How can I dye steel?

Mark M · March 16, 2003, 08:56:21 PM

Yep - muriatic acid is dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl). The main thing is to remove any oil by cleaning it well and then wash with with HCl and rinse with water. It should start rusting right away.

Mark

PS - I forgot to mention, I like Andy's second recipe too, it will probably work better than just plain HCl, but HCl should work pretty good too. Interesting idea using dissolved nails.

By the way, the combination of nitirc and hydrochloric acid is known as Aqua Regia and it is extremely corrosive! It is so powerful it will dissolve gold. Use the appropriate safety equipment including goggles AND face shield. Safety glasses are not enough.

Texas Ranger · March 16, 2003, 09:37:00 PM

It may be dilute hydrochloric acid, but it will eat you if you are not careful. :P

Bro. Noble · March 17, 2003, 09:29:09 AM

I think the key point was made by Andy------the repaired place will not corrode the same as the rest of the saw. If the rest of the saw is satisfactory in appearance then heating the repaired section and using brown wax on it is probably the best bet. You don't have to worry about cleaning it or getting eaten by dangerous chemicals. Just don't pick up the torch by the hot end :

Noble

Jeff · March 17, 2003, 01:36:44 PM

Now ya tell me. Good thing my fingers are numb.

Tom · March 17, 2003, 01:48:48 PM

I think he should sand it all down and paint it Chartreuse and Rose with some "mixit-in-the-store". :D It looks like a Gay Blade to me :

:D

Crofter · March 17, 2003, 04:37:23 PM

The weld zone may well contain more alloy than the body of the saw, so will likely give a different colour reaction than the adjoining metal. What has been used as a quick and dirty rust bluing agent is common urine. Scrub the area with a dampened cloth and leave overnight. Steel wool lightly and repeat. Should proceed from brown towards quite black, depending on number of applications. No guarantees, but the price is right.

Frank

Mark M · March 17, 2003, 05:56:16 PM

Hey I used that treatment on a car I had once. Every morning I would apply urine until it finally rusted away :D

Jeff · March 17, 2003, 05:57:52 PM

So, can I do that in my living room?

I may consider this one.

ADfields · March 18, 2003, 12:47:36 AM

It's your living room. ;) I would not let Tammy find out!!

:)Andy

Norm · March 18, 2003, 04:55:58 AM

I'd still use gloves and face protection.

Crofter · March 18, 2003, 11:48:30 AM

I offer you something dirt cheap and down home practical and you turn up your nose at it; want to get all high tech and uppity!LOL ! Honest I wouldn't pull your leg!

Frank