Unlocking the Secrets of Black Magic Patina in Watchmaking

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Black magic patina is a technique used in metalworking to create a dark and aged appearance on metal surfaces. This patina is achieved by applying a chemical or a mixture of chemicals to the metal and letting it react with the surface. The final result is a deep, black color that gives the metal an antique and mysterious look. There are different types of chemicals that can be used to create the black magic patina, including liver of sulfur and sulfurated potash. These chemicals oxidize the metal, creating a layer of black sulfide on the surface. The black patina contrasts with the natural color of the metal, highlighting intricate details and textures.



Traditional Black Patinas

Black Magic Patina creates a beautiful, rich black patina on iron and steel. It takes only 3-5 minutes to develop and does not produce the quick rust that you normally see with other blackening agents. The first coat will be dark grey, but the finish will become black after a few coats. Rust will develop if a clear sealer is not applied to the completed finish. Black Magic Patina works similarly on bronze, brass, and copper to darken the metal. On zinc and galvanized steel, it creates a weathered black patina. Black Magic Patina does not work on stainless steel or aluminum. It should not be diluted unless you are working on the Metal Coatings. Traditional Midnight Black Patina reacts on aluminum, bronze, brass, copper, iron, steel (not stainless), and zinc/galvanized. This patina works quickly and has excellent durability. Rust is slower to develop compared to other black patinas which allows greater flexibility when applying a sealer. On aluminum (full strength), the first coat produces a fast grey/black finish. Additional coats create a solid black that does not rub off easily. On steel (full strength), one coat makes a blue/black oil slick finish. Extra coats darken the patina. On zinc/galvanized (full strength), the first application establishes a bronze/brown finish. Reapplication results in even more warm color with great adhesion. On bronze, brass, and copper (diluted 1:1 with distilled water), the first coat produces a beautiful brown patina. Second and third coats darken the patina to a rich antique black. Slate Black Patina is a versatile black finish for use on most metals. On iron and steel, it will produce a black patina with some brown showing through the finish. This is a fast 3-5 minute reaction that is arrested with water. Additional coats will darken the patina. Slate Black Patina can be diluted with distilled water for lighter coats. Slate Black Patina will darken bronze, brass, and copper in a similar way. On zinc and galvanized steel, it will produce a dark brown to black patina. On aluminum, it must be applied hot (180-200°F) and will create a brown finish. On stainless steel, it must also be applied hot and will produce a red, black, and brown patina. Stainless Black Patina is made specifically for stainless steel. It is not recommended for other metals, but on zinc and galvanized steel, it can produce a red-brown or weathered black patina. On stainless steel, this patina will be blue grey at first and then darken as more coats are applied. Stainless Black Patina works best at full strength, but can be diluted with distilled water if desired. Zinc Grey Patina creates a grey or black patina on zinc or galvanized steel. The patina will be black and often mottled if applied at full strength. Dilution with distilled water is recommended for a smooth light grey finish. Layering the patina with multiple light coats will gradually darken the shade and allow you to control the uniformity of the finish. Traditional Black Patinas are sold in 8oz., 32oz., 1 gallon, and 5 gallon sizes. Spray tops are included with 8oz. and 32oz. bottles. One gallon of a Traditional Black Patina generally covers 200 sq. ft.

Slate Black Patina

Slate Black Patina is a versatile and unique black finish for use on iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, brass, and copper. Slate Black is meant to be a cold patina except when applied to aluminum and stainless steel, when it should be applied hot. Select 8 oz. or 32 oz. Please call for larger sizes.

SKU: N/A Category: Dyes & Patinas Tags: patina, slate black
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Slate Black Patina is a versatile black finish for use on most metals. On iron and steel, it will produce a black patina with some brown showing through the finish. This is a fast 3-5 minute reaction that is arrested with water. Additional coats will darken the patina. Slate Black Patina can be diluted with distilled water for lighter coats.
Slate Black Patina is a versatile and unique finish for use on iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, brass, and copper.

