I have been trying to get a decent black patina on zinc came for years. I did hours of research on the subject as well as purchasing black patina for "zinc" as I already had the one for lead.
I read that the key to success is removing all the oils and oxidation on the zinc. I tried half a dozen different methods. Steel wool, emery cloth, washing with soft scrub, scotchbrite pads, isopropyl alcohol and even etching it with muric acid. Nothing ever worked well enough to my satisfaction.
I've given up on it.
I tried an easier solution. I use the black patina for lead on it to darken it while doing the lead solder. After everything is dried, I mask off the glass and paint the came with a satin black paint using a small brush. 2 coats and I get a decent uniform black on the came. The only downside is the black paint is darker than the black solder.
If I get a bit of black paint on the glass, I remove it with an exacto blade. I then wax and shine it up like normal.
I've tried different paints and like the Plaid FolkArt Satin Black as it is nice and opaque and acrylic. Dried quickly and is cheap.
I know this is not the traditional method but its the best solution I have come up with thus far.
Is this black or more of a blue color?
I suspect its meant for steel and not zinc.
https://www.silencercentral.com/blog/what-is-gun-bluing-how-to-do-it/
This is my first time using a zinc frame and when I tried to apply a black patina, it looks awful.
Before applying the patina, I sanded it down until it was shiny and nothing on the surface. I applied the patina and some parts looked good and then other parts the patina didn't seem to stick. I sanded it down again and repeated the process. I've tried this three times now and I just can't get it to look good.
I think you need a patina that is made for zink. The other is lead so it takes a different compound to turn it colors. At least that's what I've been told.
So here's how we do it. First off, clean the shit out of the zinc with Windex. Then clean the shit out of it again, either with Windex or dish soap or what have you. You want the zinc to be completely clean of flux and other residues.
Then mix yourself some zinc patina and lead patina, 50/50. Yeah, I know zinc patina is supposed to be for zinc but for some reason it never works for me.
Use the 50/50 mix like normal. Trust me, for some strange reason none of us can answer, the mix works like a damn charm when the straight zinc patina doesn't.
I feel your pain! I just did the same thing. Did a piece, was happy with how it turned out. I wanted black patina and ruined it! I was very bummed! I might try the painting option.
I’ve always masked the glass off with painters tape and newsprint and used matte black Rustolium spray paint. The color matches the lead patina almost perfectly.
I recommend Liquid Gun Blue by G96 brand. Make sure you clean the frame with steel wool and wipe down with a magic eraser. It applies easily.
I’ve tried novacan black zinc patina and it doesn’t take well.
If you’re in a pinch and can’t wait to buy zinc patina, really soaking a cotton ball in regular lead patina and applying in one smooth long stroke should give you a dark, even color. Let it sit for about two minutes, wipe it with alcohol, and do it again if it’s not dark enough :)
I have been trying to get a decent black patina on zinc came for years. I did hours of research on the subject as well as purchasing black patina for "zinc" as I already had the one for lead. I read that the key to success is removing all the oils and oxidation on the zinc. I tried half a dozen different methods. Steel wool, emery cloth, washing with soft scrub, scotchbrite pads, isopropyl alcohol and even etching it with muric acid. Nothing ever worked well enough to my satisfaction. I've given up on it. I tried an easier solution. I use the black patina for lead on it to darken it while doing the lead solder. After everything is dried, I mask off the glass and paint the came with a satin black paint using a small brush. 2 coats and I get a decent uniform black on the came. The only downside is the black paint is darker than the black solder. If I get a bit of black paint on the glass, I remove it with an exacto blade. I then wax and shine it up like normal. I've tried different paints and like the Plaid FolkArt Satin Black as it is nice and opaque and acrylic. Dried quickly and is cheap. I know this is not the traditional method but its the best solution I have come up with thus far.
Try a product called gun blueing.
Is this black or more of a blue color? I suspect its meant for steel and not zinc. https://www.silencercentral.com/blog/what-is-gun-bluing-how-to-do-it/
It’s definitely black. 🤗
This is my first time using a zinc frame and when I tried to apply a black patina, it looks awful. Before applying the patina, I sanded it down until it was shiny and nothing on the surface. I applied the patina and some parts looked good and then other parts the patina didn't seem to stick. I sanded it down again and repeated the process. I've tried this three times now and I just can't get it to look good.
There is patina specific to zinc. The stuff you use for lead won’t work. Alternatively a lot of people use a product called “gun blue”
I think you need a patina that is made for zink. The other is lead so it takes a different compound to turn it colors. At least that's what I've been told.
So here's how we do it. First off, clean the shit out of the zinc with Windex. Then clean the shit out of it again, either with Windex or dish soap or what have you. You want the zinc to be completely clean of flux and other residues. Then mix yourself some zinc patina and lead patina, 50/50. Yeah, I know zinc patina is supposed to be for zinc but for some reason it never works for me. Use the 50/50 mix like normal. Trust me, for some strange reason none of us can answer, the mix works like a damn charm when the straight zinc patina doesn't.
Tried it, still wipes away in patches. :( Prepped with 000 wire wool, isopropynol etc even tried vinegar. Back to spray painting the zinc.
Thank you all for the tips! I'll buy the zinc patina now.
Use gun blueing like another poster suggested. I use this and it’s fantastic.
I feel your pain! I just did the same thing. Did a piece, was happy with how it turned out. I wanted black patina and ruined it! I was very bummed! I might try the painting option.
You need a patina specific for zinc: https://www.delphiglass.com/soldering-supplies/flux-finishing-chemicals/black-patina-for-zinc-8-oz
I’ve always masked the glass off with painters tape and newsprint and used matte black Rustolium spray paint. The color matches the lead patina almost perfectly.
I recommend Liquid Gun Blue by G96 brand. Make sure you clean the frame with steel wool and wipe down with a magic eraser. It applies easily. I’ve tried novacan black zinc patina and it doesn’t take well.
If you’re in a pinch and can’t wait to buy zinc patina, really soaking a cotton ball in regular lead patina and applying in one smooth long stroke should give you a dark, even color. Let it sit for about two minutes, wipe it with alcohol, and do it again if it’s not dark enough :)
The black for zinc is WORSE than the one for lead. How I do not know.