Hi can anyone advise on the proper use of blackener

I recieved my shiny brass cannons so following the instructions for Krick blackener i diluted the solution 1:1 and dropped 6 cannons into a mug of the solution

Instructions say leave for 15 minutes for a darker colouring

After 1 hour my cannons were still a shiny brass

Having purchased 2 bottles i added the cannons to a mug of undiluted solution this is a lot better and after about half an hour got a reasonable result

The next lot of cannons i placed in the solution taking a bit longer to colour but not as dark as the 1st lot more like a dark bronze

I take it the chemical reaction gets weaker etc
(the liquid is now blue in colour)

Any ideas/tips appreciated

Hi Stuart,
Here is the said tutorial..( I Leave mine for a few hours but if stubborn over night is ok.)

Firstly, You need to buy blackener, mine was from CMB. Also some Alchol solution or degreaser. I use Isopropyl Alcohol from the chemists(Only from Chemists as its very inflammable and is used in explossives so is only sold in 1/2 litre bottles).Also needed are various sized plastic only pots/cups or tubs.

First you need to put your brass parts in the Alcohol for 10 minutes and swish around to degrease them.
Then prepare your solution which is mixed 1:1 with water. The weaker the solution the lighter the Black. Hot water Activates the process quicker but don't boil the solution.(cold water slow process/warm water faster process).

Next put the Brass part into clean water and move around and lightly scrub the part.Being careful not to handle too much.

Remove from the water and put into the solution wet. Stir the part around with WOODEN spatular( Plank in my case). Leave for 15 minute stirring every now and then. check for coverage and leave for longer if required.

Personally I got a jug of hot water. My solution was in a plastic cup so I sat it on the water so it warmed the solution.

Once coloured to the shade required remove the part from the solution with tweezers or long nose pliers and rinse in cold water. Place on paper towel until dry. You will notice a black powdery coating get a small soft cloth an Buff the part which will uncover your hard work.
Chris...

BEWARE>>>>>> The solution is toxic so follow the instructions provided for the handling of the solution>>>>>>>

Hi All
Just read the above tutorial(very good).

Have just received some Krick from CMB but instructions in German. My knowledge of German means I can order food/drinks etc, not play with this stuff .Hence the above is very useful.
One more issue I have is the Isopropyl Alcohol.I have found it for sale on amazon and ebay, is this the same stuff as mentioned above?

Regards
Delboy271155
(Derek)

Cheers Court,
I think I will get mine locally, it seems ebay and the like are a law unto themselves, I told them recently that Golden Apple snails are banned from sale in this country and they are still for sale.
The other reason is that my postman delivers my Sots(and soon the Victory)and I don`t want to upset him, as I wouldn`t like the idea of getting my parts looking like splinters.

Regards
Delboy271155
(Derek)

I use Blacken-It, available on EBay. Works in a few minutes with a clean surface.