Coloring Metal Chimney Castings

[Kimkatkim]

Hi everyone 
While working on my current project, FSM's Seafood Emporium, I had come to the point where some chimneys were to be placed on top of the main building. I had done chimneys before, but I wasn't really happy with the technique I was using. I felt that the mortar lines are important, not necessarily from a realism standpoint, but for the overall effect of texture when it shows. It doesn't have to be garish or overwhelming, just enough that you can distinguish the individual bricks. Techniques are wide and varied, but I came upon one that I had not thought of before: I started out by using Blacken-It on the castings. When you remove the casting from the solution, you will notice that there is a powdery off-white residue due to the chemical reaction. Normally, I wipe this off completely, but I decided to lightly and gently remove only the surface residue, which left a natural mortar line. Then. after letting the casting completely dry out, I dry-brushed using sponge (ala Foscale) and brush and very carefully colored the chimney a dark rust shade. Then I began the weathering process with Ben's Durty Black and Bragdon pastels. Overall I am very pleased with the results. I know this doesn't address the issue with other mediums, but it sure takes care of metal! I have included pics of the castings in the different stages.
Kimberly

[Janbouli]

Thanks Kim, would definitely like to try this but don't know if I can get some Blacken-It here, I assume that's a brand name , what would the real product be named.

[Kimkatkim]

After searching online the only product available in Europe is made by Caswell. It's called Zinc Blackener. It claims to work on die cast so would probably work in this application. It is available thru Amazon.co.uk.

Here's the actual link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Caswell-Zinc-Blackener-500ml/dp/B00PC6TDBE/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1467070320&sr=8-13&keywords=blackener

Hopefully this helps.

Kimberly

[Janbouli]

Thanks Kim, is the Blacken-it that  expensive ? Think I'll have a google and see if there's an equivalent for  a lot less then 60 euro's.

[SteveCuster]

The chimney's look great. The different color shades blend perfectly.

I've been using Jax Pewter Black as a replacement for Blacken-it. Some people blacken all castings, I only blacken castings that will represent metal. Everything else gets primed with light tan spray paint (Krylon Camouflage Khaki). I separate all the castings by type and prime or blacken everything before I begin a kit.

For chimneys I usually paint them red or orange/red then use joint compound wiped on with a rag and quickly wiped off to simulate mortar. I follow it with an A&I wash and some light drybrushing if necessary. I keep a small bucket of pre-mixed
joint compound under my workbench, I also use it for simulating concrete roads.

-Steve

[madharry]

Thanks Kim, is the Blacken-it that  expensive ? Think I'll have a google and see if there's an equivalent for  a lot less then 60 euro's.

Hi Jan,

I do not use "blacken it" at all. I just spray the metal items with flat white spray. Once dry I dry brush with different shades of brown/tan until I get the right shade I am looking for. Afterwards I just brush on a little dirty chalk.

Everyone in the UK is upset with the Iceland football result. However better to be beaten by them than to lose in the next round.........

Mike 

[bparrish]

Jan ....

I've never found any blacking solutions in downtown Idaho.  I'm for various layers of dry brushing.  Starting with the mortar lines of gray or black and work through the brick colors.

See ya
Bob

[barrymk]

Thanks Kim, is the Blacken-it that  expensive ? Think I'll have a google and see if there's an equivalent for  a lot less then 60 euro's.

Everyone in the UK is upset with the Iceland football result. However better to be beaten by them than to lose in the next round.........
Mike

Sorry Mike, not everyone, there are plenty of us who have no interest in football!

[KCS Trains]

Kim,

That is a very good result.  I will definitely have to try.  Thanks for sharing.  Phil

[postalkarl]

Hi Kim:

I have A bottle of blacken it. I will definately try this as your chimneys look great. I usually just paint them white and then dry-brush them with the appropriate brick color, then A&I and dry-brushing if needed. As A matter of fact I have a brick chimeny to pant for my current project Swakhammers Welding.

Karl

[postalkarl]

Hi Kim:

I'm blackening a chimney right now.

Karl

[NEMMRRC]

Those are good results on your chimney, Kimberly.

The instructions included with the FSM kit also give great techniques for painting the metal castings.

Those wishing to use a metal blackened could try chemicals used to blacken guns. A while back some outfit was shipping free samples of metal blackeners. I can't recall who it was though.

Jaime.

[jimmillho]

Those are good results on your chimney, Kimberly.

The instructions included with the FSM kit also give great techniques for painting the metal castings.

Those wishing to use a metal blackened could try chemicals used to blacken guns. A while back some outfit was shipping free samples of metal blackeners. I can't recall who it was though.

Jaime.

The Company is Electrochemical Products, Inc (EPI)
www.epi.com

I think they might still be giving samples.

Jim

[NEMMRRC]

Those are good results on your chimney, Kimberly.

The instructions included with the FSM kit also give great techniques for painting the metal castings.

Those wishing to use a metal blackened could try chemicals used to blacken guns. A while back some outfit was shipping free samples of metal blackeners. I can't recall who it was though.

Jaime.

The Company is Electrochemical Products, Inc (EPI)
www.epi.com

I think they might still be giving samples.

Jim

That's it!!!!

I went through my emails after I read your reply and found their email follow up after I ordered my free sample. I got a free pint of their blackener in the mail.

Now if I could only remember how I found about EPI....

Jaime