I am not sure what the “technical” name for it is, but how do you go about getting color on your steel like some are doing with the American flag, etc? Would really like to get into doing some of that.
Two ways, you can put the torch to most steel and bring it to a certain temp and the browns and blues come out but most of what your seeing is done with chemicals.
The chemicals can be pricy but they do a nice job.
This is one of the most popular places to buy the chemicals, it can be a bit confusing.
It is called “case hardening”
4 Likes
Most are using Dupli-color metalcast paint, my local auto parts store carries it. I think you can get it on Amazon also.
1 Like
How do they get that rainbow effect with the different colors using spray paint?
Generally they don’t, that’s the heat treatment and chemicals that @ctgolfer was talking about, and the best rainbow comes from stainless steel and titanium. If you’re into welding, here’s an easy to digest article that explains it: https://www.millerwelds.com/resources/article-library/welding-colors-what-they-mean-and-why-they-matter
Here’s something a bit more nerdy: https://www.gasparini.com/en/blog/electrochemical-chemical-finishes-stainless-steel/ I don’t know anything about that company, but the related articles at the bottom are going to pass my time in a boring training tomorrow (e.g., 3D printed press brake tools and How to convert a photo into a dxf for laser cutting, among others).
If you want to see some great painting applications though, check out Ramsey Customs’ channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/turbocobra He also has some good plasma table and general metal fabrication videos (look on the playlists tab). There’s one video I recall that he painted some sugar skull cut outs and one of them had a similar look that you might like. Candy color paint and patience with an airbrush might get you something that looks close, but not as good as fire on expensive metal will.
1 Like