Presto Black Stainless Steel Blackener (SSB) by Birchwood Technologies - Cold Brush on Blackening Solution for Stainless alloys, Traditional Patina Stainless Black Oxide Touch-up (1 Quart)

Stained a pistol barrel, worked great. It's not blued, but turned black just like I thought it should. Very satisfied.

Application was very easy. I degreased the old winchester stainless barrel several times. Used a latex glove to spread on solution with cotton cleaning patches, waited 3-5 mins and rinsed/sponged with hot water. Repeated a few times but never did get much past a darker gray color.Very uniform finish.When wiping down and oiling, darker finish will come off, but enough color remains to make it worthwhile. Oil/wax to 'seal" makes it glossier.A bit caustic to breathe - suggest using in a ventilated area. Dump the used rags/patches ASAP.Would use again if needed. And I have a ton left! Would love it if I had gotten a blacker finish.

I was surprised at how quickly it blackens my stainless steel knives. I noticed that the low carbon fastners blackened fast and evenly, but the higher-carbon stainless blades and pocket clip blackened slower and unevenly. I found that continually rubbing the blades with the solution evened out the black; it took 2-3 minutes (instead of 1 min for low carbon stainless steel).

This was an extremely hard chemical to use. The company was very helpful each time I called but instructions on package was not correct. I had to soak the Stainless for 30 min, pulling each 10 to remove scale then submerge in filtered water to rinse. Did not react to just brushing on but was able to get the color needed after several tries and experiments.

I've followed the instructions throughly but despite the careful procedures,it won't get my stainless tool black. Instead it gives it a grayish with rust like color and uneven texture. It won't darken even if you keep brushing it. I've wasted $70 and almost a day to experiment in every possible way but sadly and angrily as I am with the result, it's a waste of money and time.

I first tried Caswell ss blakener. Fought with buildup on part. Eventually achieved an even gray finish. Trying to match a finish that is black so I ordered Birchwood ss blakener. Omg this is far superior! No powdery black gunk on the surface. I brushed on in multiple stages, cleaned and dried the part. After sealing, have a nice blue black finish that is flawless.

This will replace the previous products by other manufacturers, this is a solid great product !

Using a 33% solution worked great on my N690 Bohler blade. Gave it a dark grey finish.