[TheForge] Blackening Steel

[Bruce Freeman]

A word of caution:  The original "TSP" was trisodium phosphate. 
However, at least in areas that want to contol phosphates in the water
supply, brand-named "TSP" is now mostly washing soda (sodium carbonate).
 Look at the label for "trisodium phosphate".
Just as in the case of phosphoric acid, the phosphate provides some
protection from rust.  
Bruce
NJ

>>> jerry_smith at anvilsandinkstudios.com 11/13/2006 8:55 PM >>>
Bill,

Have you tried TSP as your stopping agent? Most
hardware stores have it on hand. 

Have you tried the stuff that Brownells sells, I have
had no problem with all of their stuff. I even learned
how to do electroless nickle that really works from
one of their product lines.

Jerry

--- Woolley <wjec at verizon.net> wrote:

> Greetings,
> 
> I've been using Birchwood Casey Presto Black and
> their blackening gel ( can't remember the name) to
> try to blacken steel. I apply with a sponge soaked
> in the solution full strength.  I stop the agent
> with water, usually from a hose or spray bottle
> depending on the size of the piece. What has been
> happening is before I can dry and finish with a
> clear the pieces have been flash rusting (their
> term). The end results can be very pleasant
> variations of browns and dark greens, not black or
> blue black. I spoke to the company rep about it but
> his suggestions haven't worked. They include not
> stopping the blackening agent with a water hose,
> drying immediately, swabbing it off with a wet
> sponge, using a baking soda- water mix to stop.  Has
> anyone had any experience with these products and
> worked through similiar problems?  I have achieved a
> nice blue black with their products before but not
> in awhile and not with what I remember any different
> method besides the one I describe.  I'm pretty
> frustrated at this point.  Thanks for any help.
> 
> Regards,
> Bill Woolley
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