[SEL] Parkerizing, bluing, blacking, & browning iron

[John Culp]

> My favorite finish is the nearly black metallic graphite luster color
> and is the easiest to do. It also forms the hardest surface and resists
> minor scratching and abrasion quite well. It is made from 5 pounds of
> lye, 2.5 pounds of ammonium nitrate, and a gallon of water. You don’t
> need to make up such a large amount if you don’t need to, just use the
> same proportions. A United States gallon of water weighs exactly 8-1/3
> pounds if you want to make up the solution strictly by using weight.
> Although not poisonous in its final form, it is VERY dangerous to mix
> and MUST be done using gloves outside while wearing goggles to protect
> your eyes. SLOWLY add the ammonium nitrate into the water, stir, and
> then SLOWLY add in the lye about ¼ cup at a time while continuing the
> stirring. It will get very hot and if the lye is added too fast it will
> explode from the steam that forms. Lots of ammonia gas will be
> produced, too.

Be very aware of the wind direction and stay upwind of the pot the 
whole time this solution's being mixed, or you'll instantly regret it.

These days, it'd be a good idea to wait till the neighbors are gone 
before you do it. A strong smell of ammonia coming from your property 
is likely to get you raided by cowboy drug cops with guns drawn, who'll 
think you're cooking "meth."

John Culp
Bristol, Tennessee, USA