Metal is perhaps the most widely used material for manufacturing, and while there are quite a few ways to protect metal surfaces against rust and corrosion, nothing beats the traditional metal blacking process. Metal blacking has been around for a very long time, and the traditional way to do this involved dissolving copper into acid, and after a quick immersion in the solution, the item was then buried under soil for a few weeks. The process required special conditions, which meant the metal blacking was always carried out at the blacking factory, which was suitable for the task, yet there has been great progress in developing a method that works at room temperature.
Metal Blacking Kits
If you thought it necessary to take your metal items to the blacking factory, you’ll be pleased to learn that you can buy metal blacking kits from a leading metal blacking specialist, Blackfast, who has perfected the art of room temperature blacking and has made it available to all. With many years of hands-on experience, this Surrey based company have raised the bar with their innovative blacking kits. Complete with immersion baths and all the solutions you need, the easy to follow instructions make is a simple process to achieve optimum results, and as the solutions are reusable, this is a very cost effective way to protect metal surfaces.
Metal Oxidisation
Metal naturally degrades in the form of oxidisation that is caused by its interaction with the environment. Rust is a common problem, and we have used several technologies to combat this, which include electroplating, or other forms of plating, yet by far the best form of surface protection comes from the metal blacking process. The immersion process ensures that all of the surface metal is affected, and as it is not a coating or plating, the blacking process does not increase the dimensions of the item, which makes it ideal for precision, machined components.
Antiques
The metal blacking process is frequently used to enhance the appearance of an item, and it works well with brass, copper, pewter, iron and steel. From a dealer’s perspective, having the ability to blacken pieces yourself would be really attractive, and as the solution is reusable, it is a very cost effective way to add character to an antique.
Kit Form
The kit would consist of an immersion bath, plus the various solutions that are used. The surface should be degreased and also there is an immersion to provide rust protection, and with easy to follow instructions, one can carry out the process at home, or the factory. Temperatures need to be precise, as do the immersion times, and with all the equipment at hand, protecting your metal surfaces is no longer a concern.
If you would like to know more about metal blacking and how it can be applied, an online search will take you to the website of the UK’s leading specialist, and with their expert advice, you will soon be using this innovative practice to your benefit.