Saber Forum

Greeting everybody :)  Started doing some detailing on a liberator i grabbed, to pair it with a dark liberator.  Plan is to accent its grooves black- the exact inverse of the dark lib with its black anodized body and machined silver grooves.  The Aluminum Black is working great, though its an incredibly time consuming process to cover this much area- its really intended for touch ups and small areas.  Here's some pics of the process and my progress so far.  I'll keep you posted as I finish it.  If anybody wants instructions just holla at me :) May The Force be with You
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C2632632-E6CC-4392-ADAC-A3C8B0033069_zpso0ck6clx.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C2632632-E6CC-4392-ADAC-A3C8B0033069_zpso0ck6clx.jpg.html)(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/15F4CA28-6E45-4C6B-97A3-09889D2DB4B5_zps9iibjxip.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/15F4CA28-6E45-4C6B-97A3-09889D2DB4B5_zps9iibjxip.jpg.html)(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/43E37731-69F9-4CFF-B25D-2D22E0C3651F_zpsvdxyieon.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/43E37731-69F9-4CFF-B25D-2D22E0C3651F_zpsvdxyieon.jpg.html)

First Pass
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B75D8139-D39F-4DD2-A334-0319CEAB43A5_zpsxdtmazed.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B75D8139-D39F-4DD2-A334-0319CEAB43A5_zpsxdtmazed.jpg.html)(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/70251A8C-E334-424C-9A32-34BDFAB1555A_zpsimfom9mk.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/70251A8C-E334-424C-9A32-34BDFAB1555A_zpsimfom9mk.jpg.html)

Fifth Pass
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/3F27BB29-8819-44DF-B979-582EE5CC31A7_zpsg4nk8emr.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/3F27BB29-8819-44DF-B979-582EE5CC31A7_zpsg4nk8emr.jpg.html)(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/6292C078-EA77-47F8-9928-37FF93FCF8B8_zpsh3n7zcua.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/6292C078-EA77-47F8-9928-37FF93FCF8B8_zpsh3n7zcua.jpg.html)

Clear Coat
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/28D10DE2-819D-4267-A31D-D2BB62D26508_zpsk3e0prdf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/28D10DE2-819D-4267-A31D-D2BB62D26508_zpsk3e0prdf.jpg.html)(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/0B210ADD-19D8-49ED-8DB7-92B16A45CFB1_zpsri71fm1m.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/0B210ADD-19D8-49ED-8DB7-92B16A45CFB1_zpsri71fm1m.jpg.html)(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/6E5CCABD-76F9-4B91-AF16-47D1E56BE789_zpsxwiloktk.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/6E5CCABD-76F9-4B91-AF16-47D1E56BE789_zpsxwiloktk.jpg.html)

Wow - that's really nice!

I'll be looking forward to seeing the pics when completed.  I might have to experiment with that sometime.

Point for you . . .

Thanks Lord Canterbury :)  Had time after work this morn to progress onto another groove- needs bit more work though.(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F4990E56-F020-44E3-97FA-75685EC3BCD8_zpse1ynf1pw.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F4990E56-F020-44E3-97FA-75685EC3BCD8_zpse1ynf1pw.jpg.html)

It's looking good so far.

That's gonna be suh-weet when you are done! Point!

Nicely Done!  Will really be interested in seeing your final touch-ups and finished work.  The Aluminum Black is a wonderful product.  I've used it in several rifle builds for minor touch up.  Great job! :)

Another groove bites the dust lol!  Cant over emphasize how time consuming, and sometimes difficult, it is to do this much coverage using an aluminum blackening agent... but totally worth it!  Painting would certainly be less work and easier to make crisp lines etc.- but in my opinion this is so much cooler because it actually penetrates and turns the aluminums surface black- it has a much cooler look to it.  But man, who would have thought that using acid to burn nice clean black details into a lightsaber hilt would be so hard, and take so long, lmao?!

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/525A5BD7-FADE-4327-AF53-968F4111A17A_zpszu7edvyx.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/525A5BD7-FADE-4327-AF53-968F4111A17A_zpszu7edvyx.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/2947C372-7BCC-4DA7-B65C-C0E86C65247D_zpsa356er19.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/2947C372-7BCC-4DA7-B65C-C0E86C65247D_zpsa356er19.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/38F06B0A-E341-43EE-9B73-6503C1F26CC7_zpsyz6mxlvz.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/38F06B0A-E341-43EE-9B73-6503C1F26CC7_zpsyz6mxlvz.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D8D44920-4420-48BE-85F8-30A88ECA98F2_zpsfhunqwzu.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D8D44920-4420-48BE-85F8-30A88ECA98F2_zpsfhunqwzu.jpg.html)

Keep you posted, may The Force be with you :)

That's coming out quite nicely!

