Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
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Coloring Manganese Parkerized Finishes
Q. I repair and refinish firearms. Recently I installed parkerizing tanks to refinish or restore old military firearms. I am using a manganese parkerizing process which I understand comes close to matching the older processes used. The process I am using produces a gray to dark gray color on the firearms which I understand is correct for the process. My problem is that a good portion of my customers are asking for a gray green color which is seen on some of the older firearms. I understand that this gray green color was produced by aging the finish (50 or 60 years)in the chemical that were used to preserve the firearms, (oils, grease ect). My question is "can a manganese parkerize finish be given a gray green color either during the processing or after the process"? I hear it is being done with dyes of some sort.
Dennis Klocke- Waverly, Iowa
2003
"Phosphating of Metals"
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A. Manganese phosphate is usually oiled afterwards. Colored oils do exist that can be used for this purpose. Suppliers like Fuchs or Texaco must be able to help you out.
Piessens Peter- Belgium
2003
A. I have read on other forums that you apply Vaseline (or gun marketed equivalent) and bake for a while. It will turn it green. The baking speeds up the aging/greening process.
Sorry, I don't remember how long and what temp. I think I saw it on the calguns forum.
- Arvada, Colorado, USA
September 4, 2010
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