Japanning?

[Smokey Plainsman]

Hi all. I have heard of the term “japanning” to finish metal with and that it was sometimes done as a sort of old fashioned weatherproofing of sorts. I know it involves darkening the surface of the metal and have heard of different ways.

I have some small tins I’d like to try it on. Can anyone please let me know how to do it? Is there a way to do it without fire (I live in an apartment). Thanks!

-Smokey

[Clowdis]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanning  I don't know that this was done in American longrifle manufacturing originally but can be used when doing restorations to cover up repair areas. Probably some lampblack mixed with a varnish would work very well for covering or aging. I can see where this would be pretty easy to overdo if you aren't careful.

[T.C.Albert]

Old iron wood planes were
Japaned black. Folks try to
Restore that original look when
Trading and collecting them too.
Often they just resort to black
Enamels. Powdered asphaltum
Can be had if you want to try baking it
On. Asphaltum suspended in varnish is
Available from art suppliers too ,
supposedly it does a fair job. I believe
It’s more of a rust proof finish for metal
Than a water proofing. Or used for decorative
Enameling.
TC