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Darkening Aluminum?

Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:40 pm
by btswanfury
As per our discussions on how to wear AL maille without looking like an extra in a bad fantasy movie, is there any quick and easy way to darken aluminum? I'm not talking about anodizing or anything like that. Just a patina that will go on cold and not cost too much.

I was thinking of just letting it sit in a bucket of dirty water for a day or two, but I'm not sure how well the maille would "take" the patina. Thanks!

Re: Darkening Aluminum?

Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:32 pm
by JvR
Dunk it in ammonia then rinse off well. Or use oven cleaner.

Re: Darkening Aluminum?

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:05 am
by Gregoire de Lyon
There is a recent thread in Design and Construction with a detailed set of instruction from Sir Angus of Darkmoon. I believe the title is "Blackening Aluminum"

Re: Darkening Aluminum?

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 5:12 pm
by Marius Brittanicus
Ferric Chloride...look

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