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JAX - Aluminum Blackener

Using JAX Aluminum Blackener is simple:

  • Prepare and clean the surface to be treated
  • Apply the JAX Aluminum Blackener
  • Wash the JAX off the metal when the metal is slightly darker than your desired finish
  • Relieve with Scotch-Brite
  • Wash again with water and dry

To ensure the best results, clean your metal of all lacquer, oil, grease and wax. JAX manufactures metal cleaners that are optimal for prepping your metal, but there is no one cleaner that will guarantee perfection. Your choice of cleaner depends on what you are trying to remove from your metal. Regardless of what you use to clean your metal, we recommend using Dawn Dishwashing Liquid as the final step before applying the JAX Aluminum Blackener.

Wearing gloves is highly recommended as to not introduce oils from your hands to the metal. To be safe, eye protection is always recommended.

Use a bristle brush, sponge or rag and apply the JAX Aluminum Blackener directly to the metal. You may also dip the entire object into the solution. However, do not leave the metal in the solution, or the solution on the metal, for longer than necessary. If the metal is clean, the JAX Aluminum Blackener will work quickly. If left for too long the Aluminum Blackener will rub off the metal easily. Practice and experience will help you find the right timing for your work.

Do NOT dilute the JAX Aluminum Blackener.

Once you have applied the JAX product to your satisfaction, rinse the metal well with fresh, clean water and dry.

At this point, you may use steel wool, a polishing cloth or Scotch-Brite to achieve your desired finish. If you remove too much of the blackened finish, you may reapply the JAX Aluminum Blackener and start over.

If you seek to duplicate a particular finish, over-darken the metal and then “relieve” it with steel wool or a polishing cloth, as above. Once you are happy with your finish, you may wax, oil or lacquer the metal as a final step, although in many cases leaving the metal “unprotected” may be desirable.

JAX products never expire, however, they can deteriorate over time if not cared for properly. Safety is the first priority. Always store JAX products at room temperature, in tightly closed original containers AND in a locked, safe place. Do not mix used product with fresh. Contaminating the original container will seriously reduce the shelf-life of the product.

Always use JAX Products in plastic or glass containers. When you dispose of used products and containers, please do so in at an approved waste disposal facility. Never reuse an empty JAX container.

Make sure to refer to the Safety Data Sheets for additional information before you begin. Do not mix JAX Products with any other chemicals.

Notes:

It is always advisable to test JAX Aluminum Blackener in a small inconspicuous area to make sure that it does not adversely affect or damage the surface being treated.

There are many grades of aluminum, be advised that JAX Aluminum Blackener does NOT affect them all in the same way.  It is recommended that you test the JAX Aluminum Blackener on the specific aluminum alloy of your project to ensure that you will get the results you desire

Regular price $34.00 CAD
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In the workshop

Where it fits.

Most leather projects move through the same few steps. This one is for finishing hardware.

  1. 01

    Prep

    Deglazers and fillers that ready the surface so colour and glue can take.

    Prep and care
  2. 02

    Colour

    Dyes that soak into the leather and acrylic paints that sit on top.

    Dyes
  3. 03

    Glue

    Contact cements, water-based adhesives, primers and thinners.

    Adhesives
  4. 04

    Stitch

    Waxed thread, sinew and beeswax for hand stitching, and bonded nylon for machines.

    Thread
  5. 05

    Edges

    Edge paint, burnishing gum and tragacanth for smooth, sealed edges.

    Edge finishing
  6. 06

    Finish

    Top coats, sheens and finishers that seal colour and add protection.

    Finishes
  7. 07

    Care

    Balms, oils, conditioners and cleaners that keep finished leather supple.

    Leather care
  8. 08This tool

    Metal finishing

    Patinas, blackeners and cleaners for brass, copper and steel hardware.

    JAX finishes

Questions

Questions, answered.

All FAQs
Dye or paint: which do I need?

Dyes soak into the leather for deep, natural colour and work best on vegetable-tanned leather. Acrylic paints sit on the surface and can cover most leathers once the finish has been removed with a deglazer. Not sure? Email info@lonsdaleleather.com or call 604.873.6556.

Can you ship paint and glue in winter?

Water-based products like edge paint, acrylic paint and some adhesives can freeze and break in transit in cold weather. They're marked with a cold weather notice. If you're near Vancouver, order online with in-store pickup. Items with the notice that are damaged in transit aren't refunded.

Can everything ship outside Canada?

We ship worldwide, but a few products can't leave Canada, including Roma-colour and Fiebing's dyes. Those products say so beside Add to cart.

Which thread should I use?

Use thicker thread for heavier leather and wider stitch spacing, and finer thread for small goods. Our FORZA and Ritza threads list the harness and glover needle sizes that suit them. Tell us what you're making and we'll help you choose.

What if a product is faulty?

Anything faulty due to a manufacturing defect will be replaced. We stand behind everything we sell, so if you're unhappy, get in touch and we'll do our best to put it right.

What are your shipping options?

Canadian orders of $100 or more qualify for $16 flat-rate expedited shipping, and orders of $300 or more ship free within Canada (excluding Techsew machines). US orders ship for a flat $75 USD, including all duties and fees. International rates are calculated at checkout.

How long will my order take?

In-store pickup orders are usually ready within 1–2 business days. Shipped orders generally go out within 1–4 business days. We don't ship on weekends or holidays, and sale periods can take longer.

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Leather, tools and hardware for your next project.