TORCH HEAT FINISH

[imsly0]

DOES ANY ONE KNOW HOW TO HEAT THE METAL SO YOU DONT HAVE TO GRIND IT DOWN TO THE SHINE SILVER LOOK TO GET ALL THE RAINBOW COLORS. AND I HAVE TAKEN IT DOWN TO THE BARE METAL AND SOMETIMES IT WILL HEAT GOOD AND SOME TIME IT ACTS LIKE SOMETHING IS ON THE PEICE. LIKE OIL BECAUSE IT TURN A DIFFERENT COLOR.

[TMC]

are you using mild steel? If so the best thing that I have found to do is remove the millscale with acid, then polish with 120 flap disk and then heat. I always use vinyl gloves once I start the polishing process. what thickness material are you doing this on? Usually get the best results on 14ga. and thinner material. Be sure to clear coat immediately or it will turn to rust

[imsly0]

Ok thank you. I been trying 11gage, 14 gage and 12 gage take it to the bare metal and a lot of the time it turns a smokey color, then I have to go over it again with the torch and then it turns the right color, I use mild steel.

[tnbndr]

then I have to go over it again with the torch and then it turns the right color, I use mild steel.

You have to experiment or do some google research if you're the technical type but different temperatures is what brings out different colors. Your first pass getting the smokey color isn't getting the metal hot enough.

[ben de lappe]

All mill scale must be removed and for me best results are achieved when polished to perfection. Torch coloring will only yield earth tones, each according to specific temp. Work the piece gradually and keep your torch on the move. As you see color begin to appear feather away allowing the heat to settle in. While still on the move and with smooth strokes gently work the heat in the desired area to achieve the desired color.
Practice, practice and more practice.

Torch Color Sample Sawblade.png

[agteacher]

I show my students this, we lightly grind with a grinding wheel then polish with a buffing wheel. The kids think its great especially when you go to far and get the blue grey color, let it cool re buff and start all over again!

[muzza]

Just to add a little titbit to Ben's great explanation above.

Be careful and don't try and color it too fast especially on thinner material as there's a little delayed reaction in the coloring. Once I get close to the color I'm after I feather the flame on the job to bring up the color slowly trying not to get that "oops too much heat" look.
Murray

[ScotchandIron]

I have found that heat coloring from behind the face of your art piece is more effective with retaining it's colors, after applying clear coat. In essence, the heat coloring is going "through" the steel from the back side, and will not diminish with clear coating. Just FYI.

[imsly0]

thanks I will try that

[Bigdogbro1]

There are some great flame painting videos out there for roofing copper art projects. They start by cleaning and using a light wire wheel to prep.

http://makezine.com/2015/09/02/painting ... with-fire/

[imsly0]

thanks for the help

[ben de lappe]

thanks for the help

Any pics of progress? Love to see 'em!!

[imsly0]

no still fighting it, about ready to give up.

[SeanP]

Out of interest, do you mostly use acetylene or propane torch? I only have propane, usually get by but do wonder sometimes.
Nice tip about applying heat from behind, I'll try that.

Here is one I did recently.

Pheasant2.jpg

[Bobcat320]

Another trick I have found is to use one of those small propane plumber torches (like from HD or Lowes). They are not anywhere near as hot and concentrated as an acetylene or propane torch. This allows you to follow the colors more closely and not exceed the color spectrums you are looking for.

[ben de lappe]

Just me but I use oxy-acetylene, what I learned with and all I have ever used.

[little blue choo]

GREAT color SeanP !

Rick

[ben de lappe]

no still fighting it, about ready to give up.

Don't give up!!
We can get you on track...It would be of tremendous benefit from my aspect to be able to see what you have, are running into or your results. I really wish you were close as I would be happy to show you. Sometimes that is the best way.

[littlefatbuddy]

I just buy the flame fx from Bill. If you are struggling with true flames give it a try. It is my favorite one that Steelfx offers.

[little blue choo]

DITO on ther Flame FX. Love it.

Rick

[imsly0]

THANKS FOR EVERYONES HELP.