christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
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Post by christain on Apr 8, 2018 16:19:16 GMT
I have a complete set of Epic Armoury 'Dark Warrior' armor and three of their darkened helmets to match. I also have a darkened(not blackened) set of Lord of Battles riveted chainmail. How is this 'darkening' process done? I know it's a chemical treatment, but what chemicals? So far, I have no problems with rust. But, one day, what if.....? Any ideas?  Would these be chemicals I could buy to re-treat the pieces? Just curious..... |
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Post by mrbadexample on Apr 8, 2018 17:22:46 GMT
Based on the pictures at KoA, you should be able to restore the finish by boiling the pieces in diluted white vinegar for a few minutes. I'm not sure if that is the original method, but I've achieved very similar results doing that.
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christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
Posts: 2,835
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Post by christain on Apr 8, 2018 17:40:06 GMT
I've used vinegar to age blades, but I think they use some kind of chemical/acid process. It deeply penetrates the steel. It's not just a surface treatment. I also know that vinegar treatment penetrates the steel but only very shallow. In that case, one would have to neutralize the vinegar, then oil it in order to seal it...and keep it sealed. This armor is basically zero-maintenance...I just don't know for how long.  |
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Ifrit
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More edgy than a double edge sword
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Post by Ifrit on Apr 10, 2018 0:53:04 GMT
Maybe gun blue? Or is that shallow as well?
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christain
Member
It's the steel on the inside that counts.
Posts: 2,835
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Post by christain on Apr 10, 2018 1:08:28 GMT
Gun blue doesn't go all that deep either. As I said, I have no problems right now. Just looking for ideas on how to prevent future problems. I had a tiny bit of rust on a couple of my helmets, and I took a scuff pad to the affected area. It looked so good, I did the entire suit and the other helmet as well. Looks like it all ought to be behind glass in a museum somewhere...which is exactly the look I was going for.  Whatever process Epic Armoury uses, it goes deep and does a good job. Same with my darkened chainmail from Lord of Battles. I've sweated like crazy in that stuff...not a speck of rust to be found.  |
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christain
Member
It's the steel on the inside that counts.
Posts: 2,835
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Post by christain on Apr 10, 2018 1:10:41 GMT
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Post by demonskull on Apr 10, 2018 1:39:30 GMT
That is very reminiscent of the effect a product called Blue Wonder gives you. They not only make a blue but a blackening. It is the blackening product that this most looks like. The product is applied and then heated lightly (a hair dryer works well). You can uses multiple coats to get the desired color. It works very well and couldn't be easier to use.
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christain
Member
It's the steel on the inside that counts.
Posts: 2,835
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Post by christain on Apr 10, 2018 2:36:38 GMT
Thanks, demon---I just may try that out, should the need arise. Until then, I have my trusty ol' can of flat-black Krylon.  |
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Post by melcher81 on Sept 16, 2018 14:44:37 GMT
Wipe with linseed oil and bake on 450 for about an hour
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Would these be chemicals I could buy to re-treat the pieces? Just curious.....
Whatever process Epic Armoury uses, it goes deep and does a good job. Same with my darkened chainmail from Lord of Battles. I've sweated like crazy in that stuff...not a speck of rust to be found. 
