Blackening bicycle steel?
08-29-10, 01:35 PM
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Blackening bicycle steel?
Would it be possible / a good idea to blacken a steel bicycle frame using a technique such as this? The smoke points of popular oils are well below the temperatures that would damage the steel, and no quenching is involved so the steel shouldn't become brittle. Could the brazing on lugged frames be damaged / weakened? I know next to nothing about metallurgy.
08-29-10, 01:45 PM
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It could be done, but won't be of benefit for a bike frame subjected to weather. Black-Ox finishes are fine for things like tools and other implements used indoors, but doesn't offer nearly enough rust protection for a bike exposed to the elements.
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08-29-10, 01:47 PM
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Bicycle Repair Man !!!
We call this process "painting" or "powdercoating".
08-29-10, 01:55 PM
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Not at all, painting or powdercoating covers the base metal with something else. Black-ox reacts with the steel itself to form an oxide on the surface. It's generally the way things like chains, and axle parts are treated, giving them their black or brownish color.
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08-29-10, 01:59 PM
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I agree that the black ox method is not suitable for a bike frame and does not work very well on chains either because of their exposure to the elements and constant state of wear.
Hence... the paint.
08-29-10, 02:18 PM
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Well I was thinking something between rust-prevention and cool-looking. But if the rust-prevention is minimal then the cool-looking won't last long. Not something I have the expertise to do anyway, just a thought
08-29-10, 02:22 PM
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As someone who used the Black-ox process when I produced Kingsbridge tools, I can tell you, that unless you're well versed in the process, it's difficult to do on large items without getting a mottled look. Stick with paint or clearcoat, you'll be happier.
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08-29-10, 05:31 PM
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Sounds very similar to Anodizing on aluminum. If there is any heat invovled in a finishing process, as long as it is only minimal, it should not affect the stregnth of the steel.
Doesn't this also sound like the spray and paint on "rust arresting" products available out there that turns oxides on steel and iron parts into a stable black coating that prevents further rusting?
Chombi
Doesn't this also sound like the spray and paint on "rust arresting" products available out there that turns oxides on steel and iron parts into a stable black coating that prevents further rusting?
Chombi
08-29-10, 09:17 PM
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Look at gun bluing. Basically similiar but a lot less hassle. Not real good rust protection either.
08-30-10, 05:21 AM
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nblythe, Oil blackening can be a very durable metal preservative, but seems to work best when the procedure is applied at the industrial level. Some collectors of military surplus rifles have attempted to restore their rifles with similar methods as in your link with varied results.
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08-30-10, 08:30 AM
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Gun blueing offers zero rust protection. as blued guns with rust at any hint of moisture or skin oils left on them for just a short time. That is why gun owners always wipe down guns with silicone treated rags after handling them. same thing for "parkerized" metals
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