[TheForge] How to black wroght iron finish?

Wed Apr 16 08:33:00 2003

It sounds like you just want to remove that "molecules thick" layer of
brown rust.  If so, I'd suggest mixing about 1/4 cup salt with 1 cup
white vinegar and sponging it on the brown rust, which should dissolve
right off.  Immediately rinse with water, then with baking soda in
water, then with more water.  Dry thoroughly, using a hair drier to dry
hard-to-reach spots.

You don't want to leave the salt-vinegar solution in contact with the
metal long because it will eventually remove the black oxide as well as
the brown rust.

Finally,you might want to use a good quality paste wax, or a linseed
oil-beeswax mixture suggested by some, to add a layer of protection.

Bruce
NJ

>>> [email protected] 04/15/03 03:09PM >>>

I have an old wrought iron table base which I'd like to save in what
was its
original form- black, with no apparent coating, other than what looks
like
black oxide. Some of the table, though, has a slight veneer of brown
rust-
probably only molecules thick.

I'd like to restore the finish so I can use the table indoors, where
the
finish isn't likely to change over the decades.

I was thinking of steel brushing it wherever I can reach, and then,

-   either oiling it by a sprayer/brush with ?what kind? of oil?,

-   or spraying/brushing it with gun bluing compound,

-   or coating it with some industrial compound such as one of the
chemical
finishes applied to preserve the cast iron/steel surfaces of some
factory
machines,

-   or what would you suggest?

The table base is precious to me, and I'd like to do the best thing for
it.

Thank you sooo much for your input!

All the best,
Stanton 
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