PRODUCT INFORMATION
“ARMATONE”
COLOURING, ANTIQUE BRONZING, PATINATION & OXIDATION
FINISHES ON METAL SURFACES
We are currently supplying the following products to many manufacturers in the UK who carry out treatment on a wide range of fancy, ornamental or general metal ware including Buckles, Clasps, Medallions, Coinage (tokens), Statuettes and Fastenings in Brass, Copper, Mild Steel, Nickel, Pewter, Tin Lead and Silver or on electro plated deposits of these metals. A range of colours for the treatment of Brass & Copper which may be defined as antique bronzes can be supplied across a colour spectrum from light to dark bronze through to black with the following processes.
ARMATONE “AB” is a cold alkaline black for use on a variety of Brass products such as brass hearth ware or on optical equipment where the elimination of reflection is required. The effects on bright polished brass is particularly attractive. This process has no discernible effect on Copper for which purpose, the “CFN” or “BS2” process’s are recommended.
ARMATONE “ABZ” is a cold process for imparting a lead grey effect on zinc based components. It can be adjusted to retain a deep black in recesses with polished foreground effect; it can be used on medallions.
ARMATONE “AZ” is a cold process for imparting an antique effect on zinc galvanised parts. It is generally assumed that zinc will only accept black shades. The effect from this process gives a distinct bronzing effect.
ARMABLACK “No2” is a traditional hot blacking process for Copper & Brass. Supplied as a salt, it is dissolved in water to make up a solution which is heated to operating temperature. Generally used on small parts to give a very hard and resilient coating which vibro/barrel polishes to a high finish.
ARMATONE “BS”, “BS2” and “BS3” are a range of cold chemical blacking processes which will produce a rich black colour on ferrous articles such as gun parts etc. The process is primarily designed for immersion. The surface of the metal is not etched, there are no dimensional changes. Parts are usually oiled or waxed after treatment as the blacking process itself is not formulated to impart any corrosion preventive properties. The process can be glycol thickened and brush applied for touching up work. It has also been proved to give good black effects on copper and brass.
ARMATONE “BBS” is designed to produce a dark Grey to Black colour similar to the “BS” process on mild steel surfaces at room temperature. The process is primarily intended for use in rotating Barrels for processing small components, the surface of the metal is not etched during the process and dimensions are not affected. The coating produced by “BBS” is comparable in hardness with that produced by hot chemical treatments and has similar corrosion resistance. Armatone “BBS” has been formulated to significantly reduce the hazards that are associated with room temperature colouring treatments. Very little residue is produced during processing which makes this process easier and safer to handle. “BBS” does not produce coatings of high resistance, and a coating of suitable oil, wax or lacquer is required to provide further protection.
ARMATONE “BGB” is a hot process which is applied by immersion producing a range of ‘interference’ or oxide effects varying from light Gold to Bronze, Brown, Purple, Blue, Chromium Blue to Steel Grey. This process is applicable to Brass & Copper alloys, Nickel, Silver and surfaces plated with these metals. To maintain the correct circulation of the process, heating is generally over a gas or electric heater mounted beneath the tank.
ARMATONE “BN” is a cold process giving a black finish to fresh Nickel plated components. It is primarily an immersion process however it can also be used in a rotating barrel. The surface of the metal is not etched so there are no dimensional changes. The component, when removed from solution, may appear blue in colour which will become black once the component has been waxed or lacquered.
ARMATONE “B10” is a cold process used to give a black colour on Lead based components. It is used mainly in the decorative glass industry.
ARMATONE “CB” is a bright dipping acid for use on Copper & Brass. It removes graphite from stampings to give a high brilliant finish. Used in conjunction with the “AS” chromate process, it will retain a bright finish indefinitely.
ARMATONE “CB 40” provides a deep black on Antimonial Tin or Tin Lead alloys and certain Pewter alloys. Generally used on chess pieces and similar fancy goods. Similar but lighter effects can be obtained using the “CFN” process.
