Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Karl L.
status       other
age          50s

Question -   After a dozen years, I am still desperate to find a
chemical means to change the surface of regular steel to a Blue surface
close to a color if heated to some 1400 degrees. That is to say, NOT gun
blue which is black, but a rich deep BLUE or close to it but lighter than Navy.
I am willing to try ANY new ideas, even if it includes adding some kind of
coloring compound.
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Well, you are right, you can always paint it, but I know that is not what
you are looking for. Now I do not know what steel looks like at 1400 degrees
(F or C ?) but if you brush or soak the steel or whatever in a solution of
"makes white, whiter" and "makes colors, brighter" laundry detergent and
look at the object with a "black light" ultraviolet lamp you will see the
object glow a brilliant blue, even with room lights on. That is a place to
start. You can get "black lights" in most hobby shops, mineral collectors
suppliers, or even on the Web in all price ranges and wattages.

Vince Calder
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