[TheForge] "traditional" finishes

[Dave Brown]

While chasing around the net looking for old paint formulas (milk based and 
linseed oil based are most common) I came across the following that was 
interesting:
Protection of Iron and Steel.

Moderately-heated benzine dissolves half its weight of wax, and if this 
solution be carefully applied to the tool with a brush, the evaporation 
leaves a very adhesive and permanent coating of wax, which will preserve 
the metal even from the action of acid vapors.

The easiest recipe that I found for outdoors and for metal was simply 
boiled linseed oil and lampblack.

Given this easy paint recipe and the wax protection recipe it's easy to see 
roots/branches for the various 'traditional' finish recipes that are touted 
in blacksmithing circles.

Just sharing this morning's wanderings.

Dave Brown
Heritage Smithing
Green Bay, WI
ABANA, UMBA, GoM, MODA, ARG

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