Polishing hot rolled steel for patina?

[gamble]

Haven't touched the steelf-x in awhile and now I have a project to do. I cut out my design and knocked off the dross and hit the front and back with a DA sander with 280 grit since it's all I have to get it all cleaned up. Hit some rough areas in front with a flap wheel (only have a 36 or 40 grit)
What should I use to get the front all a nice polished finish so it will take well to the patina? If I use the flap disc I have to dig into it to get through the mill scale and then it gets scratched.
I do have some muratic acid but I do not have a tube large enough for this piece.

Any other suggestions?

[KKesner]

How big is it and how soon does it need to be finished ?

[gamble]

About 20" tall
Would like to finish it today or tomorrow

[steelfx]

Muriatic Acid can be sprayed on pieces that are too large for a tub. There's a video on that at: https://youtu.be/0FMBZsyZAnE?list=PL8A9 ... qxz11yLB1x

Bill

[KKesner]

I don't use muriatic acid if I have time to wait over night. I use vinegar and it works well but takes 12 hours or so. for stuff larger than my tub I'll use 1" PVC pipe and elbows to make a square or rectangle lay flat on the floor place trash bag or plastic over, push down in and place piece in and pour vinegar over and let soak.

[gamble]

I just threw it on a box on the grass and threw the acid on it for 10 minutes and that worked great. But I can't do that in the winter

The patina didn't come out well at all. I am all out of the copper base, and adding water to make it last longer doesn't work lol
So i think this is what I need, so I'll order more today or tomorrow
http://steelfxpatinas.com/shop/steel-patinas/copper-fx/

[yeomansjon]

Sorry this is an old post but i'm running into the same issue, I have a lot of 11ga hot rolled leftover and wanted to do a few patina projects. Will Muratic Acid take the mill scale off as clean as cold rolled?

[Gamelord]

Yup, takes it right off

[gamble]

Yep when its got a strong mix. From my experience the longer it sits the more diluted it becomes and you have to keep adding more acid over time. When you see the mill scale not coming off any more or the dross still sticks then add more acid.

[Gamelord]

The acid is suspended in water, as it sits it evaporates and becomes more diluted. keeping it covered helps it last longer. usually when it gets weak you just add some more and your good to go again.