[HELP] Bluing Mild Steel ??

[odyseus10]

Well some experiments over the weekend using my IR thermometer seemed to show promise..
I used my electric top oven and the thermometer was showing 280degC tantilisingly close to the correct temperature (I'd settle for purple). I put two plates in the oven. One went dark brown the other didn't change at all?? I later realised i'd bought stainless steel, two plates made of mild steel and two of stainless steel - doh.
I then used a soft flame on the 'browned' steel and got a reasonably even blue(ish) colour. So one plate done another to go :)

[odyseus10]

(06-24-2016, 03:33 PM)JScott Wrote: Can you get your hands on some of this cold, liquid blueing solution?  We can get it here locally at sporting goods stores or online at Amazon or eBay.  It is distributed by Birchwood Casey and is not terribly expensive.

I think I can (i got the black anodising stuff for my iphone once) - i assume that it is fairly robust?

[Roadracer_Al]

So, I have a question - what is the difference between "metal blackener" and "cold bluing" ?

[rleete]

Blackener is darker black, for a phosphate finish look. Bluing is very dark blue. As far as durability/rust prevention, they are very similar.

[Roadracer_Al]

Thanks!