Metal prep question

[Terry Cheek]

I was preparing to Jax black my SMR steel and was needing direction. What is good to remove skin oils from metal before applying Jax black? I will, of course, use gloves during the process to prevent fingerprinting.

I really appreciate any help you can provide.

[martin9]

Lots of stuff can work....I use acetone if I have any, hot water and dish soap works well. I've heard windex works good too.

[Beaverman]

I always use automotive chlorinated brake cleaner right before applying anything to my metal pieces, flash dries clean.If I'm out of that denatured alcohol works well, I always have some of that around the shop.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I scrub steel with a ScotchBrite pad and household cleaser like 'Comet'.  Flush well with clean water and dry with paper towels.  Never let the fingers come in contact with the bare steel until the browing/bluing is finished.

[borderdogs]

Taylor,
What color Scotch bright? I have used the Birchwood Casey cleaner but usually use acetone or denatured alcohol been thinking I might try Windex on the next one. But I use green Scotch bright pad on metal after acetone/alcohol treatment just before bluing or browning
Rob

[flatsguide]

TSP, hot water and a bristle brush. Rinse with distilled water.
Cheers Richard

[Daryl]

I have used denim and comet with hot water - works great.

[Fly Navy]

I always use acetone for the final cleaning before using any type of metal finish.

[smallpatch]

409 cleaner, a scrub brush, and water rinse. It’s starting to rust even before I apply the browning, or aging solution.

[Mike Brooks]

 Jax black?

[jm190]

https://jaxchemical.com/shop/jax-black/

[Terry Cheek]

Yes Jax black from kibler

[Daryl]

I also use comet under a running tap with an old toothbrush to clean oil from bullet moulds before casting.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Taylor,
What color Scotch bright? I have used the Birchwood Casey cleaner but usually use acetone or denatured alcohol been thinking I might try Windex on the next one. But I use green Scotch bright pad on metal after acetone/alcohol treatment just before bluing or browning
Rob

Green

[Terry Cheek]

I have just used Windex with ammonia, and my Jax black took well. At least from the perspective of a newbie. I also used green scotchbrite after index and after Jax black to age the appearance.

[Van]

  I have good luck with a hot water and Dawn dish soap scrub followed by 90% alcohol rub down which evaporates quickly. 

[2 shots]

  i  second the brake cleaner, under pressure. watch your eyes. best used outdoors.

[longcruise]

"I was preparing to Jax black my SMR steel "

The website indicates for brass, bronze and copper.   What does it do to steel?

[Terry Cheek]

Jax black will blacken steel, allowing the builder to age the steel by reducing the color. I rub my work with steel wool or scotchbrite. I hope this answers your question.

Terry

[Jim Filipski]

Never used that Type of black .....but I am an acetone / lacquer thinner person then wear latex gloves!

[Terry Cheek]

That's new to me. I would like to know more about this method. Thanks for sharing.

Terry

[longcruise]

Jax black will blacken steel, allowing the builder to age the steel by reducing the color. I rub my work with steel wool or scotchbrite. I hope this answers your question.

Terry

Does it provide any protective qualities?

[Terry Cheek]

I'm sure it would to a degree. Routine care and maintenance would provide the greatest protection, I would think.

Terry