Are you done with the forging? The product seems dull and unattractive? It’s time for you to apply a nice finish to your metal piece with some of the best blacksmith finishing techniques.
Finishing is one of the essential blacksmithing processes. It is as vital as any other blacksmithing process, if not more. Finishing can make or mar your entire project.
How is finishing helpful for a blacksmith? If you want your work to be durable with good looks, finishing is your way to go. It helps with giving your metal product a smooth touch, increases its longevity, and limits the impact of corrosion.
There are countless surface finishing methods available in the market. Not every one of them is practical and durable. Further, the usage of the item that is being crafted determines which type of finishing should be applied.
Let’s see some of the top blacksmith finishing methods that will make your product attractive and durable:
Beeswax
With many synthetic and chemical-based finishing techniques out there, beeswax serves as a traditional natural alternative that gives your metal product a durable black coating with proper corrosion protection. The wax finish on steel is impressive overall.
If you are looking for a finishing method for utensils or any food-grade item, beeswax will be your best bet. The all-natural yellow beeswax is non-toxic and even comes with a pleasant fragrance. This method is also compatible with most blacksmith finishing techniques.
The method forms a perfect combination of wax and polish and does not only protect the surface of your material; it also makes it come out more beautiful.
Before applying the wax, make sure that the metal piece is clean and free from rust.
You can use an oven or a propane torch to moderately heat the metal piece. Excessive heating is not necessary as you only want the heat to be enough to melt the wax. Be sure to use a cotton cloth to apply the wax.
You can also apply with a brush, but remember to wipe away all the excess. It is possible to use it either cold or hot and you can make it two coats by applying each coat hours apart.
It is also an option to mix boiled linseed oil and beeswax with turpentine to enhance its usefulness. This type of finish is most suitable for materials created for indoor use.
Pros
Most of its materials are natural and non-toxic
It is easy to apply
Beeswax offers protection and brings out the beauty at the same time
It is not expensive
Cons
It is not suitable for outdoor materials
Boiled Linseed Oil
Do you want to give your steel a darker look? Use boiled linseed oil metal finish.
Many blacksmiths prefer using boiled linseed oil, especially for non-food-grade items. Why? Your metal piece will have a subtle dark finish with excellent rust prevention.
The formation of a water-resistant coating helps in keeping corrosion away. Besides, it is a food-safe finish option, and it is suitable for indoor use.
The boiled linseed blacksmith oil is a modified version of the raw linseed oil and has the benefit of faster drying times. This finishing method is preferably used for table saw, screwdrivers, block planes, and chisels.
If your forged work has small cracks or voids, boiled linseed oil can even help fill those. You can easily apply the wax using a piece of cloth on a preheated metal piece.
Start by heating the metal to black heat. Next, remove the excess scale with a wire brush. The process slightly differs with smaller and larger projects.
If you are working on a smaller project, you can quench the piece directly in a bucket of oil. It is slightly different for a larger bit. You will need a brush or rag to apply the oil to the large piece.
You should start applying to a section at a time. Don’t try to rush the process because you might not cover a large piece’s entire surface.
Ensure that the metal is at optimal temperature before applying the oil. You can test the temperature by adding a small amount first. If the oil ignites in contact with the metal, it means the metal is too hot.
Do the covering at a lower temperature. Remember to wipe excess oil with a rag and go on with suitable blacksmith finishing techniques for your project.
Pros
linseed oil finish is food-safe and suitable for indoor use
This method is more resistant to moisture than wax finish
The linseed oil finish does not use any toxic chemical
It is not expensive
Cons
It is not suitable for outdoor use without traditional sealing (like lacquer)
Black Oxide
Apart from its extensive industrial use, this finishing method is also possible at your home. You can order the black oxide kit to give your forged work one last touch.
Suppose your metal piece is going to be useful in moving parts or any mechanical application. In that case, black oxide finishing offers a thin coating that does not interfere with the finished product’s working.
It may not be an effective finishing against corrosion, but still, it offers a fair amount of prevention against oxidation.
All you need is to prepare the surface of the metal and ensure that it is clean. You can leave the metal to dry and warm up under the sun. Move ahead and apply oxide on the prepared surface.
The oxide application occurs in two phases. The first application is to wet the surface and ensure that it touches every part. It sprays must be light enough to dry within one minute.
Apply the oxide again. This time, you can keep applying until you have your desired coloration. Ensure that one coating dries entirely before applying it all over. You can seal the surface with wax, lacquer, or any other suitable blacksmith finishing techniques.
Pros
It offers reliable protection for your metal
Black oxide is suitable for outdoor use
It is relatively easy to apply
Cons
Black oxide involves the use of certain toxic chemicals
It requires dealing with a traditional finish to complement its result
Boiled Linseed Oil Mixed With Turpentine
Do you want a unique and classy finish? Try mixing turpentine with boiled linseed oil. They form a reliable blacksmith finish recipe.
