Important: Safety Warning
This page describes trade processes that use dangerously toxic materials such as cyanide solutions, mercury amalgams, or strong acids. These processes require training, equipment, and precautions far beyond what the text describes.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
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Brown Tint for Iron and Steel
Dissolve in 4 parts of water, 2 parts crystallized chloride of iron, 2 parts chloride of antimony, and 1 part gallic acid, and apply the solution with a sponge or cloth to the article, and dry it in the air. Repeat this any number of times according the depth of color which it is desired to produce. Wash with water, and dry, and finally rub the articles over with boiled linseed oil. The metal thus receives a brown tint and resists moisture. The chloride of antimony should be as little acid as possible.