfrink]

I'd like to give a "black" finish look to some steel parts, tools and fixtures. Mainly just for asthetics. These are typically small parts...that'll fit in the palm of your hand.

No paint, or heavy coating....and not a plating process from an outside source...just something in a bottle that I can use in the shop...rub-on rub-off...and presto! A black part.

I've seen "Tool Black" listed in Industrial Suppliers Catalogues...it seems to run about $100 for a kit.

And I've seen "Gun Blueing" products listed on gunsmith supply sites for much less.

What's the differences? Do you make things Black? How do you do it?

I guess I'm asking for a Crash course in Steel Blackening 101.

Any pics of examples?

Sincere thanks,

-Rob

 

[indian george]

Rob, I use Tool Black. I just wipe down the part with MEK, heat with heat-gun and paint on or dunk the parts in it.

 

[Mark Williams]

What type steel Rob ?

 

[tazzknife]

On small decorative gun parts I heat the part up to a very dull red and quench in ATF transmission fluid. Gives a nice black. Then I follow up with gun oil to prevent rusting. I don't know if this will work on knife steel though.

 

[rfrink]

Mark, Mostly 1018 CRS, some 4140...and 12L14.

-Rob

 

[rfrink]

George, Do you have use all 3 products with the Tool Black kit? Cleaner, blackener, sealer...or just the Blackener stuff?

Here's the "Tool Black" stuff: http://www.precisionbrand.com/products/default.asp?p_catid=485


Here's another one from Birchwood Casey called "Presto Black" : http://www.birchwoodcasey.com/gel/blackening.html

 

[indian george]

George, Do you have use all 3 products with the Tool Black kit? Cleaner, blackener, sealer...or just the Blackener stuff?

Here's the "Tool Black" stuff: http://www.precisionbrand.com/products/default.asp?p_catid=485


Here's another one from Birchwood Casey called "Presto Black" : http://www.birchwoodcasey.com/gel/blackening.html

I just get the Tool Black. To seal it I just put some gun oil on it.

 

[Mark Williams]

Looks like Birchwood Casey might be the way to go Rob. They have a 190 degree product that would be pretty simple to use.

I've used the plumb brown solution and it works great for that color. I just hang pieces by a wire in boiling water then submerge in the solution once the parts steam themselves dry. Repeat till you get it dark enough.

 

[knarfeng]

These folks make a black oxide kit that works at room temp:
http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/black.htm

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

I hot blue (gun blue) using Brownelle's hot bluing salts and tanks:

 

[rfrink]

Thanks for the pics and info Karl!! That looks terrific!.


We'll, I decided to try the Caswell product and placed an order for thier Black oxode kit. It was recommended over on Practical Machinist.

Thanks for the input everyone!!

-Rob

 

[Bruce Bump]

Let me know how it works Rob.

 

[Raymond Richard]

Let me know how it works Rob.

Me to.......