Potato Patina Problems

S

sheajs

Joined
Sep 3, 2002
Messages
9
I am having trouble encouraging patina to form on an Old Timer using the potato method. Everytime I let it sit overnight, the next day it comes out really blotchy. I can't figure it out. I'm using a real Idaho potato. I can't seem to get a nice even patina on the entire blade. Does anyone have any suggestions or alternative methods they could share. I would appreciate any advice.


Thanks,

Scott
 
did you clean the blades before doi9ng this? you mhave to make sure any fingerpints, oil, etc. are gone first. You can use 100% mineral spririts, or any solvent, cleaner etc. to do this. Also mayonnaise works well to stain blades also, so does citric acid, etc.
 
Yes, a clean blade is very important for an even finish, you may want to wash with detergent and fully rinse and dry before you start.

If you do a search for patina you´ll find plenty of information and alternatives, I did a test with mustard to get a damascus-like look as was mentioned in some threads (I used the tip of a stiff brush to get a pattern) and it came out real nice.
 
I usually just use mine until the patina forms, then it is character and not a mere finish. However, when I want a base coat to prevent rust, I use white vinager or an apple. Clean with alcohol first to remove oil.
 
I use alcohol wipes to clean the blade beforehand and then I use a solution of lemon juice and water to get that "blued" patina. Works well for Old Timers. Just make sure that the blade is spotless...makes a big difference in the uniformity of the finish.
Matt
 
>"... the next day it comes out really blotchy."

=========================

I too have a splotchy patina on my OT knife because (I know now) I didn't clean the blade before treating it with the potato. Given that, any thoughts on how to undo the job. I want to start over, doing it properly this time so it's not so blotchy.

UPDATE: I got a Miracle Cloth and it worked wonderfully for undoing a bad patina.
 
mnblade said:
>"... the next day it comes out really blotchy."

=========================

I too have a splotchy patina on my OT knife because (I know now) I didn't clean the blade before treating it with the potato. Given that, any thoughts on how to undo the job. I want to start over, doing it properly this time so it's not so blotchy.
Click to expand...

Flitz might remove most of the blotchy patina for you. If that doesn't work then you might try some fine sandpaper. I mess with my user blades all the time experimenting with different patinas. I've found that just sticking the blade in a lemon (more time for darker patina) gives a patina that I like. Vinegar is cool too. Sometimes it helps to rough up the finish a bit with some sandpaper.
 
CRH said:
Flitz might remove most of the blotchy patina for you. If that doesn't work then you might try some fine sandpaper. I mess with my user blades all the time experimenting with different patinas. I've found that just sticking the blade in a lemon (more time for darker patina) gives a patina that I like. Vinegar is cool too. Sometimes it helps to rough up the finish a bit with some sandpaper.
Click to expand...

Exactly. Fitz or Metal Glo will remove that blotchy patina and then you can start all over again with the experiment. If you don't like it, just polish the blades and try again until you get the patina that you like.
 
Assuming you won't use the knife for cutting food, I recommend using cold gun blue. Same issues about cleanliness apply, of course.
 
Blades_Two said:
Assuming you won't use the knife for cutting food, I recommend using cold gun blue. Same issues about cleanliness apply, of course.
Click to expand...

I gotta try that gun blue stuff some time. It seems to work on guns ;).

Let's not forget.... drum roll..... good old Naval Jelly. We're talkin users here.
 
A good way to restore a satin finish to an OT (or give one to another knife), is to use the green ScotchBriteTM scouring pads. Lay (lie) it flat and then the blade flat on it. Stroke in one direction without heel to toe action or vice versa. Voila. Satin.
 
Mustard gives an uneven finish... and
Vinegar will blue the blade.... (the spay on this trapper)
mus-vineg.jpg


The same mustard blade after polishing. I call it "map etching" (OK... I admit, it was an accident during an experiment)
mus-vineg2.jpg


This patina is simply from eating a couple of apples. It gives a great finish!
cv-apple1.jpg



And this is a good old old, Old Timer with a totally natural patina.
z-carbon1.jpg


Cheers
Rod
 
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