[TheForge] Patina and wax application for handrail

[Bernard Wolfe]

I have a small handrail project I'm considering.  The rail material I'm considering is a bundle of 3 or 4 half inch round bars that have a spiral or helical twist.  I'll figure some way to bend it to the curve of the stair....this is an outdoor stone stair adjacent to a garden.  The rail material has a little bit of rust.....just surface.  I found it at Lawler back on a shelf.....looks like its old stock.  I'm wanting to give it a black patina and a wax finish appropriate for outdoor use.  I've used the beeswax/linseed oil combo before which left the surface with nice waxed metal look.  I didn't do any buffing after on the previous project, a pot rack.  How can I get a black patina along with a protective wax coating.  A friend suggested lamp black.  I tried to read up on it via the internet.  I couldn't tell....but would I dissolve it or mix it in the wax?  Also, a paste wax (Johnson's) was suggested in conjuction with low heat from a torch, similar to my pot rack experience.  Anybody have a suggestion?  Thanks