Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Oil-rubbed Steel Handrail

Q. "Oil-rubbed" steel... I understand this finish is not actually oil rubbed but rather a chemical process which produces a sealing oxidized layer over the steel, which then darkens over time.

I want to use this finish on a new guardrail / handrail system for a large University building, and need to build a specification about the process, and fabricators available.

oil rubbed bronze finish on steel

Any information on the process, the chemicals, and potential fabricators and/ or finishers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

David Alt
- Portland, Oregon, USA
2002

Q. I have seen companies in the interior handrail Business, create oil rubbed bronze finish on steel.
its inconsistent in color and is almost a rainbow effect. My guess is that the heating of the metal causes the rainbow. I am told that they heat the part up with a torch, then apply a dark black wax to the piece.
I have tried carnuba wax, turpentine, and japan dryer but do not get any color.
Does anyone know what it is?

oil rubbed bronze finish on steel-2

Rich Busch
- Hackettstown, New Jersey
September 11, 2013

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: