blackening brass?

[David Keller]

Anyone care to reveal their method for blackening pen tubes? I've painted tubes and blanks, but I'm interested in chemically blackening the brass. The trouble I've had is finding a reasonable online source for the brass blackening chemicals. Any input appreciated.

 

[wee willie]

gun blue

 

[pentex]

Someone on this site sells a brass aging product that turns the tubes black. I have used it and it works real well, but I don't remember who it was. Sorry.

 

[jlord]

Rockler sells some stuff to do this. It's called "Brass Darkening Solution".

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=978&filter=brass darkening solution

 

[jttheclockman]

Go here and you won't be sorry. They are members here. Brass ager. I need to order some more works great.

http://www.mlkwoodworking.com/turning-supplies/

 

[RAdams]

any ole gun blueing will work... cork the ends with some tater to keep the inside clean during the process...

 

[David Keller]

Thanks to all. I ordered some from the site John T listed. At $3.50 for an 8 ounce bottle, it's considerable cheaper than several of the others I checked on.

 

[jttheclockman]

Thanks to all. I ordered some from the site John T listed. At $3.50 for an 8 ounce bottle, it's considerable cheaper than several of the others I checked on.

I just ordered some more myself just because you reminded me of it. Stuff works great.

 

[Mickey]

Check out your local stain glass shop. They also have products that will "age" brass and copper.

 

[PenMan1]

Jay Pickens has a good tutorial on tube blackening at the Pen Makers Guild website.

 

[Whaler]

Go here and you won't be sorry. They are members here. Brass ager. I need to order some more works great.

http://www.mlkwoodworking.com/turning-supplies/

Thank's for the link that is just what I was looking for.

 

[Nolan]

mike and linda MLKwoodworking under MVV

Someone on this site sells a brass aging product that turns the tubes black. I have used it and it works real well, but I don't remember who it was. Sorry.

 

[emccarthy]

If you don't want to, or can't spend a lot of money, I've seen copper darkened(not sure how it will work on brass) - put your tube in a vise to hold it, and coat it well with tung oil or linseed oil(they darken to different colors on copper). Once the tube is coated, grab a soldering torch and hold the flame to the metal. after a few minutes, it should have darkened nicely.

Again, I only have seen this with copper, so I dont' know how well it works on brass, but it's another option available.