If you want your metal product to have a beautiful glossy look, you can use a boiled linseed and turpentine mixture. This finishing technique produces extraordinary results for antique objects.
Apart from boiled linseed oil and Turpentine, Japan dryer and Johnson’s Paste Wax can also give the metal a natural look with excellent protection against rust.
You can purchase all of the ingredients from your local hardware store. The application is quite similar to boiled linseed oil finish on steel. Turpentine complements the action of the boiled linseed oil on metal to improve its performance.
Pros
It offers a beautiful and classy outlook
This mix is suitable for indoor and outdoor use
It is resistant to moisture
Cons
It is slightly expensive
Preparing Your Metal Surface for Finishing
You won’t get the best out of your finishing process if you don’t prepare your surface properly. Surface preparation is the first step in any finishing process. Surface preparation is as significant as using suitable blacksmith finishing techniques.
You must clean the surface of the metal and remove the scales. There are several ways of removing metal scales. You can explore the one that is most suitable for you.
Below are some suitable methods of preparation methods for your metal finishing. The techniques will help you with the proper removal of scale.
Hand Brushing
Hand brushing is one of the most suitable blacksmith finish methods of removing scale. It works best when the metal is still hot. It is ideal for moderate burnishing.
Sandblasting
Sandblasting is suitable for finishing that requires complete elimination of scale from the metal surface. It is the best among the abrasive methods.
Wire Wheel for Bench Grinder
This method of scale removal works better for smaller pieces. Bench grinders might not be able to handle large metal stocks. Working with bench grinders requires proper care. Ensure to follow all operating procedures.
Wire Wheels or Cups for Drills
This method works best when you have to touch all nooks. Although it is slower than most other ways, it is useful and handles all angles. But it is only helpful if you have access to drills.
Wire Brush for An Angle Grinder
This method is similar to the wire wheel for bench grinder. But it is better because it works for more extensive stocks. Wire brush for an angle grinder will remove scales faster and effectively from large metal stocks. Put in mind that this method is slightly hazardous and requires proper caution.
Other Suitable Blacksmith Finishing Techniques Metal Surfaces
As stated earlier, blacksmith projects are not complete without appropriate finishing. Without these finishing methods, the project will appear incomplete and scratched. There are different blacksmith metal finishes.
It is essential to choose what works best for you and one that is most suitable for your metal type. Choosing the right finishing method is dependent on the type of metal. It can also be dependent on the kind of project.
Here are some of the suitable steel finishing techniques for most blacksmithing projects.
Powder Coating
Powder coating adds a durable layer to your project. Unlike some other finishing methods, powder coating cannot help with surface defects. It will add some glossy, matte, and texture finish to the surface.
The method is not suitable for projects with sharp edges that you still need to smoothen out.
Brushing Metal
Brushing metals only requires you to hold the metal against a belt. This blacksmith finish can help you smoothen out and correct defects. Brushing metal is quite common, and it is one of the most common types of finishing among blacksmiths.
You can use unique belts for some metals, especially if you want precise finishing. Also, this method can help you remove scales and prepare the metal surface for further finishing.
Electroplating
Electroplating is slightly technical compared to other finishing methods. It involves the use of chemicals and electricity to create metallic coatings. These metallic coating can be zinc, nickel, copper, or cadmium.
One of the most significant advantages of this method is that it affords the luxury of smoothening out your errors. Each metallic coating of this method plays different roles.
Chrome and nickel will improve the metal’s durability. Zinc and cadmium will help you protect against rusting. You have to decide and ensure that you are using a method that works best for your metal.
Grinding
Grinding is another effective finishing method most blacksmiths use and it can help you remove scale.
It will also make the metal’s surface smoother and more refined. Likewise, grinding can help you define the shape and edges of your metals.
But working with grinders requires technical skills. So, you might need the help of experts to help you with this process. The process takes multiple steps before you can achieve the smoothest finish.
Sand Blasting
Sand-blasting is the ideal finishing for flat, large surfaces. It works best if you desire to have a matte finish. It is also better on soft metals since it only depends on sands to shape metals.
Note that it is dangerous to attempt this process without proper protective materials. You might need distinct eye and respiratory protection.
Buff Polishing
Buff polishing is your best shot when you need to create a non-texture smooth surface. It uses a polishing machine and cloth to give the metal an excellent finish. The polish will protect your metal and also give it an appealing finish.
Although it offers a superb finish, it cannot work for small materials with parts where clothes cannot reach. It can also damage fragile metals and objects.
Conclusion
The successful forging of a metal piece is not the end of your blacksmithing process. If you want your work to be presentable and well-crafted in the real sense, proper finishing is necessary to give it a dark finish.
Before choosing a finishing technique, you must check the usage of the metal product. Some of the methods are not suitable for culinary items due to their toxic nature, and some of them will only be feasible for static metal parts.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab the ingredients and give your products a decorative surface finish.