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Japanning

NutmegCT

Great Pumpkin
Bronze
Offline
Would any BCF members know how to do "japanning" on metal? Specifically, on tinplate?

It's a centuries old technique for "rust proofing" metal, a coating made of boiled linseed oil, turpentine, and asphaltum. Mixed in proper ratios, then painted onto the metal surface, and slowly baked. Result is similar to powder coating - but it was done back in the 1600s in Britain, gradually improved, and then popular world wide by the 19th century. It imitates the Japanese/Chinese lacquer coatings used for centuries. Japanning was used on wood, and on metal surfaces. Even in the 20th century, japanning was used to rustproof metal tools and containers.

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A student of mine (he's a tinner) wants to learn the japanning technique. Not the flower painting, but the actual process of japanning.

Inquiring minds want to know!
Thanks.
Tom M.
 
Last edited:
Yeah - I remember teaching him ...
 
It’s an art and a science
This any help ?

 
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