Help replicating japanning with duplicolor enamel

[pendragon1998]

I have a handful of old cast iron file handles and a pad saw handle that look to have been originally japanned. I read about using Dupli-color engine enamel semi-gloss black to replicate japanning, and it looked good online at RexMill.com
http://home.comcast.net/~rexmill/planes101/japanning/japanning.htm

So, I cleaned up my handles in an electrolyis tank and ordered some paint (couldn't locate it locally). I had to wait a few days to paint, so I stuck the handles in a jar of acetone to keep them from flash-rusting. Last night, I had the paint and I got a little excited and painted two handles. One I had previously hit with some rusty metal primer as an experiment (it was cracked to begin with). The other I just sprayed the enamel on the raw part.

I gave them an initial light coat, followed by a very heavy coat (had a couple drips on one because I was trying to get paint inside the handle and sprayed too heavily). It was about 60 degrees last night and raining, so humidity was high.

Also, I got the old paint / japanning off the exterior, but I couldn't sandblast them, so there were apparently some flakes I missed on the exterior and interior. I'll wirewheel the others before I paint.

This morning, I took a look at them and I was disappointed to see a very matte finish. There was no gloss at all, and compared to actual japanning, well, it didn't look right at all. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

 

[jakemac]

There's no way that should have come out like that. Something definitely went wrong there.

I've never used DupliColor paints, but I've gotten a good look with TrueValue's XO-Rust Satin Black #XOP-18.

 

[Bigplum]

Humidity will make the paint " Bloom " , avoid painting whilst it's damp or raining unless you can get some dry heat going

 

[toplessHO]

may also be you didnt allow enough flash off time

 

[2oolhound]

Maybe the acetone bath, I wonder what would have happened if you had washed them after the acetone and dried them in the oven, then painted.

Since it's high heat paint why not cook them in the oven at 350 for 5 minutes or so then garnish with iron filings ; ).

 

[McBrownie]

If you want to go for the real thing, look for Gilsonite, or asphaltum, mixed with Boiled Linseed oil and a thinner.

Take a look here for more details:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/126638.html

I'm trying to do this on an old Prentiss vise. It's an interesting process that has made me appreciate modern paint. But, if you are looking for original, this can be a fun little project.

 

[pendragon1998]

If you want to go for the real thing, look for Gilsonite, or asphaltum, mixed with Boiled Linseed oil and a thinner.

Take a look here for more details:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/126638.html

I'm trying to do this on an old Prentiss vise. It's an interesting process that has made me appreciate modern paint. But, if you are looking for original, this can be a fun little project.

I'm considering real japanning in the future, but I don't really want to double my cost on the handles by adding in asphaltum, thinner, and a toaster oven (which I'd need to cure it since my wife would murder me for using our oven).

If you're interested in it, here's a good series of blogs on japanning:
http://lumberjocks.com/JayT/blog/series/5621

 

[GETRIDAONE]

I had a couple of those file handles so I decided to give it a try. I have used the Duplicolor black on a few things but spraying is a problem to get the inside and not to run on the outside. I had a Qt.can of Eastwood chassis black so I just dripped the handle in it. I put two coats on and it could have used another. It is about the same sheen as Duplicolor but still not like japanning.
A picture of a vise I used Duplicolor on.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4220822&postcount=20322

 

[pendragon1998]

GETRIDAONE, that looks pretty good. I see what you mean about another coat, but it doesn't look bad. I love these file handles.

Well, I had a little better luck with the dupli-color this afternoon. I stripped the pad saw handle and wire-wheeled the **** out of it, trying to do a better job than last time. Then I hit it with 2-3 light coats with about 5 minutes in between each, and then a couple of heavier coats. This time I was shooting it and leaving it hanging in the warm sun, about 72 degrees F, and 60% humidity. It's still drying, but it looks a lot glossier than before. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll post again when I get everything finalized.

I know the photo looks like it's got some blue in the finish, but that's the glossiness reflecting the sky. Hope it continues to look about like this once it's fully dried.