How do I dull a Bright Zinc coated steel chain?

[MiG21]

Hi!

A friend has passed to me a bright zinc coated steel chain, and wants me to make it appear more 'dull' (ie, less shiny) for a theatrical performance.

Ideas? Leaving it outside on the windowsill for a couple of days with some salt in the box has had no effect.

MiG21

 

[rtbcomp]

A very weak acid should do the trick, vinegar may even work.

 

[TechnicAl]

I think bleach may do it

 

[pedrobedro]

Paint it matt black Search ebay for ferric chloride you can etch the surface with it.

 

[MiG21]

thanks

okay, I'll give the vinegar a smash first since I have some in the house.

I need to maintain a 'metallic' look, but one that isn't quite so 'in your face'. Apparently.

MiG21

 

[Scamp]

This stuff should do the trick for you - http://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/viewprod/t/TORTWASH/

 

[MiG21]

ooops!

Well, the vinegar removed all the zinc plating. OOoops!

So now I have about 0.5% zinc plating covering area, and the rest just a dull grey steel colour - which is better than it was, but I think they want darker than that. I might look at applying that etcher and then some clear paint, if it 'burns' the surface. I don't want it totally black though..

MiG21

 

[MiG21]

@scamp - okay, I bought that; will http://www.rustoleum.co.uk/colourselect/3/12 that go over the top nicely do you think?

MiG21

 

[Scamp]

I'll be totally honest, I 've got no idea. I have only used T wash as the preparation prior to painting. Don't see why it shouldn't work though.

 

[MiG21]

I'll try this...

Okay, I bought that T wash and the rustoleum 'hard hat' clear top-coat paint. Hopefully this will do the trick. I'll work in the wash with a paintbrush, and then try to spray in between the links well enough.

I'll let you guys know how it works out here.

MiG21

 

[MiG21]

I just tried the T wash on a small piece of the chain - it turned the surface black as expected, however when I washed it off, I found that the new black surface easily comes off if you work it with the paintbrush.

Should I be painting on the black layer when it dries, or cleaning that off and painting on the metal underneath?

MiG21

 

[MiG21]

On the advice from a private message, I'll remove whatever black I need for the look, then paint over that with a clear paint.