Bronzing a radiator...HELP

Jeff_17

HI Wetheads,
I know I have seen it before, but can someone give me the "recipe" to bronze steam rads with linseed oil....I would like to get it to a gentleman who is WONDERFULLY restoring an old victorian!

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Usually sufficient for two COMPLETE coats on a large (say 38" high, 5 tube, 12-15 section) radiator.

8 ounces (volume) boiler linseed oil

4 ounces (weight) bronzing powder--copper and silver colors take less--some colors may take a bit more. I make a very thin mix (like half-and-half cream) but you can keep adding powder until it's more like paint I suppose--again with copper and silvers even with less powder the mix will be thicker.

scant ounce (volume) cobalt drier

Use a SOFT brush. Stir VERY frequently. Brush ONCE ONLY--DO NOT REBRUSH! Use 1-3 coats depending on desired intensity of the color--I generally use two. If you're using one of the two-tone powders a third coat in selected areas will usually bring out the more metallic of the two.

Dust free after about 18-36 hours. Let dry for at least a week before installing. Weather greatly affects cure time. Metallic character will dull a bit in the first few months, then it stays stable.