ARMATONE “CFB” is a process which is used to produce a variable range of ‘Light Old Antique’ colours on Copper, Brass, Gilding Metal & Mild Steel components. Colours range from light Brown to Black. The surface of the metal is not etched and hence there are no dimensional changes. It can be used on parts that have been electroplated with Copper or Brass. The process is suitable for barrelling operations. Small components can be tumbled in this solution to produce the desired colour. In many cases, this method produces a superior finish and more defined colour tones which are enhanced by the burnishing action. Brass door fittings immersed and relived in this process gives a bronze colour which perfectly matches light or medium oak doors and woodwork.
ARMATONE “CFB2” is related to Armatone “CFB” but gives a more “Medium Oak Finish”, similar in effect to polished pig skin. It is ideal for door fittings on medium oak doors and furniture.
ARMATONE “CFN” is used on Copper & Brass, on Gilding Metal and Silver. Again the colours range from light Brown to Black, but a slight etching effect gives a flatter thereby darker effect. The process can also be used as a barrelling process as described above and can be used as a subsequent process on electroplated deposits of Copper, Brass and Silver.
ARMATONE “CG” is a modified or ‘gelled’ version of the “CM” process which enables brushing application for larger components where total immersion is either uneconomic or impracticable. This has been used on Bank doors and architraves etc. The strength of the process can be increased by additions of “CM” concentrate when faster reaction times are required.
ARMATONE “CM” produces a range of colour tones from light to dark Brown through to a Steel Bronze finish on Brass and Copper alloys. The same solution will produce a Black colour on ferrous articles. It is primarily designed for immersion. “CM” is a modified “C” process.
ARMATONE “CNG/F” is similar to the “CM” process but gives a slightly more reddish brown than the grey brown. It is particularly effective on copper or copper plated articles as the formula emphasises the red boundary between the relieved foreground and dark background. This process is also used on Nickel plated components to produce a range of colours from light Gold through to Blue/Black. The process will also produce an imitation Pewter effect and an imitation French Grey on semi bright electroplated Nickel surfaces.
ARMATONE “FeDOX” is a cold process for imparting a red oxide rust on ferrous architectural pieces such as cast iron garden furniture or mild steel lamps.
ARMATONE “G” is designed to reproduce the naturally occurring Green Verdigris that is found on Copper & Brass. This can be used Cold or Hot depending upon production requirements and can be applied either by brush or by immersion. When used in conjunction with Armatone “CNG/F”, a very attractive “green over bronze” effect may be obtained. The process is also supplied as a “G2” modified version for use on flat copper plates where anionic action prevents an even distribution of effect.
ARMATONE “G2N” has been formulated as an alternative to the “G” process, to give a more even finish, particularly on Copper.
ARMATONE “G5” is again an alternative to “G” which is able to produce a lighter, even finish on Brass.
ARMATONE “GA” is a modified “G” and gives a further variation of green effect on Copper & Brass.
ARMATONE “S7” imparts a dip or barrel electroless Silver coating over Copper & Brass surfaces either as conducting film or as a pleasing finish which can be ‘antiqued’ for fancy metal wares (see Armatone “BGB”). This process is also used at room temperature.
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The range of Oxide colours produced from the “ARMATONE” processes are not designed to impart corrosion protective properties, being usually waxed, oiled or lacquered. Where lacquer finishing is preferred, Armack Chemicals recommend the use of Cannings Ercolene lacquers. Recent testing has shown that these finishes when suitably lacquered can provide up to 48 hr salt spray resistance. Where waxing or oiling are used, any hard finish was will suffice. Beeswax and Carnauba type waxes are usually best for inside or outside use giving good protection and excellent weathering resistance. Oiling can be carried out using any light mineral or organic oil. Light ‘dry to touch’ oils are also to be recommended.
The ”ARMATONE” processes are designed specifically for the ease of use of the operator and present the Metal finisher with an unmatchable range of colours to offer to his clients. All the processes described herein are supplied in 5 litres or 25 litres plastic containers and full technical information sheets are supplied. We distribute throughout the United Kingdom by recognised national carriers. We would be please to demonstrate our range of colours on either your or your customer’s sample pieces if you wish. If any of the aforementioned processes are of interest to you and you would like further information such as Data Sheets, Health and Safety Information, or would like our representative to call on you, please get in touch with our office on the contact numbers shown below.
