Thread: Chrome oxide powder on balsa

Hello,
Im going to purchase some chrome oxide powder and some balsawood. What is the best way to apply it to the wood?

Flattern the balsa to remove any high spots,
Dip your finger in some mineral oil then into the Chrox powder and rub onto your balsa wood top.

I made a mix of about a half teaspoon of powder then added some singer sewing machine oil, just a small amount and let the oil soak into it, if it looks wet it is to much paint and then takes a week to dry what applied like paint,
Either way apply let it dry a couple of days then rub off any excess and let dry more

If you do not want to wait for oil to dry, use isopropyl alcohol as the carrier for the CrOx. If you can get it, use the 91% version as there is less water that might affect the balsa. The alcohol will allow you to spread the CrOx uniformly and then will evaporate quickly.

Yes, mix with oil, it will absorb into the balsa quickly. You don’t need much and don’t need to coat the whole slab of wood.

3-inch X’s the width of your finger, work well.

Make sure to wipe the blade well after use or you will contaminate your leather strop.

And do not use too much pressure. Lots of folks say balsa and Chrome Oxide is harsh, usually from too much pressure. If you have that issue, try pasting a piece of cardboard and see if the same thing happens.

I used to mix with a 50/50 solution of mineral oil/rubbing alcohol. The mineral oil helps to keep the CrOx on the wood after drying and the alcohol thins it out so you can spread it more evenly. After an overnight dry I take a paper towel and wipe off any excess because if you have too much in there it really is counter productive.

Now I take a 3/1 3 parts alcohol to 1 part mineral oil and put in a small $1 spray bottle from Walmart. I add enough powder to make a nice deep green and then lightly spray it on. Very lightly. Easier with less mess. The 3/1 ratio makes it thin enough to spray. I only reapply once a year roughly and maybe 3-4 sprays at 6" away with paper towel behind it to catch any stray mist. Simple.

Many ways to do it but as elucid says only very little. You do t have to "paint" the balsa green and a light touch.

I would suggest experimenting with it as it is very cheap and fun to try different methods to see which you like the best.

I had good luck using a bit of shave soap and small throwaway brush to make a lather in a throwaway salsa cup from a fast food place.
First, build lather then add the Chrome-ox and mix well. The tallow/ saponifier in the soap will not cause a problem to your razor.
Worked well for me and the balsa strops are still going strong.
YMMV
~Richard
PS. I did not invent this process, but found it along the way.

Man, I just block sand a piece of 3/16 balsa with 100 grit wet/dry, sprinkle a tiny bit of the powder up and down and start rubbing it around with the green finger. It spreads nicely all around.
When done, hold it over the bin and rub it briskly and lightly with a paper-towel to get the excess off.
Same with FeOx as well.

What are the advantages over the simpler method of just using a leather paddle strop with a crox crayon?

Originally Posted by gcbryan

What are the advantages over the simpler method of just using a leather paddle strop with a crox crayon?

For me, sanding the balsa roughly will ensure even powder retention and is less messy, in the long run.
Oil will often stay and makes for a pasty mess to remove from your blade.
Dry and dry is easy to remove. Also, as-stropping, the balsa will absorb the powder down into the grain and will work smoother and better with use. I have never felt the need to repaste mine. JMO

You can order a bottle of CROX already mixed in a spray from SRD other vendors & not have to worry about mixing & making sure you got the mix right.. No fuss or muss!

Slawman