[Nathan Gilleland]

Hello to everyone on myArmoury!

I like to weave chainmaille in my spare time, but to reduce weight issues for Renn Faire purposes, I weave in 14 gauge aluminum. It's been several years now, but the shirt that I have is just as shiny as when I wove it. I would like to make something more 'used' looking for a new outfit I'm putting together.

Does anyone know a good way to dull, age, or antique aluminum butted chainmaille?

I'm going for a dull, aged steel look without the weight.

[Sean Flynt]

Historical options are pretty much out of the question since you're using aluminum, so I think what I'd do is just hang up the shirt and make a few passes with flat black spray paint, with the can held far enough away from the mail that only a mist hits it. That might give the illusion of forge-blackened metal or metal with a patina of stabilized dark rust. As far as I know, old aluminum gets dull and crusty but doesn't change much otherwise.

Better still, eliminate the aluminum rings and reduce weight by carefully tailoring the mail. Then you'll gradually get the desired finish.