Thanks for the feedback Drahcir- point for you, sir :)

Dude that looks so amazing, great job, the force is definitely strong with you!!

Dude that looks so amazing, great job, the force is definitely strong with you!!

Indeed Excellent work RevanReborn....... +1  :)

Looks great with the black av also...... very clever  ;)

Very nice. I might do this to mine but I'm not a very good painter of any kind. If I ever do I'll probably use gold of some kind to match the covertech wheel color ill be getting next weekend on my old Liberator ;o

Thanks to magik0012, Groovidad, JediXIX, Zren Tobas, and Joshie-Wahh for the feedback/ input and encouragement :) very much appreciated!  Zren, I'd love to see that gold if u decide to go ahead with one day- would look amazing.  And Drahcir I checked out your weathering gallery- it's masterful! Once I get a collection amassed I will definitely have to choose a saber or two to employ your services :)

Thanks!
If you're ever ready for me to do my thing to a hilt just let me know, they're fun to do.
   :)

You actually have me searching for gold annodizing or etching.  I would like to explore that medium a bit more.  You, my friend, did an absolutely STELLAR job on that hilt!  Very nicely done and well worth the time you spent!  Point to you! :D

thanks Groovidad!  Point for u :) The feedback is so helpful, as it gives me the motivation to keep plugging away at the saber- just when I'm thinking "u know I'm tired from work, gonna put it off till tomorrow" a post comes in with encouragement/ enthusiasm etc. and I can't wait to get back up to my elbows in acetone and acid and sanding grit! :) lol just kidding! I'm very cautious and wear proper PPE.  But seriously the support is truly appreciated- I'm already fired up to tackle another section tonight!

Here's the saber in progress, next to the the dark liberator I'm pairing it with.
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/0923692E-F26A-496C-B865-E532C5558EC0_zpspakqntov.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/0923692E-F26A-496C-B865-E532C5558EC0_zpspakqntov.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D2A7BA02-2DBD-4BDA-8CE3-78AF2ECE01A5_zpspppqgqve.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D2A7BA02-2DBD-4BDA-8CE3-78AF2ECE01A5_zpspppqgqve.jpg.html)
As always, keep u posted- and may The Force be with you :)

How will you be doing the emitter portion out of curiosity?

For the emitter I'm going to be doing the two smaller grooves between the vents the same way as I did the previous grooves.  I'll also be doing the recessed areas with the vents themselves, in keeping with the inverse of the dark liberator which has those areas machined silver.  But the lines/ edges in those spots with the vents are not nearly as conducive to the process, so I'll have to prework them much more intensively- really cut in lines as best as possible with the pretreatment.

 In the end i have to make a judgement call.  To truly mirror the dark lib I'd have to wrap the black all the way up to the top surface of the emitter, over the sharp edge of the small flange there.  The dark lib has that whole top part machined silver, leaving just a ring of anodized black remaining right around the actuall opening for the blade:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/6619B7F2-202A-4A22-88DA-0B0A772C4AB7_zpstl4upfdz.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/6619B7F2-202A-4A22-88DA-0B0A772C4AB7_zpstl4upfdz.jpg.html)

Though it's tempting to cut a line in just under that flange, leaving it and the whole top part silver, I'm going to try and stick with the true inverse, doing the whole flange black, leaving only the ring around blade opening silver.  I will undoubtedly hate myself for this in the near future, but hey it's my first saber order, first time customizing, first time on forums etc. so the whole things a learning experience might as well just go for it lol!  If worst comes to worst I might have to get creative and bathe the tip with the inner (silver) ring protected etc.  All else fails I've got access to airbrush but I'm just about as stuborn as they come, and got my heart set on keeping it consistent so pretty sure I'll get that aluminum black one way or another lol.

SORRY FOR RAMBLE!! Lol hard to explain.  Thanks for the interest- you clearly have a gift for this, I'm a total newb, so it's very encouraging :)  and of course, any suggestions/ thoughts, by all means no need to hesitate- fire away I welcome them, would certainly take seriously :)

Ha, you answered all my questions in the ramble - so point to you there. The exact inverse is going to look really cool if you can pull it off. A complex undertaking though, I'm going to be watching your progress closely.
 :P

I don't have much in terms of advice my specialty is making a saber look like it's been through the lava of Mustafar, and then laughed at said lava, not making it look clean. You're doing an excellent job!

Liberator and Dark Lib Ying-Yang twins. This is turning out fantastic.

Your concept is brilliant, and you are executing it to perfection. Can't wait to see them completed.

