[Ted383]

I have used Easy Rust (spray on) from Metal Finish Supply, Inc. for years on hot and cold rolled sheet and plate with good results. I need a cosmetic rust finish on a McCarr turn buckle PN 30045T47. The part is forged and described as high strength. I removed the galv finish via sandblasting but I get only a gray color even after it is exposed to moisture. On other items I can get a good rust finish in 12 hrs.

Any ideas on what I can use to get this to rust?
.

[neilw20]

Have you tried 5 or 10 minutes in sulfuric or hydrochloric acid?

[txcncman]

The base alloy will determine how quickly steel rusts and how much it rusts. Hot and cold rolled steel does not contain as much copper and nickle as alloy steels, such as your turn buckle. You might can try different salts to get faster and quicker rust effects.

[Ted383]

Yep. I figured more nickle and maybe chromium too. Muriatic acid is all I have on hand. I dipped the turn buckle in a 1:1 mix with water, set it out over night and got the same gray color.

Have you tried 5 or 10 minutes in sulfuric or hydrochloric acid?
Would the rust form while submerged or after removing?
Can I get sulfuric or hydro at the h/w store?

Thanks.
.

[neilw20]

Sulfuric in car batteries. Hydrochloric is spirits of salts.
Car battery/tire servicing, and the soldering section at the plumber's supplies.

[Ted383]

I have calcium chloride and ammonium chloride in powder form. I used them to patinized copper sheet. The ammonium is "salt of ammonia". The calcium is "salt". Maybe try one of these?

[victorofga]

migthbe some old accumulator, and using acid of..

btw, some garagesale or fleamarket migth have the perfect one of this.. without any effort :-)

[Jacobb]

I would recommend HSS or cobalt if reducing with a dremel kind tool. Carbide will crack quickly
unless, you have a very firm spindle with very little runout.