Darkening a mail armor

Samael_of_the_Lys · Post by **Samael_of_the_Lys** » Wed Mar 06, 2002 1:21 pm

Hi all,

I already possess a great chainmail made by a friend of mine but as a Larp animator I primary use it to complete my Characters costume. Currently it's still too shinny even after having it loss is glossy shine. I want to paint it or find a way to really made it dark or dirt gray.

What is the best way to do this ... Peoples told me that paint should be out of the way since it will scale overtime and become a mess. If I Oxidate the thing I guess it should do a great piece of dark/dirty armor.

Your ideas please...

Thanks

Rev. George · Post by **Rev. George** » Wed Mar 06, 2002 1:52 pm

What's it made of? AL? Steel? Titanium? Sawed PVC?
If we know what it is, we can probably help more.

-+G

Prince Of Darkmoor · Post by **Prince Of Darkmoor** » Wed Mar 06, 2002 2:27 pm

Since he says it has lost its glossy shine, I'm guessing it's galvanized steel.

I have heard of people letting their galvanized chainmaille sit in lemon juice to darken it.

Galileo · Post by **Galileo** » Wed Mar 06, 2002 4:37 pm

Bury it in the mud - come back in a month.

Other than that -
The Chainmaille Board would be a good place to ask too.

G--

taltosh · Post by **taltosh** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 10:36 am

If it is indeed Galvanised I've had success in darkening one piece by sandblasting it thoroughly and simply letting it age but it does take a while. Almost 6 years now for a dark grey. there's probably ways to speed up the process with som emild caustic or acidic solution and then neutralizing it afterward.

YMMV

Warren · Post by **Warren** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 1:41 pm

Here is a way to make it look good. For most metals, they react to acid..

Get a five gallon can and fill it 1/2 with water. Then dump in a box of tea or 20 tea bags. Drop in about 1/4 cup of beeswax.

Boil it for about 20 minutes. A camp stove with both burners going works well.

Then, drop in your metal items and boil it for about 20 minutes. (stir with a stick a few times)

Pull it out and let drip dry. You will have turned your metal items a dark grey/black color with a slightly waxy feel.

Allow it to cool. This will permanently turn the metal this color and prevent rust forever.

the tannic acid in the tea takes off the oxidation and the wax slightly will lubricate your armour.

We use this on steel traps here in the north and they never rust or corrode or oxodize. There is no rub off either. I have used this treatment on all my metal armour and let me tell you, unless you are worried about the shiny look or polished look, this is the way to go.(its cheap too!)

Thanks,

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[This message has been edited by Warren (edited 03-07-2002).]