What the.....???!!!!

[abiggs]

I just finished trying to put a patina on my 14" Tram. I wrapped it in a vinegar-soaked paper towel for an hour. I have no idea what happed, but there is now a really weird stain on the blade. The pics aren't the best, but if it has happened to you I'm sure you can tell me what went wrong. Any ideas?

 

[orthogonal1]

Was the blade clean - no oils, etc.?

Looks like the paper towel pattern.

Last time I put a patina on a lnife, I just immersed the blade in a jar of pickle "juice".

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Looks like the Virgin Mary to me. I'd put it on Ebay.
Bill

 

[Tinbasher]

You must have had a air pocket under the towel.
Richard

 

[Tinbasher]

oops double post
Richard

 

[abiggs]

Was the blade clean - no oils, etc.?

Looks like the paper towel pattern.

Last time I put a patina on a lnife, I just immersed the blade in a jar of pickle "juice".

I wiped the blade down with water first, then dried it. Now that I think about it more, I think the sticker was on the blade there. I took off the residue with Goof Off but there may have been some left on. Oh well, this is a beater, not a safe queen!

 

[shecky]

Tramontinas are dipped in a shellac coating. It's not particularly durable and can be removed by sanding or solvent. It wears off easily all by itself. Perhaps there are some spots left?

 

[orthogonal1]

Well, all is not lost.

I think Goo-gone will remove shellac or use something else to ensure bare metal. The last wipe down should be with denatured alcohol to remove oils.

Try it again. It's time that will result in experience in the endeavor.

 

[siguy]

i agree that it looks like there was something on the blade that didn't get wiped off...

i have always read to de-grease the blade before inducing a patina. never tried it because i usually just let a patina happen on its own, but it sounds like a good idea to me.

 

[jeep45238]

Rubbing alcohol followed by a shot of brake cleaner will take the residue right off