I love the mindset of the Artisan!  The struggle to arrive at that point where you stand back and say, "YES!".  The journey to that point is what makes the creation THAT much sweeter!  The vision, distinct.  The work, intensive.  The result, climactic!  You do what you do for your love of the creation.  In the end, whatever you decide upon, lies within your soul and is a reflection of that.  Drive on, brother!  Drive on! :)

Thanks everybody :)  approaching the tough parts- getting exciting!
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/IMG_0067_zpsfpoldwiu.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/IMG_0067_zpsfpoldwiu.jpg.html)(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/IMG_0068_zpsgcecnqvb.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/IMG_0068_zpsgcecnqvb.jpg.html)(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/IMG_0069_zpsvkjqpllt.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/IMG_0069_zpsvkjqpllt.jpg.html)(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/IMG_0078_zpsbbpsqo1t.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/IMG_0078_zpsbbpsqo1t.jpg.html)(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/IMG_0076_zps9x8ctkqd.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/IMG_0076_zps9x8ctkqd.jpg.html)

Good luck with the emitter!

Nice job so far. Can't wait to see that final result with the emitter. Good luck and keep up the good work!  ;)

No words, just points.
 ;)

Hey everyone, sorry about delay :)  been waiting for this weekend to commence the final, most challenging (and fun/ exciting) section of the saber- since I have a long weekend.  Can't wait!  Gonna start asap.

 But earlier in the week I figured I'd take a crack at my first custom blade plug- it's still prototype, needs a lot more work.  I'll be doing some resurfacing and adding some edging- will re-post once finalized. 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/0686F250-6F12-491B-8486-FB6AD2B2316C_zpswdvzimkl.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/0686F250-6F12-491B-8486-FB6AD2B2316C_zpswdvzimkl.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/EDD4659E-C58E-4E84-9F8A-197702DA87CC_zpsth34dbmy.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/EDD4659E-C58E-4E84-9F8A-197702DA87CC_zpsth34dbmy.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/FA21EF59-2148-440D-8950-22EE33E4EE5C_zps7t5rkusx.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/FA21EF59-2148-440D-8950-22EE33E4EE5C_zps7t5rkusx.jpg.html)

That blade plug looks great! Is it parts from an electric razor?

Thanks, and yeah, that's a good eye you've got magik0012 :)  point for you, sir. I filed out the tube more to allow the razor head pieces to sit down in flush, and then fit a little translucent plastic membrane in behind to dampen the light so didn't over power (so details don't get lost in light).  To finish off I'm going to just clean up a bit, remove the white letter from the razor cover (possibly replace with aurebesh initials or jedi/ sith symbol?)  and put a tiny edge piece around the razor (like a small o ring etc.) to provide the look of a border/ separation.  Will def post when finished up, should look much better :)

Weird I thought I already posted this, oops!  I didn't get as much time as expected to work on saber this weekend, but progress is progress I guess lol.  Keep u posted, may The Force be with you :)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/81C7860C-46F0-416A-9589-56E6EED93324_zpsmekwcq5f.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/81C7860C-46F0-416A-9589-56E6EED93324_zpsmekwcq5f.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B3028D15-CD24-486D-894A-4BABA38AE30C_zpsldrmhi8e.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B3028D15-CD24-486D-894A-4BABA38AE30C_zpsldrmhi8e.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D839785B-E81F-4589-A091-06D85528590C_zpsm65roaay.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D839785B-E81F-4589-A091-06D85528590C_zpsm65roaay.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/27110151-BD95-4D27-9CD9-4E5FB2A0822A_zpsjo1jorjg.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/27110151-BD95-4D27-9CD9-4E5FB2A0822A_zpsjo1jorjg.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F2AA3F33-7554-43E0-968A-08DFA2D96CFD_zpszpyt92bb.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F2AA3F33-7554-43E0-968A-08DFA2D96CFD_zpszpyt92bb.jpg.html)

Stay on target! ;)

This inverse color scheme is really coming out nicely.
 :P

Wow it really looks great! +1 :)

As someone has note earlier, LOVE the Yin - Yang mirror of these hils. Very pointworthy.
What colour blades were you using in each?

Thanks everyone, really appreciate :)  hey wargame_insomniac, the liberator I'm detailing atm is guardian blue with arctic blue foc, the dark liberator is consular green with sunriders destiny foc, but the plan is to grab another dark liberator in blazing red with next order to really take this theme to the max :)

Awesome!!

So I've been wondering. I was thinking of getting me an Aeon V2 in Consular Green as well and doing the same thing, are there the same preps to do and such?

Hey Zren,  that's good a choice of saber for something like this, will look really good :)  Yup, you'll want to start by lightly sanding the area u want to blacken (groove etc.) with something in the fine grade- I like to use a contour sanding sponge (there's s pic in my post "first custom blade plug" of one ) they'r good because nice and flexible for squishing into tight areas and can be cut into little slivers.  Just want to lightly go over and scuff the surface a bit to allow blackening agent to penetrate that much better and also to remove any inconsistencies on the surface of the aluminum and give you a truer black finish.  It will actually work just fine without sanding, but then you get a much more blotchy result with browns and greys and unusual chemical patterns visible in the black.

