BALLISTOL care and browning for precision work and model making

BALLISTOL for surface and care at the bench

For model makers and precision mechanics who not only shape metal but also protect and colour it, fohrmann.com carries a carefully assembled BALLISTOL range. The brand stands for oil, degreaser and browning in small packs. Every pack on this page holds 50 ml.

Which preparation belongs to which metal

The choice follows the metal, not one shared bath. Steel and iron with up to 3 percent chromium take the quick browning: it is brushed on, a browning bath is not required, and the piece stays on the bench instead of in a tank. Aluminium needs two steps, because the oxide layer would otherwise reject the colour. The aluminium primer removes that layer, including in corners, so sanding is unnecessary. The aluminium browning then colours the alloy, brushed or dipped, up to a deep black. Diluted 1:1 with water, the tone is milder, and scratches or worn spots can be touched up. Copper, brass and bronze are the job of the non-ferrous dye. Dwell time sets the colour, from a warm brown to black, including when you want an antique finish. Nickel silver stays in the dye longer. Further surface preparations are in painting and spray painting.

Why the face must be free of grease before colouring

Browning and dye do not settle evenly on grease, and the tone comes out patchy. The cold degreaser lifts oil, grease, soot and dried, resinified residue from metal, plastic and glass. It also takes adhesive residue and stickers. From the spray can you reach edges a cloth misses. For quick browning on steel this step is the condition, not an extra. The same preparation applies before colouring non-ferrous metal and before a coat of paint, if the new layer is to hold.

Universal oil when the mechanism should keep moving

Not every piece on the bench is meant to turn black. Axles, joints and gears should run. The universal oil cleans, lubricates and lays down protection against rust. It enters fine gaps and does not resinify, even if the piece stands for a long time. The spray coats a face and reaches spots a dropper cannot, without taking the assembly apart. Further oils and cleaners are under cleaning agents and lubricants.

Buy BALLISTOL at Fohrmann Werkzeuge

When you choose BALLISTOL, you choose preparations with which you degrease, blacken and oil at the fine bench, without setting up a large bath. You order the six packs individually at fohrmann.com. The same articles stay in their category. Here they sit together as the brand range, from the greasy blank to an even surface.