Slate Black is meant to be a cold patina except when applied to aluminum and stainless steel, when it should be applied hot.

Slate Black Patina applied cold to bronze casting resin
L to R: polished, burnished, and unaltered patina Slate Black Patina applied hot to aluminum and stainless steel

Before applying this patina, sandblasting or sanding is required to clean the surface of oil, oxides, and residues. Apply this patina as a spray or in an immersion process. Depending on the application method chosen, the results will range from a uniform solid color to a layered textured appearance. Slate Black Patina may be diluted up to 50% with distilled water depending on the desired strength of finish.

A clean water rinse will stop the chemical reaction. The finish may be burnished wet or dry. Additional patinas can be layered over this base. When dry, protect the finish with multiple coats of a clear sealer.

Slate Black Patina applied cold to copper Slate Black Patina applied cold to rolled steel

About Patina

Some of the earliest known examples of colored metal objects are about 5000 years old. Early Roman writers noted the difference between naturally aged metals, and those that were chemically altered, and the Japanese have a long history of experimenting with complicated patina methods to achieve very specific colors on copper alloys. Modern makers will find numerous ways to enhance the color of metal depending on the type of metal used and the look you are hoping to achieve.

This article will describe a few ways to patina metal which work well with metal clay.

The black patina contrasts with the natural color of the metal, highlighting intricate details and textures. To apply the black magic patina, the metal is first cleaned to remove any dirt or contaminants. Then, the patina solution is prepared by dissolving the chemical in water or another solvent.

Clean It Up

Patinas on metal clay appear more vivid on a highly burnished surface. Instead of sinking into the porous body of the sintered metal clay, burnishing enables the color to stay on the surface.

The best way to produce beautiful results is to clean and degrease the metal before applying any kind of treatment. A simple soap and water scrub will remove body oils or residues from the polishing process that may remain on the metal.

Black magic patina

The metal is either dipped into the solution or the solution is applied directly to the surface using a brush or sponge. The duration of the patina process depends on the desired intensity of the black color. The longer the metal is exposed to the patina solution, the darker the resulting patina will be. It is important to monitor the process closely to achieve the desired effect and avoid overpatination. After the metal has achieved the desired black magic patina, it is usually neutralized and sealed to protect the surface. This can be done by rinsing the metal with water to remove any excess chemicals and then sealing it with a protective coating such as wax or lacquer. The black magic patina technique is commonly used in various art forms, including jewelry making, sculpture, and decorative metalwork. It adds depth and character to metal pieces, giving them an aged and mysterious appearance. The black color can also be used to create contrast and highlight specific areas of a design. In conclusion, black magic patina is a technique used to create a dark and aged appearance on metal surfaces. It involves applying a chemical or mixture of chemicals to the metal and allowing it to react to create a black sulfide layer. The result is a mysterious and antique look that enhances the beauty and intricacy of metalwork..

Reviews for "A Closer Look at Black Magic Patina: From Theory to Application"

1. John - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Black magic patina". I found the storyline to be confusing and hard to follow, with too many unnecessary subplots that distracted from the main narrative. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to connect with or care about their outcomes. Additionally, the writing style felt disjointed, with abrupt transitions and inconsistent pacing. Overall, I couldn't engage with the book and it left me feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.
2. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - "Black magic patina" did not live up to my expectations at all. The premise seemed promising, but I found the execution to be lacking. The plot felt predictable and uninspired, following a formulaic structure that didn't offer any surprises. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, with characters spouting off cliched lines that made it hard for me to believe in their authenticity. Despite some interesting ideas, the book fell flat in its execution, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout.
3. David - 1 out of 5 stars - I absolutely hated "Black magic patina". The writing was convoluted and pretentious, employing unnecessary metaphors and flowery language that served no purpose other than to confuse and alienate readers. The characters were unlikable and poorly developed, making it difficult to root for or invest in their journeys. The pacing was also uneven, with long stretches of tedious descriptions followed by rushed and unsatisfying conclusions. Overall, I found the book to be a tedious and frustrating read, and I would not recommend it to anyone.

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