Aging Zinc coated Steel?

[RDavis]

I am working on a simple wood shooting box. I am going to build it out of pine to keep the cost down and I am looking for a way to age the zinc coated steel hardware. I have tried soaking the hinges in white vinigar for a couple of days. They are a little darker, about the color of pewter. I want the hardware to have a well used look. Maybe I should have bought brass. I know there are several ways to turn it black.

 

[widget350]

Burn off the zinc and do whatever typical steel treatment you like. Make sure you do it in a well ventilated area.

 

[PaulN/KS]

Use a propane torch to burn off the zinc then clean it up with on a wire wheel.

 

[Bodie]

Second warning on the ventilation. If the Zinc coating is anything like galvanizing, it puts off toxic fumes while being burned or welded. I think I heard it was Arsenic?

 

[dyemaker]

In 1943 U.S. Wheat Cents were made of zinc coated steel. They develop a white crust to them and eventually turn a very undesirable dark color if exposed for long. At one point circulated coins were replated because they were so ugly. Sometimes there is a bubbly appearance to them because of this. I would avoid zinc plated steel.Eventually all you will be left with is rust. You could google for images of the pennies. The very nice ones were never exposed for very long at all. Hope this helps.

 

[ladysmithtrading]

fire up a good batch of charcoal, put a layer down, lay the hardware on it then bury it with more or use a campfire to so the same, walk away and do something else, let if burn down till cold, if you want a hand forged look, the mild steel these are made from can be cold forge hammered, easy, no fuss and you dont have to worry about venting