Antiquing Stainless Steel?

[hacken94]

Does anybody know of any way to distress stainless steel?

[BearMan]

Good Morning,

Is this something like you're asking about? The layout tool, looks gold, but it's actually stainless steel. Ed the"BearMan"

[oldtimer]

Good Morning,

Is this something like you're asking about? The layout tool, looks gold, but it's actually stainless steel. Ed the"BearMan"

Could you please share the secret of making stainless steel into gold ?

/ Knut

[BearMan]

Hi,

It's actually pretty simple. First it needs to be smooth & polished, Then heat it with a propane torch slowly,,, you will see it start changing colors,,, first will be a chrome color, which will change to a gold color. Once it gets to the color you like,,, quench it in some water quickly,,, & leave it in. That will lock in the color. Keep in mind, that the color is VERY thin,,, & will wear off with use. Also, this stainless is 304 or 817 stainless. I'm not sure if you will get thsame color change with other qualities of stainless. If you like a varigated color,,, when it's the color you like,,, you can sprinkle it with water,,, which will give it a varigated effect. Good Luck,,, & Be Careful!! Ed the"BearMan"

[Thistledown]

Another way to get a 'distressed' look is to wire-brush it. Use either a wire brush in an electric drill, or a wire wheel mounted in a bench grinder.