"JGS" wrote in message
...
A client wants us to supply a black metal foot rail for a bar we
recently installed. Is there a method of darkening steel or iron or ...
. tubing? Painting is one answer but she prefers a "maintenance free"
finish. However, as the bar is in a home most people will be in their
stocking feet so maybe some type of paint or other coating may work.
Any ideas? Thanks, JG


Andy's suggestion is one way to go, although the hot roll oxide will be more
light blue than black. Might not be the look they are looking for. An
alternative is to take your tubing and fittings to a shop that does "black
oxide". The process is similar to gun blueing, which can be blue or black
depending on the process and salts used. Look at the finish on a typical
allen head screw to get an idea of what it will look like.

This is the local company I use:
http://www.allblackco-llc.com/

Just look for a similar vendor near you.

--
Bill Pounds
http://www.billpounds.com/woodshop