Black Patina After Black Cement

by jim j
(n,royalton oh)

After scrubing off the black cement the lead came is black. Do I steel wool black off before applying novacan black patina?

Answer
Novcan Black Patina will not work on lead, it is for solder only.

You do not need to steel wool the panel. Pick the putty, and wipe the panel down with a dry cloth, or do as we do and clean it off with a small vacuum cleaner (hose attachment with a soft bristle brush attached). Then brush the panel with a natural bristle/tampico brush. The more you brush, the darker the lead will get. If the solder joints don't get dark enough, touch them up with the Novcan Black Patina.

I have heard about, but never tried, another method. It is something I want to try as it sounds quick and easy. Here is how the technique was described to me:
Pick excess putty off with an orange wood stick, then steel wool the entire panel. It comes out very clean and shiny. Wipe with a damp cloth, then apply a metal creme polish called Wieman's Metal Creme. Brush/buff well with a tampico/natural bristle brush. It comes out beautiful, black and shiny.

If you haven't read the tutorial about finishing a leaded panel, go to Putty and Finish a Leaded Window