How to get a darker finish with bead blasting?

[deucestevens]

I have been blasting Ruger stainless using glass beads, I have been getting a pretty even finsih that is close to what is on Stainless Blackhawks. I have heard that silicon carbide will give a darker rougher finish. Was wondering if anyone has any experience with this? Maybe some pictures too. thanks for any info.

 

[Flash]

Whew, depends on the grit. Silicon Carbide guts good and with the wrong grit, you'll lose lettering clarity, edges, contours, etc.
I have some coarse Silicon Carbide that I got from a contractor but it's the size of sand grains. If i were to guess, I'd say it was 60 grit and it cuts like a hot knife through butter.