Next swab the sanded area with acetone (q-tips work well), it kinda does same thing as sanding- cleans metal and draws blackening agent into surface better. 

Then you tape off the area around where you want to blacken, very carefully and precisely.  The first time you tape around a groove is the most important since that will form the actuall edge of the black, so take extra care to form nice clean lines- it helps to stop every little bit and take a ruler or something and press the edges of the tape down thoroughly over and over again as u go.  You'll want to wrap many layers of the tape over each other to make sure the blackening agent doesn't get through and work on the spots you want clean. 

When your satisfied the area is taped off, before you go to apply the blackening agent, make sure you have a little container of water, some q-tips, and a couple of rags or scratchless cloths.  Also it helps to really double check your setup now to be prepared because the aluminum black is actually tricky to work with on this scale- it has a way of getting everywhere lol and every little spec that you don't notice will leave ugly black smudges and specs on the saber- like even residue on your fingers will leave black fingerprints etc.  So I found it best to layer a bunch of paper towel/ rags down under the area where I'm working, like do the work right ontop of a pile, so that as any drops fall you can just quickly remove the top rag and then your working on clean surface again and no worries about setting saber down and contaminating. 

When ready, use qtip to generously apply blackening agent, lightly pressing/ dabbing/ rubbing it onto the surface as u go.  Give it about 45 seconds to a minute to work (if you look close you'll see it sizzling on metal) and then use a clean qtip to douse the area in water all over and thoroughly rinse it-  be really careful that any run off water doesn't travel onto clean metal of saber anywhere past where you taped off.   You'll want to rinse off quickly though, and then quickly remove all that tape you just painstakingly put on lol, because the aluminum black will actually penetrate the metal at the taped edge no matter how well you taped it and begin to encroach ever so slightly thru your clean edge lines with unwanted black- but as long as you get to it relatively soon u can just wipe it vigorously with cloth like buffing and it will come off, restoring your nice edge.  Once you've tended to your edges go back and rinse off the area again, because the aluminum black will continue working in the groove and if left too long will start to look corroded/ blotchy.  Rinsing a lot will remove impurities and give u truer black.   

Give the area a few mins to sit and cure before repeating the process.  Don't worry if it turns all grey/ white as it dries, when you clear coat at the end it seals and instantly goes nice and jet black again like when it's wet.  Just repeat the laborious song and dance of taping and applying lol (but it's actually really fun in weird way) being super careful with making your edges and being aware of runoff etc. each time.  Stop whenever your're happy with the thickness/ completeness of the finish-  I found on average about five/ six passes seemed to be perfect- too much more than that and it actually starts to discolour and form chemical'ish patterns in the finish.  Also you will probably want to stop along the way and fine tune- like touch up edges with sanding sponge or if you see any bits that are turning blotchy/ brown rub them down a bit to accept blackening agent better on next pass. 

Then just throw on some clear coat with tiny brush. I used an indoor/ outdoor high gloss polyurethane.  Found its better to put on several very thin coats as opposed to a couple thick ones, if you put on too thick it will leave an ugly laminated layer on edges and take away from all the work you did forming them clean with the aluminum black. 
It's incredibly time consuming and can be difficult at times, but SO worth it!  Way more durable than paint, theres no dimensional change so you don't see a layer of anything sitting on the surface it just turns the actual surface black- really ideal for such fine detailing where raised surfaces would ruin look- and it just results in a really cool finished look- the black looks like patina, so deep and layered, it just looks so right for saber, lends authenticity- the look of grooves that blackened ever darker over years of battle vs. the new car look u get with some paint jobs. 
Sorry for the novel!  Aluminum black isn't a brand name, just the name of the substance, didn't mention name out of respect for advertising rule, but if u look it up will find no prob- hobby shops, industrial supply shops, and DEFINITELY gun shops will have it- used to fix scratches on gun metal etc.  Also, should mention that aluminum black is a mixture of powerful acids, and acetone is no joke either,  so should be very careful when working with , wear protection and be sure not to contact with eyes/ mouth/ or even skin really, and be mindful of fumes- also never work with in area where kids or pets go, as even trace amounts can mean real trouble for them. Good luck, feel free to shoot with any questions etc :) may The Force be with you

Here's a sneak peek at the first of the emitter sections I just started- only just begun tho needs ton of work :). Keep u posted, and may The Force be with you :)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/58E063DD-DA03-4DB9-87F2-55DAA6896C3A_zps6t7rbup0.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/58E063DD-DA03-4DB9-87F2-55DAA6896C3A_zps6t7rbup0.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/1DC71FA5-DBB5-414E-BD6F-EEEDB1661F6B_zpsb1raz2bb.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/1DC71FA5-DBB5-414E-BD6F-EEEDB1661F6B_zpsb1raz2bb.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/0FC089F7-5BA4-4371-B76C-73D3056BA443_zpsrd0ygfj3.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/0FC089F7-5BA4-4371-B76C-73D3056BA443_zpsrd0ygfj3.jpg.html)

Looks to be coming along nicely.

