So I have been trying to decide how best to go about making my armor black and have come to a junction. On the one hand I could try and blue it, but I don't have the capability to super heat it and then cover in oil without having to remove all of the rivets and leather pieces which would be a pain in the...well you know. and if I cold blue it, I run the risk of getting an un even or streaky appearance, not to mention having to find a container big enough to fit my breast plate in with hot water.

And on the other hand there is the option of painting it black with enamel's or primer and paint, but I am wondering if it will turn out right. I am not going for 100% accuracy or else i would find someone with the ability to superheat it and submerge in oil, but i also dont want it to look like crap. I read that painting armor was common in the 15th century (My armor is circa 15th century Gothic) and was wondering if anyone has done either to their whole kit, whether it be painting or bluing and has any advice. Of course all advice is welcome and appreciated.

Here is the armor, minus the gauntlets...

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Try this thread and especially this particular post:
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?p=86662#86662

Also offers insight by the same author on gun blue etc. below.

Good luck!

First things first, you may want to tailor your mail sleeves... They should fit you very snugly...

Enjoy!

Cole

It really depends on how accurate you are trying to be with your kit. I "blackened" my SCA helm with spray paint as I didn't care to put so much money and time into doing it in a more traditional way if it was just going to get scraped and scuffed every week. I think it turned out well enough and does a good impression of blackening.

It is not absolutely necessary to wart m your armour for cold bluing. Is a chemical process, it just takes a longer at room temperature, which is actually a benefit when trying to get an even finish on large surfaces.