Gel Blackens In-Place Architectural Metal Surfaces

Birchwood Casey has introduced the Presto Black Gel, suitable for blackening large, in-place architectural metal surfaces, including wall panels and railings. The user can brush or swab on the new gel over large, in-place architectural iron or steel surfaces for a uniform finish at room temperature. Without runs or drips, a surface of any size and in vertical or horizontal position can be given a silver/black gunmetal finish.

Suitable for most metal surfaces, including iron, steel, copper, brass, bronze and other metals, the Presto Black Gel and the Antique Black Gel are said to be simple and safe to use. The gel clings to vertical surfaces and stays where applied without forming runs or drips or bleeding onto adjoining surfaces. The Presto Black Gel reaction takes about five to 10 minutes following the normal surface cleaning to remove oil, oxides and welding flux.

Colour tone and depth are controlled by visual inspection. The process is stopped by rinsing off with a wet sponge and allowing the surface to dry. The Presto Black Gel finish can be highlighted or distressed to achieve a distressed pewter look. The final step is to add a clear topcoat such as a satin-gloss urethane lacquer and topped with paste wax. This provides excellent protection with an attractive appearance, according to the company. The Presto Black Gel can be used in a range of applications, including building fascias, elevator cabs, staircase railings and handrails, sculptures, monuments and window hardware.

Three Presto Black Gel products are available for different types of finishes as follows: the Presto Black Gel for black on iron and steelwork; the Antique Black Gel for black on copper, brass and bronze parts; and the Antique Brown Gel for brown on copper, brass and bronze parts. All of the Presto Black Gel products are available in one-gallon and five-gallon containers ready for application.