This looks great! I've always wanted to try this, but was too afraid to permanently mess something up. I've only used paint.

Yo. So do they have like a brushed silver color in the paint you got? Actually now thinking of getting a silver Liberator myself and just doing the concave grip a brushed silver finish then the 2 rings on the emitter as well and leave everything else the regular silver finish for like a 2 tone look. I think this'll look cool if there is a brushed silver color paint. What's the brand name exactly of the paint and can you just use clear protective coat for this type of paint?

Thanks everyone :)  actually Zren, it's not paint at all, it's a mixture of acids that actually converts the surface of the aluminum to charred black.  If ur quick, and with practice, you can apply thin so gives charcoal grey look though.  Also the same companies that make aluminum black make a product called "gun blue" which is same kind of thing but results in turning metal blue'ish hues.  Used together, the two products can result in a pretty cool blue'ish grey finish like you see on 'the other guys' weathered finished sabers.  I will definitely be experimenting with that myself in near future.  Hope that helps :) may The Force be with you

O and sedsti, I forgot to say, love the print shop man!  Some great stuff on there, really like the turbine blade plugs, it was what inspired my first ever attempt at blade plug ( "first custom blade plug" on this customization board if wanna check out) :) so point for u, sir!

Really close lol!  Just the touch-ups and reworking to do now, and then probably etching of some kind for extra detail- maybe aurebesh or Jedi/ sith symbols etc :) 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C887377C-75FF-40ED-B6C5-5E22975392D0_zpsbixlherz.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C887377C-75FF-40ED-B6C5-5E22975392D0_zpsbixlherz.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4D2776EA-5256-4233-A27F-59DFED1CF26D_zpsaapehmji.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4D2776EA-5256-4233-A27F-59DFED1CF26D_zpsaapehmji.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/EE1D87EB-891B-4847-B47D-ECD968BEA60A_zpseqt98xty.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/EE1D87EB-891B-4847-B47D-ECD968BEA60A_zpseqt98xty.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B00B1BBA-F037-4AD7-A621-BD38047D6549_zpsz19y1gby.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B00B1BBA-F037-4AD7-A621-BD38047D6549_zpsz19y1gby.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/67DCDBFF-369F-4859-A453-6EAFCFC2BD8B_zpslbwrgkid.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/67DCDBFF-369F-4859-A453-6EAFCFC2BD8B_zpslbwrgkid.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/A919088F-CA62-4C78-A806-F220A8FEB66F_zpsa6bcfgpe.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/A919088F-CA62-4C78-A806-F220A8FEB66F_zpsa6bcfgpe.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/AE8724FD-09C4-4D5F-B599-B0880361997B_zps9kpqx71a.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/AE8724FD-09C4-4D5F-B599-B0880361997B_zps9kpqx71a.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/32E27A0B-A234-4B63-BC34-28F05E7BFA73_zpsvvq811s3.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/32E27A0B-A234-4B63-BC34-28F05E7BFA73_zpsvvq811s3.jpg.html)
Keep u posted, may The Force be with you :)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/81874324-2D33-42D5-8DE4-01C499C3E589_zpsdwhm4q7x.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/81874324-2D33-42D5-8DE4-01C499C3E589_zpsdwhm4q7x.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4EA22DC9-2A44-40D0-B74C-67E1445297A2_zpsimfpqzid.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4EA22DC9-2A44-40D0-B74C-67E1445297A2_zpsimfpqzid.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/67478435-061E-475C-A71B-9FF4F60C4FD5_zpsnvqd0zgn.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/67478435-061E-475C-A71B-9FF4F60C4FD5_zpsnvqd0zgn.jpg.html)

Looks nice!

Jedi symbol like right under the switch since the color is Guardian Blue :P

WOW!!!! You NAILED IT with the ying/Yang Hilts!!!!! That looks AMAZING.

Those are awesome!  Well done!  :-)

Thanks everyone :)  ya Zren, I agree about Jedi symbol- but then I saw kaanapuchris's laser etching of a combo of Jedi/ sith symbols and that looked so good, thought it might fit with the whole theme.  You should check out his post if haven't seen, his etchings look amazing :) 

Love Yin and Yang Liberators

Sent from my GT-S7275R using Tapatalk

Holy FREAKIN AWESOME!!!  Great work RevanReborn, fantastic job my friend, the force is strong with you

Jedi symbol on front under switch and Sith symbol on back under switch =]

Impressive.. most impressive! Point!

