Metal Lines Darkening

[Sheokapeba]

Hi,

   Could someone tell me how those metal lines are darkened? If I have cast a brass or aluminum statue, how do I darken the statue like the attached image?

Thank you

[JHCC]

When I worked in the art restoration studio, we would get that effect by rubbing the piece with black shoe polish and then buffing with a shoe brush and then with a clean cloth. Start with just a little; it's easier to add more than it is get out too much.

[Sheokapeba]

That is what my first guess was, but thought I should ask before going with my own idea. Thanks for the reply.

[ThomasPowers]

There are specific compounds---like liver of sulfur for copper, that are used to patinate various metals.  Check in a good jewelry *supply* company catalog for them  (Rio Grande has an online catalog, search on patina)---or you can just use paint or shoewax for a less long lasting version

[Sheokapeba]

I am from India, I have already searched for patina here (online), who ships to my location, but could not find any. That's why thought to go with the easy way. Thanks for the help.

[SLAG]

Sheokapeba,

An Indian chemical supply house or a friend who works in a chemical research laboratory may be able to sell you or give some active chemical reagent.

I do not think that they would have specific "metal contrast chemical".

But if you determine what reactive chemicals are used, you can then ask, specifically, for those chemicals from the above named sources.

There must be chemical supply houses that specifically carry metal contrast reagents. Try contacting such a seller or, if necessary, call a manufacturer that makes such sculptures. They should be able to recommend a supplier.

India is a huge market and there are a lot of murti makers to learn the source of what you require.

Regards,

SLAG.

[bigfootnampa]

Liver of sulfur is commonly used to blacken non ferrous metals.  For the use that you depict I would say that the shoe polish advice is pretty practical though.  Even pharmacies ought to be able to order liver of sulfur for you.  

[Sheokapeba]

I found Liver of Sulfur here online. Thanks for all of your advice.

[Alan Evans]

Cannings or Hockley Chem. in Birmingham, used to make a lacquer to do just that job. I have a 30 year old tin somewhere. It has a pigment which collects in the grooves. It was used by the brass industry for just that sort of ornamentation. I think it was called self relieving or self revealing or similar.

Alan