Surface treatment

What is metal surface treatment?

Metal surface treatment involves applying a special layer to steel or iron that seals the surface off from air and moisture. Without that layer, iron reacts with oxygen and water, and that process doesn't stop on its own.

The treatment usually does two things at once: it slows down corrosion and it determines the colour and shine of the surface. An oil or wax soaks into the steel and leaves the structure of the forged work visible, whereas paint and lacquer form an opaque layer.

Blacksmiths have been working with this for centuries, with oil and wax as the oldest options. A build-up of primer, colour coat and water-based clear lacquer seals the steel more thoroughly today than a single layer of oil does.

What do you use surface treatments on steel for?

You use surface treatments on steel for three purposes: preventing rust, determining the appearance of your workpiece and keeping your tools in good condition.

Protection matters most for work that will stand outdoors. Fencing, garden furniture and fittings are exposed to weather and moisture all year round, so only a sealing layer keeps the steel intact there.

With ornamental ironwork and decorative pieces, appearance is what counts most. With a patina or a rust effect you deliberately control the colour, rather than waiting to see what the steel does by itself.

The third application is maintenance. A thin layer of oil on your anvil and on your blacksmith tongs keeps flash rust away in a workshop that isn't heated.

Surface treatment products in our range

The surface treatment products in our range cover the entire process: preparing, colouring and sealing. Broadly speaking, you'll find these groups:

• rust-preventing oils and sprays for tools and workpieces
• metal paint and primers as a base beneath a finishing coat
• patina and rust effect products to steer the color
• protective water-based clear varnish as a finishing coat
• sets for bluing and polishing iron and steel
• wire brushes with steel, stainless steel or brass bristles

The brands and package sizes within these groups vary with availability. Take a look at the products below for current stock and the contents per package.

Which surface treatment suits your forged work?

Which surface treatment suits your forged work is determined by two things: where the piece will be placed and whether you want the steel to show or be covered.

For indoor work and tools, an oil or a blued surface is enough. That keeps the structure of the forged work visible and is easy to touch up as soon as the layer wears.

For outdoor work you build up in layers: first a primer, then a color or effect coat, then a clear varnish that seals it all off. For each layer, observe the drying time the manufacturer states on the packaging.

The preparation determines the result. Remove mill scale, rust and grease before you apply anything, because no product will adhere to a dirty or greasy surface. Brush the steel afterwards and let it dry completely before the first coat goes on.

Hot work from the forge should first be allowed to cool down completely. The exception is a deliberate hot oil treatment, where the oil is actually meant to soak into the hot steel.

Buy surface treatment

You buy surface treatment at Parrot Shopping, where you'll find these products right next to the tools you forge with. If you're torn between two products, we'll look with you at the material, the application and the place where the workpiece will end up.

From 50 euros we ship free of charge. Your order goes to all of Europe and beyond.