Thanks everyone :)  I'll post as soon as get the etching and touch ups done. 

Also, I started a major overhaul on a catalyst, gonna get structural on this customization so can't wait to start tapping holes and making shrouds etc.- I'll throw it up on the board as soon as far enough along.  And saving the funds for an emerald graflex ce so stoked about that needless to say :).

But the most exciting thing I got going on atm is I'm currently designing a SUPER SICK, amazing display case for my budding saber collection with a ridiculously talented carpenter, who also happens to be my dad lol, but I absolutely can't wait to break this one to you guys, it's really gonna turn some heads.  I won't go off about it yet, I'll save it for the post, plus it's only being drawn up etc but from the early prep work I can tell its gonna be epic :) 

As always, keep you posted, and may The Force be with you

even a minor tweak makes an impression....giving me ideas

This is beyond awesome. Thanks for all of the ideas and education!!! I really would like to attempt this process on my Prophecy!!!

Hey everyone, thanks for the input, appreciated :)  I've had some people asking about the process, interested in doing some work with aluminum black, so I'm gonna do a step by step explanation here of what I found worked best etc.  Hope it helps :).   This is a great way of detailing sabers, and though it can be very time consuming/ tricky at times, it's definitely an accessible technique- anyone can do it, it just requires caution/ care and patience, so good luck and may The Force be with you.  Feel free to let me know about questions/ difficulties I'd be happy to help.  Also there's a really detailed explanation back on page three but it's kinda all over the place lol.

 Materials:
-aluminum blackening agent
-acetone
-clear coat and tiny brush (I used high gloss indoor/ outdoor polyurethane)
-water dish
-paper towel
-rags/ scratchless cloth
-qtips
-contour sanding sponge (fine grade)
-tape (I used narrow masking tape)
-foam ear plugs (like for ear protection, I used them to jam into set screws holes etc.  where grooves came into contact with the holes and I didn't want aluminum black going down inside)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/98435EB5-D820-41BB-9D37-2EB59D3ADC9E_zps8piptdmo.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/98435EB5-D820-41BB-9D37-2EB59D3ADC9E_zps8piptdmo.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C2632632-E6CC-4392-ADAC-A3C8B0033069_zpso0ck6clx.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C2632632-E6CC-4392-ADAC-A3C8B0033069_zpso0ck6clx.jpg.html)

Step 1- sand the area you want to blacken UNIFORMLY.  Degree of sanding up to you, but if you sand one little spot heavily then sand the whole area heavily, if you just lightly scuff then try to lightly scuff the whole area nice and even etc.  You don't have to sand deep/ aggressively to get nice finish- just evenly.  Aluminum black will work even without sanding but result is blotchier, with Browns and greys and a rough uneven porous texture (which actually would be perfect for a weathering effect, very interesting...)

Step 2-  swab the area to be blackened with acetone, rub it in/ around for a bit to clean/ prepare surface for black

Step 3-  tape off the area to be blackened (groove etc.) so that the 'clean'  surrounding spaces u don't want blackened are protected.  Use many layers of tape to ensure the agent doesn't penetrate- but the very first time u go around a spot with the tape is the most important, as this will form the actual edge of the black.  It helps to stop every little bit and press/ crease the tape down to make a crisp/ clean edge.  You can use the butt end of the little paint brush or a ruler to press tape down around the edge of a groove- gives nice clean edge.

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/15F4CA28-6E45-4C6B-97A3-09889D2DB4B5_zps9iibjxip.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/15F4CA28-6E45-4C6B-97A3-09889D2DB4B5_zps9iibjxip.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/43E37731-69F9-4CFF-B25D-2D22E0C3651F_zpsvdxyieon.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/43E37731-69F9-4CFF-B25D-2D22E0C3651F_zpsvdxyieon.jpg.html)
 
Step 4-  before you go to apply the aluminum blackening agent make sure you're prepared- have a little water dish handy, a bunch of rags, paper towel, and scratchless cloths, qtips (and enough of everything because time will be of essence once start applying, plus you don't want to be going all around getting stuff once the aluminum black is on your hands/ gloves) - have sanding medium there in case need to remove unwanted black or fix edge a bit, but if you have to remove some of black should come off just by rubbing with rag if get to soon enough, which will prevent scratching finish- I found it useful to work on top of big pile of rags, so as blackening agent and contaminated water ran off saber I could just quickly remove top rag and have clean work station again

