Black Oxide

[navaho]

Has anyone had any experience using Black Oxide on Brass or steel. I have a hawken and I have really kicked around changing the patchbox to steel but from I can find out the only one that will work is a pineapple and it is big.. With a capital B so I don't want that. What I am thinking is I will Black Oxide the patchbox and the nosecap (I will use steel) and blue/rust finish the triggerguard (steel) buttplate.

 

Hello:

I do a lot of black oxide/hot caustic bluing..what is it you need to know???

JPH

 

[navaho]

I am thinking of having the patchbox (it is brass) black oxide. What I would like to know how tough it is. Will it scratch easy, does it wear off easy etc?

 

Navaho:

well...the best way to darken brass or most any othe Cu alloy is liver of sulfur. Now it is a rather aromatic compound so work outside...

Black oxide will not work on brass due to the Zn in[url] it..in[/url] fact I have seen brass really eaten up by the sodium hydroxide/ammonium nitrate mix to the point where the surface was horribly pitted.

Now as for the liver of sulphur, this is a surface treatment/patina and as such, it would best be protected by a sealant like a clear lacquer or acrylic. Have you considered a spray on then bake on coating? That would be in essence a bit more durable than just the patination and clear coat...

Hope this helps..

JPH

 

[Robert58]

Have you been to,[url] www.thehawkenshop.com[/url]. they sell a four piece kit to change most of the brass parts to steel. They also sell an original hawken patchbox that completely covers the area where the T/C patchbox is at.

Robert