I find most of my chain rusts quite well without any help from me.
Just leave in a damp spot and let nature take its course

But apparently it must be fresh; it does not store well.

You can use Liver of Sulphur (Hepar Sulphuris). Used to be available at the pharmacy. it will darken/blacken silver, copper and brass.

Steve,

I would show it off, if I had a Pilot Boat as you do.
It's a well made model, I view the video quite often.
Eventually I'll collect one. 👍
Good luck on the chain, please let me know how you make out.

Thank you everyone for all your tips and help. I'm sure I will get a decent finish.
Sorry Ed, didn't realise you had already seen the night time video. Must try not to show off so much.

Steve

Steve,

I have in the past painted my chains, using acrylic paint.
I watered down the paint, very thin verscosity. I then dipped the cain just for a few minutes then pulled it out and left it to dry
It did work but I also left 2 meters length of brass chain in sea water and it did oxidize nicely. I guess it all depends on your choise. I've used both techniques, with success mind you.

As for my tug I've almost completed it, I'm waiting on some glue. I ordered from CMB, I should be recieving it in the post by friday. Then I'll be able to glue together my superstructure.
And finish that boat.

I'm also working on my Box Barge. which is completed but not sealed or resined yet.

As for the Pilot Boat it's in the works, Just have to clear it with the wife of course! I really admire yours as you did a great job on it. I show it to the wife a bunch of time, giving her hints that the next project I want....👍

PS. I tried seeing the video but, didn't see which one it was.
I have seen the night time video you made awhile back.

Another possibility is the stuff the railway guys use, its made by Slaters, they use it for blackening the side rods etc on locos

Mark

You might find this useful, although I haven't tried any of the methods: http://www.wikihow.com/Patina-Brass
I've used the special patina fluid shown here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/9298547/8-oz-black-patina-changes-silver-solder

Roy

Hi Ed.
I was thinking of painting it, but how to do it with such small links? My first thought was thinned down acrylic and dipping it several times to try and get and even coat. What do you think?
Steve
PS. How is the tug and did you decide to build the Pilot Boat in the end? This is mine at a recent evening regatta

Hi Steve,

In the past I've taken small chain like that and I've put it in a cup of sea water. it all depends how much salt is in the water. keep it in the water about two weeks or even longer. the sea water will oxidize the chain naturely, it just take time.
Or
Next best thing is to paint it, you could probably go to your local hobby shop and buy a weathering kit. which will have rust paint availible in the kit.

Ed