To apply aluminum black, just swab on generously, dabbing it all around as you go, but don't rub hard or will remove the black as its trying to penetrate.  Make sure if there's run off that it doesn't make it on clean areas past where you taped.  Give it about one minute to work (don't leave it on long at all! Will give blotchy result more like weathering).  Then swab very generously with water, rinsing away the agent.  Now you can rub ever so SLIGHTLY- like just let the weight of the soaked qtip drag itself over the area as you rinse off.  Just rinse off good enough so you can remove tape in a HURRY (yes I know it was painstaking to put on and now you just rip off after a minute of work lol)  and tend to edges.  No matter how well you taped off, the agent will penetrate the metal itself at the taped edge and begin to encroach ever so slightly into the area you want clean- but if you get to relatively soon you can just rub clean with cloth and restore/ protect your sharp edge.  Now go back and finish rinsing thoroughly,the agent will continue working on metal and if left too long will make finish blotchy/ discoloured.  Even now, on this second rinse, be careful about the run off water contacting clean metal, will put specks of black where ever you don't catch it, I.e. Even wet fingers will leave black finger print smudges on clean finish, take it from me lol. 

give it twenty minutes to sit and cure a bit between passes,(don't worry if dries ugly grey/ white, will go jet black again when seal with clear coat)  but all you have to do is repeat taping off and applying until satisfied with thoroughness of application.  You may have to stop and rub off areas that turned blotchy/ brown and sand a bit so it takes better on next pass- depending on desired look, and your prep sanding, you may want to do a bunch of passes of the agent, you may only need to do a couple - anything past five or six passes starts to turn out more like weathering.  JUST REMEMBER TO RINSE OFF QUICKLY ONCE,  REMOVE TAPE AND TEND TO EDGES, THEN RINSE OFF COMPLETELY.  Lastly seal with clear coat (after sits to cure)- better to do a few thin coats than to put down too much at once, that creates ugly laminated look to edges.

First pass

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B75D8139-D39F-4DD2-A334-0319CEAB43A5_zpsxdtmazed.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B75D8139-D39F-4DD2-A334-0319CEAB43A5_zpsxdtmazed.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/70251A8C-E334-424C-9A32-34BDFAB1555A_zpsimfom9mk.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/70251A8C-E334-424C-9A32-34BDFAB1555A_zpsimfom9mk.jpg.html)

Fifth pass and clear
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/6292C078-EA77-47F8-9928-37FF93FCF8B8_zpsh3n7zcua.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/6292C078-EA77-47F8-9928-37FF93FCF8B8_zpsh3n7zcua.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/3F27BB29-8819-44DF-B979-582EE5CC31A7_zpsg4nk8emr.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/3F27BB29-8819-44DF-B979-582EE5CC31A7_zpsg4nk8emr.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/0B210ADD-19D8-49ED-8DB7-92B16A45CFB1_zpsri71fm1m.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/0B210ADD-19D8-49ED-8DB7-92B16A45CFB1_zpsri71fm1m.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/28D10DE2-819D-4267-A31D-D2BB62D26508_zpsk3e0prdf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/28D10DE2-819D-4267-A31D-D2BB62D26508_zpsk3e0prdf.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/6E5CCABD-76F9-4B91-AF16-47D1E56BE789_zpsxwiloktk.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/6E5CCABD-76F9-4B91-AF16-47D1E56BE789_zpsxwiloktk.jpg.html)

Now all you have to do is repeat until all the areas you want black are done lol!   This might take a while lol but SO worth it :)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C887377C-75FF-40ED-B6C5-5E22975392D0_zpsbixlherz.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C887377C-75FF-40ED-B6C5-5E22975392D0_zpsbixlherz.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/EE1D87EB-891B-4847-B47D-ECD968BEA60A_zpseqt98xty.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/EE1D87EB-891B-4847-B47D-ECD968BEA60A_zpseqt98xty.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B00B1BBA-F037-4AD7-A621-BD38047D6549_zpsz19y1gby.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B00B1BBA-F037-4AD7-A621-BD38047D6549_zpsz19y1gby.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/A919088F-CA62-4C78-A806-F220A8FEB66F_zpsa6bcfgpe.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/A919088F-CA62-4C78-A806-F220A8FEB66F_zpsa6bcfgpe.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/AE8724FD-09C4-4D5F-B599-B0880361997B_zps9kpqx71a.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/AE8724FD-09C4-4D5F-B599-B0880361997B_zps9kpqx71a.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4EA22DC9-2A44-40D0-B74C-67E1445297A2_zpsimfpqzid.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4EA22DC9-2A44-40D0-B74C-67E1445297A2_zpsimfpqzid.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/81874324-2D33-42D5-8DE4-01C499C3E589_zpsdwhm4q7x.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/81874324-2D33-42D5-8DE4-01C499C3E589_zpsdwhm4q7x.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/67478435-061E-475C-A71B-9FF4F60C4FD5_zpsnvqd0zgn.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/67478435-061E-475C-A71B-9FF4F60C4FD5_zpsnvqd0zgn.jpg.html)

