Blackish, aged finish for barrel and steel furniture, HOWS IT DONE?

[Scout]

How do I get that aged, blackish finish I have seen on a few examples here on this forum? I like the brown but I would like the blackish, NOT FULLY BLACK finish on my steel parts. I'm sure there are some secrets some builders might not want to give up but I'm hoping someone will help me out here.

I heard to brown then plunge into boiling hot water, I tried that and it didn't work. Is there a chemical to use?

Thanks,
Ole Scout

[greybeard]

I don't think a plunge will do it. Boil 5 min. Bob

[Captchee]

I don't think a plunge will do it. Boil 5 min. Bob

 the part needs to be boiled . i have had some Irons that would blacken  below a boil though  but the color doesn’t turn with just a plunge .
 also it should be noted that some chemical browns  wont turn  .  but if you use a product that actually  produces a  brown  by producing rust . it will convert from red iron oxide to black iron oxide by boiling in water .

 the above being said . im not sure  a rust  black / blue is what your asking about .
 the lighter grey  color is alot of times called a french grey . there are many diffrent ways to achieve  that color . if you do a search hear on the forum for french grey  you should find  several post on the subject

[Scott Semmel]

If you want black with mottled brown do a sloppy job of carding between rusting and boiling sessions. You probably know how I discovered that gem.

[rich pierce]

If you want a greasy black built up finish, age or brown the barrel or steel furniture and brush linseed oil on it and burn it off over a fire outdoors.  Don't use this technique on hardened parts obviously.  Blacksmiths do this with their wrought iron work.

[Scout]

Thanks for all the info. You guys are great as usual with the help.
I may try my hand at the French Grey finish. I feel like a big kid in a candy shop, all kinds of neat things to try and experiment with !

Thanks again !!
Skip ( Ole Scout )

[LynnC]

OK - heres another one.
Cold blue the barrel (I used BC cold blue).
Paint the barrel with iodine.
Let sit over night.
Scrub the crud off with steel wool.
Leaves a nice smooth dark silvery finish.
Lynn