Any experiences with black oxide on stainless?

[Beatnik]

The problem is that I am looking at getting a Kahr CW9 for carry, but I loathe the 2-tone look.
I know the P9 comes in blackened stainless, but I don't want the polygonal rifling that comes with it.

So what I'm looking to do is get the CW9 and blacken the slide (hopefully).

Does anyone have any suggestions for a black finish on stainless? I am looking for something high quality - at least as resilient as hot blue - but I'd like to avoid having to build an exhaust hood if possible.

 

[GeorgeR]

Hot Blue Stainless

There are at least two hot blue salts that will blue (blacken) stainless. I use 3-0 Salts from Du-Lite, and Brownell's also sells their formula. It ain't easy, temperture is more critical and there are more steps than with blueing carbon steel. It's just as durable as regular hot blue.

 

[dfariswheel]

There are several processes by which stainless can be blackened.

Here's some companies that offer various methods for guns:

http://www.apwcogan.com/Greetings.htm

http://www.fordsguns.com/

(Both Ford's and Cogan offer Black Chrome. Black chrome is NOT a really durable finish, but it is more durable than any of the black "blued" or oxide finishes.)

There are other companies around that offer blackening of stainless, do a Google search.

 

[Beatnik]

Well, yeah, I can google... I kind of meant to do this myself if possible.

My other hobby is making armor, and I've done some work with coloring different metals. But I've never done anything with less than 1/8" tolerances, or something where step 1 being "heat to cherry red" is probably a bad idea....

I'm mainly looking to see if there's some trick other than buying a bottle of something and following the instructions. For instance, burning used motor oil repeatedly on a piece makes a really attractive finish that won't come off with scraping - but it's probably changing the dimensions by enough to make the firing pin stick fast. So I was just wondering if there are any crazy firearms-appropriate methods.