Good luck everybody, let me know how it turns out :)

Excellent final result RevanReborn, and thank you for all the details and pics........ +1  :)

Nice. For some odd reason though I like how the emitter black section isn't all the way, black painted. Has an old look to it =] Was actually wondering if this was ever completed. Get some lit blade pics up :P

Thanks guys!  Hope these pics are ok Zren, just took them in broad daylight so can see the saber a bit as well I hope lol?  Yeah that old look I think has a lot to do with the aluminum blackener, it has a deep, non uniform kind of finish that I think really compliments a saber- it's actually not paint at all, acid that blackens the aluminun.  I left that ring, around the blade opening of the emitter, silver so that it would be exactly mirroring the dark lib emitter (which has that ring black, with the flange and vent recesses silver) - to sort of pair the two.  I think in the pics just a little back further in the post u can see the two sabers together, and specifically the emitter sections.  There's a ton of pics back there lol I hope that doesn't get annoying for people im just not greatest at taking pics lol.
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/6F814F50-D5C4-4B3C-8887-CB4527CA1B20_zpsawjwt7au.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/6F814F50-D5C4-4B3C-8887-CB4527CA1B20_zpsawjwt7au.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/CCBD6CE3-DBFC-46FB-B26A-3F2CA1A9D861_zpskpgtswjv.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/CCBD6CE3-DBFC-46FB-B26A-3F2CA1A9D861_zpskpgtswjv.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4C153F72-21FB-426E-8E96-B60F6DC8CBC9_zpsm7pzurxb.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4C153F72-21FB-426E-8E96-B60F6DC8CBC9_zpsm7pzurxb.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/99D25087-3037-4E90-AD8F-525C9E171D92_zpsinkli4yf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/99D25087-3037-4E90-AD8F-525C9E171D92_zpsinkli4yf.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C28A0BEF-5189-4944-8E6B-C633E64BBC53_zpsqsvp7bab.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C28A0BEF-5189-4944-8E6B-C633E64BBC53_zpsqsvp7bab.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/CF42B54C-001E-4A3D-9590-A1F7EDDB9756_zpsiltey9pw.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/CF42B54C-001E-4A3D-9590-A1F7EDDB9756_zpsiltey9pw.jpg.html)
MTFBWY :)

This needs to become a new service too from you :P

Thanks so much Zren, I'm honoured that people find the detailing job nice enough for something like that :).  I've gotten some pm's from people showing interest in the process, and a lot of input/ encouragement on the post; it's greatly appreciated.  It was actually really fun to do, if a little time consuming.  I'm going to be doing aluminum blackening on the saber I'm working on ATM too, just finishing up work'n on the shrouds first, but I'm excited to get to that!  Also I'm looking into finding another way to chemically refinish non-ferrous metals like aluminum so I can throw that into the mod as well.  Keep u posted, MTFBWY :). 

RavenReborn, that looks SWEET dude !! ;D I think that is the best lookin libby I have seen! Well done good sir!

Thanks so much MavRick- so very honoured! Very kind of you, super encouraging and keeps me so pumped to work on projects :). MTFBWY

Do gotta ask,  not sure what brand they are but, we have tons of paint for metal and other stuff like plastic as well, multi surface basically, would that work on any aluminum based hilts? Its mostly used for models and stuff but yeah. Just gotta get an idea first. Its like those tiny bottles you can get in sometimes a wooden box set thing

I'll look into that for you Zren :).  I believe I know exactly what paint you mean, I think I've got some kick'n around here somewhere as well from models n stuff, but I think you might want to hold off until we hear from people who know- I can't say for sure, but I remember a lot of that stuff is made to adhere more to the model materials (it'd be great for detailing a mask etc.) and I'm suspicious about how well it would adhere to aluminum. 

I guess depends on the project, because if you were free to work the metal really well pre-painting, like sanding etc., you can get a lot of stuff to stick if you seal on with clear after, but I wouldn't recommend.  You don't want a saber so delicate that the paint peels off if you breath on it lol.  And a lot of the times you won't want to get too aggressive with sanding the finish on a hilt if you're not weathering. 

I think there are other paints and methods that would work better, and also require less aggressive prep so it's easier to preserve finish of your hilt.  I'll keep you posted, MTFBWY :).

I was told it was multi surfaces though so possible. Like it was the type that was bought was for anything really just in those tiny bottle sets and such

SO. GOOD.

Thanks SWF :). Appreciate.  I'm actually starting to do some of the blackening on my next mod, gonna go crazy on the refinishing job on this one, tons of coverage, engraving, the whole nine yards- should have some progress to show soon on the log (up on this board as well).  Keep you posted, MTFBWY.