Turning Brass Black?

[jttheclockman]

Has anyone come up with a good way to turn brass black? Weather it be tubes or other brass parts such as watch gears. I have used a brass blackener that many of us used back many years ago and now I forgot the seller. It does work to a point but not total black. Other than powdercoating or painting is there a mixture that is tried and proven to work well turning brass black. Hate to start spending money and trying different products. If not I may have to try just getting some heat resistant paint. I need to be able to clear cast these. Thanks in advance.

 

[jeff]

This?

https://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey-Fast-Acting-Blacken-Antique/dp/B0000C514O

 

[jttheclockman]

This?

https://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey-Fast-Acting-Blacken-Antique/dp/B0000C514O

View attachment 361871

That is one that is on my to try list and was hoping someone has tried it. I am trying to avoid taking out the powdercoating stuff and doing a few pieces.

 

[JohnU]

In the past I was just trying to darken brass tubes without building a thickness, I used Drain-O. It doesn't turn a true black but rather a darkened aged look.

 

[Gary Beasley]

I have tried the brass black. It goes to almost charcoal color with repeated application. The one weakness I saw is it will come off if handled roughly and will come off with the glue if it fails to stick. Doesn't bond well to the metal. Anyone know a way to improve that?

 

[Ruffy]

If you have a professional photo developing business in your area, ask them if you can get s small quantity of "used" (it must be used) developer. Put a small quantity into a glass jar, drop your brass in, check it every so often. Once it has reached the colour you want remove and wash thoroughly.

It can take up to 36hrs.