another brass blackening question

[bjmac]

I'm wondering if anyone out there has a different way of blackening brass?
Not just the surface stuff that appears black, but the deep blue-black that almost appears as porcelain- in other words some way to get that color and depth? (needless to say in the home workshop!) 

[jerrywh]

Just exactly what are you trying to do?

[Chuck Burrows]

Here's a bunch of recipes for patinas on brass and/or copper of all types of colors http://www.sciencecompany.com/Patinas-for-Metal-Artists.aspx

[brokenflint]

Thanks Chuck

I forgot about that page, has some really interesting stuff there.  I used to have that book marked until the late computer dump 

[jerrywh]

 Since you won't reply who ever you are, just paint it.

[bjmac]

sorry about the slow reply, but we have some serious wildfire issues happening around here.
In answer to your question, I am trying to get that deep blue-black finish that I see on the barrels and frames that are shown here on the forum.
No, I do not have any desire to paint it. (and I am pretty surprised at that comment from you, Mr. Huddelston)
What I am trying to achieve is a DEEP color finish on the brass parts that is not just a surface treatment, but a long lasting blue-black color.
If it is not possible, then so be it.
I just figured that this was the best place to start the quest.
BJ   

[LRB]

  Not meaning to be a smart a$$, but if you want a lasting deep blue black finish, why not use steel instead of brass and blue it?

[jerrywh]

bjmac.

 I am offended when an anonymous  person asks for advise and when responded to completely ignores someone who  tries to help.  You would get more replies if you identified yourself.  Nobody owes you anything. Replies on this forum are a courtesy.  We never learned this stuff for free. Was your house on fire?

[bjmac]

LRB- The parts I am speaking of are already in brass, so I want to try to finish it black. The part that I am referring to is the brass frame of a revolver (Colt 1860)
Jerrywh- I am not "an anonymous person"- I'm a member of this forum and I have my profile posted (along with my e-mail address) I don't expect anything other than the same type of answers that anyone else gets when asking a sincere, honest question. In answer to your question: No my house was not/is not on fire. But is 50 feet away enough to earn your attention so as to not be offended? By the way, I asked for advice, not advise.

[LRB]

  You might consider having it black chrome plated, although the originals were color case hardened.

[Hungry Horse]

  I would not invest a lot of time in a brass framed revolver, just for starters. When shot with even moderate loads They often shoot loose and get out of time. In any event they are not worth investing time, and money, in. Nothing I know of will give you a durable finish like the one you describe.

   Hungry Horse

[jerrywh]

bjac
 A lot of misunderstanding takes place on the internet. No body on either side of a conversation knows the situation of the other. This causes a lot of wrong impressions. In my opinion this is one of those cases. Please accept my apology.
  There is no way that I am aware of to make brass look like black steel. there is a brass blackening chemical. In the old days it was called liver of sulfur. Rio Grande jewelers supply sells it. It will turn  the part black but the times I have used it the stuff doesn't look or stay that way very long. It could be plated but is not economical.   

[bjmac]

LBB - can brass be cch?
Hungry horse- thanks for the response. I am aware of the limitations of the brass framed revolvers, and I agree with your assessment. I was just looking for some hints as to the cosmetics (as this would ultimately be a display piece - a wall hanger)
Jerry- I accept your apology and I say to you: "Kudos for being a real man and making the apology"
Not only do I accept it, I want you to know that I thought that your responses were due to the "internet gap".
Sincerely, thank you for your time and consideration in the response.
BJ

[PKLeRay]

All I use to age any brass is some patches that are dirtied up and caked with burnt blackpowder.  It does one $#*! of a good job.

[LRB]

  No. Only iron/steel can be color cased. For just display, you could color it with Birchwood Casey's brass black, then a coat of spray lacquer over it for shine if needed.