52 & 53 Brook Street,
(off Balds Lane),
LYE,
WEST MIDLANDS
DY9 8SL
TEL: 01384 897531 FAX: 01384 897532
WEB SITE: www.armack.co.uk
E-MAIL: enquiries@armack.co.uk
Registered in England No. 1236728
Processes for Metal Surfaces
Steelbrite
Bright Dip for Steel
BC Compounds
Range of Vibro/Barrelling Compounds & Solutions
Armaclens
Range of Acidic, Neutral and Alkaline Cleaners
Armaclens “TS”
Range of Ultrasonic Cleaning Solutions
Armaclens “D”
Range of Detergent type solutions
ADAS
Dry Acid Salts for Steel & Copper Alloys
Al.Etch “E” Range of Etchants for Aluminium
Aldox “2” Chromate Conversion for Aluminium
Aldox “3” Chromate Conversion for Magnesium Alloys
Armadox Range of Pickling Solutions for Copper and Steel
Armaflux Range of Soldering Fluxes for Copper
Armagard No1 Water Based Corrosion Preventive
Armakote “002” Block Copolymer Solution for Corrosion Preventive and Torque and Tension Lubricant
Armaphos Rust Converter and Primer for Steel
Armateric 77 Polyteric Flocculant for Settlement of Solution in Effluent
Cidox Range of Citric Based Pickles for Copper & Steel
PA Inhibitors Range of Pickle Aids for all acids
RA3 Rinse Aid for water stain prevention
ARMATONE ANTIQUE BRONZING/BLACKING SOLUTIONS. These processes are for imparting colour conversions and patinations on Copper, Brass, Bronze, Tin/Pewter, Zinc and Steel surfaces, we offer the following:-
Armatone “AB” Cold Alkaline Black on Copper Alloys
Armatone “ABZ” Cold Antique Bronze on Zinc Base Die-castings
Armatone “AZ” Cold Antique effect on Zinc Galvanised parts
Armatone “B10” Cold Black on Lead
Armatone “BS” Cold Black ion Steel & some Brasses
Armatone “BBS” Cold Barrel Black on Steel & some Brasses
Armatone “BGB” Hot Blue/Grey on Copper Alloys & Steel
Armatone “BL” Cold Black on Lead
Armatone “BN” Cold Black on Nickel
Armatone “CFB” Cold Light (Old English) Bronze on Copper Alloys
Armatone “CFB2” Cold Medium (Old English) Bronze on Copper Alloys
Armatone “CFN” Cold Dark Antique Bronze on Copper Alloys
Armatone “CG” Cold Medium Antique Brushing Gel on Copper Alloys
Armatone “CM” Cold Medium Antique Grey Bronze on Copper Alloys
Armatone “CNG/F” Cold Medium Antique Red Bronze on Copper and its Alloys
Armatone “E” Etching Solution for Copper Alloys
Armatone “CB40” Cold Black on Pewter
Armatone “G” Cold Green Verdigris on Brass & Bronze
Armatone “G2” Cold Green Verdigris on Copper
Armatone “G3” Cold Blue/Green Verdigris on Brass, Copper & Bronze
Armatone “S7” Cold Silvering Solution on Copper Alloys
FeDox For imparting red rust finish on Steel
ARMACK CHEMICALS LIMITED can offer a complete consultation service to architectural and metal processors generally on all aspects of patination. Our associates ARMATONE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED can offer ‘short runs’ production service to enable clients to prepare and to set up their own operations in patination technology and to colour match their components in conjunction with their customer’s ultimate clients.
OTHER ARMATONE PROCESSES FOR COPPER & ZINC
ARMATONE “AS” Chromate Passivate for Copper Alloys
ARMATONE “CB” Bright Dipping Acid for Copper Alloys
ARMATONE “FP” Full Chromate Passivate for Zinc & Cadmium
ARMATONE “DS” Blue Blue Chromate Passivate for Zinc & Cadmium
A complete service for metal finishers and engineers throughout the United Kingdom. We can advise in the following industries.
Fancy Lighting Trade
Architect & Structural Trade
Fasteners & Fixings Trade
Jewellery Trade
Heat Exchange & Radiator Trade
Hot Brass Stampings & Forging Trade
