[TheForge] Patina and wax application for handrail

[David E. Smucker]

A wax finish will not hold up outdoors -- unless you have someone who is 
willing to reapply it very often.  Dan Tull may have some ideas on a clear 
out door finish -- he has used some modern clear finish that he has had at 
least fair results with.  Jerry Darnell has said that it the old South 
peanut oil was used for outdoor iron work -- but you had slaves to reapply 
every few months.  It was applied hot.  I know this isn't much help, but 
don't expect wax to hold up outdoors.  I have been looking at Waterlox 
Marine Finish as a possible outdoor finish -- keep in mind it is about $ 100 
per gallon.  Google on Waterlox for more information.  I have NOT used it 
outdoors -- had good luck with Waterlox indoors.

Dave Smucker

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bernard Wolfe" <BWolfe at bhate.com>
To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 5:49 PM
Subject: [TheForge] Patina and wax application for handrail


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
_______________________________________________
Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
theforge mail list group photo site is
http://www.photoaccess.com
Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
password:  anvil
___________