How to Temper Colours in Steel?

[@mikemurray5263]

Start at the bottom because heat rises. Low heat, be patient, when you start to see good color back off with the heat and watch it "bloom". Practice, practice, practice!

[@ItsaJuraff]

Thank you for sharing this tip! I'm interested in learning how to do this and was wondering if you had any sources you could point me to?

[@mikemurray5263]

@@ItsaJuraff you don't have to harden the steel first I do a fair amount of coloring with heat. No real sources just heat some steel and see what you can do. I start at the bottom and heat the whole piece slowly. First color will be straw ending in blue. Go too hot and it turns back to silver. Once you go that far let the piece cool and sand it to remove the color layer and start over. Like he says thicker steel is more forgiving. Plus you're only looking for about 300 degrees f.

[@ItsaJuraff]

@@mikemurray5263 Awesome. That's super helpful, thank you!

[@mikemurray5263]

@@ItsaJuraff I forgot to mention I usually use a propane torch for this because it's a little easier to control the heat. Easy does it and have fun!

[@ItsaJuraff]

@@mikemurray5263 Will do! Thank you!

[@Dr_Xyzt]

I got a stainless steel moka pot and forgot to put water in it when I put it on my induction cooktop. It heated up red-hot and the bottom is a very bright silver, but an aqua silver. Further up, it became blue. Now, I'm thinking about using a TIG welder to do fun things with it.

[@smokeymtnforge7444]

Always start in the middle or on spine to get temper moving both directions.

[@rednecklogic5448]

You need more heat. When you weld thin stainless it will color up nicely

[@crazynakedpandas]

Is it possible to preserve the colour by clear coating?

[@KiwiFighter]

I did do this to some pieces and it seems to work ok but you do have to be careful with the coating so it does not wear off

[@joegardiner4220]

Can this be done with sheet metal ? I’ve got a vintage industrial locker/ cabinet and this couloir would look amazing.

[@KiwiFighter]

It should be possible it would have to be clean of rust before hand I would suggest giving it a go in a small corner or around the back first, it has to be covered in a layer of clear varnish or other coating right after as even the oils of your fingers will degrade it very quickly, also if the sheet metal is galvanized I would not recommend it at all as the fumes can be very damaging.

[@horsedevoursy5458]

Don't heat up galvanized metal it's toxic!

[@sngsteelmd]

Just found your video......I'm learning hear with you. My experiance that im willing to share with you though on the fist one you talked about you over heated it, and it was dificult. I jumped through a lil bit same issue on the next and it was difficult. It was the positioning of the plate in the vice vertically. Heat works like water but in reverse water. While water chooses the path of least resistance in the direction of gravity heat will choose the path of least resistance away from gravity. You then went to the anvil with better results. The positioning of the plate was horizontal. I will try this myself tomorrow, I think if you have it on a rack and heat it from the bottom youll be able to get your temp. that or flip the plate every so often to try and get a complete soak. It might even be easier fireing up some coals . Ill let you know how it turns out till then, More vids. Good job by the way

[@KiwiFighter]

Thank you

[@sngsteelmd]

I did have better results with moving in the direction of heat. i apply until i see it turn gold and add heat pull away add heat pull away and use the blue to choose my travel speed. been frustrating because sometimes i feel i have it then go to duplicate and find im not as good as i just thought. The one one the left that you liked at the end. Was that the oven?

[@zombieno1]

Hot air rises. I like the idea to heat from underneath. Also keep in mind that you should move on just before the color you want is about to appear. If you want blue, once it turns purple, start moving. See if that helps.

[@KiwiFighter]

Thanks I really should make more I have been concentrating on other things for a little while I have a project that will use this and other skills I have learned on the go slowly should video that!

[@VidarrKerr]

The energy expenditure... Oh my gawd...

[@betoknigth]

What gas is used in the torch? acetylene? Does this work on galvanized iron?

[@KiwiFighter]

It's basically your local natural gas ie propane. I do not think it would work on Galv but I did not test this.

[@betoknigth]

KiwiFighter really thanks

[@flamo3961]

I highly doubt it would work on galvanized iron... with that said, I’m not an expert.... i just watch a lot of metal working videos, so take that with a grain of salt

[@김민재-h3t]

After this process, does the stainless steel get rust? Or still maintain its anti-rust feature?

[@KiwiFighter]

it is not an anti rust coating unless you cover it with something to stop that.

[@mohammeddaud8250]

Hi, I had a question about getting an even bluing or black oxide or parkerizing finish on a steel tip that has been flame hardened. Usually I get a bluish or multicoloured shade on the tip after it's heated and tempered. Later when the same is blackened by one of the above mentioned processes, the tempered area usually shows reddish while the rest of the surface is nice and black. Anyone have tips on how to get an even black colour throughout?

[@chrishackworth5745]

Great teaching video!

[@KiwiFighter]

Thank you

[@bf3forevergreene165]

So I don’t have a forge, I do have a Acetylene torch, would that work?

[@KiwiFighter]

it is heat that causes the reaction so it should give it a go with something and see what happens trying things out yourself is often the best way to learn, also if you want it to stay coloured I suggest a clear coat protectant to stop any degradation of the colours.

[@TimpBizkit]

Where do you get an oven that goes to 314 degrees did you disable the thermostat?

[@KiwiFighter]

Hi I cranked it all the way up to max and just left it to soak.

[@laurensgosling8116]

I'm making a dog tag with my gf's name carved in it from aluminium, but I want it more special with those blue temper marks you just did in the video. My question tho is if I heat up that piece of metal like you just did would it keep that colour forever?

[@KiwiFighter]

it has to be protected otherwise it will wear off quite quickly, I used a clear coat protectant on a piece that has held up very well but its not being worn I don't think that method would hold up well on something like that

[@laurensgosling8116]

@@KiwiFighter Alright thanks for your time

[@itsGuy]

Who is here after the Tesla Cyber Truck thing?