Birchwood Casey

Press Releases

New PRESTO BLACK® BST4 Brush-On Blackener
Is Ideal For Decorative Metalwork

BST4

Eden Prairie, Minnesota: New PRESTO BLACK® BST4 brush-on liquid is a fast acting, cold blackener for all iron and non-stainless steels. When applied to any clean ferrous metal surface, the BST4 solution blackens within 30 seconds and forms a durable, black finish that can be topcoated to form an attractive, protective black oxide finish.

Decorative metalwork such as light fixtures, locks, stair rails, architectural elements and decorative hardware require corrosion protection, but most often don't look good when painted black. A better alternative for many applications is a PRESTO BLACK BST4 black oxide finish. When properly sealed, a black oxide finish will stand up to wear and corrosion as well as a paint finish, but with a more natural appearance that blends and harmonizes with surrounding architectural materials such as wood, stone or other metallic surfaces. The black finish can also be easily burnished to produce a warm-looking distressed pewter finish.

"Many architects prefer a distressed black oxide finish in many applications because its appearance has a more natural look that is compatible with current decorative trends in the building industry," reports Mark Ruhland, vice president of Birchwood Casey's Metal Finishes Division. "PRESTO BLACK BST4 liquid can be applied quickly in the shop or at the worksite to produce a solid black finish that has the appearance of a 'heat treat' black."

To produce a distressed or pewter type finish, the PRESTO BLACK BST4 finish is highlighted or burnished with a mild abrasive pad to remove the black from the edges, corners and detail areas, producing a worn or distressed pewter appearance. The finish is then topcoated with a satin urethane lacquer producing a warm, homey look that accents other materials in the vicinity. This finish is also quite durable and withstands cleaning and hand contact.

Available in one and five gallon sizes, PRESTO BLACK BST4 can be purchased direct from Birchwood Casey's secure website.

For complete operating instructions on PRESTO BLACK BST4, click here.