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-----Gun browning of antique hinges and latches
Q. I would like to buy some gun browning but have not been able to find a source. I would like to experiment with it for use in "ageing" the metal in antiques (hinges, latches, etc.).
Patrick Michaelhobbyist, antique restorer - Eugene, Oregon
2005
Are these hinges and latches steel, or are they brass, Patrick? Browning and other coloring solutions are unlike paint; they don't put a pre-colored coating onto an object. Rather, the chemical reacts with the base metal. Chemical that turn a steel gun barrel brown are available, but would likely have a completely different and unsatisfactory reaction with a brass hinge.
liver of sulfur
⇦ on
eBay or
Amazon [affil link]
is what you would use to darken brass. But it must react with the brass -- it won't work on steel. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2005
The original question is about where to acquire gun browning and the previous answer only addresses the method of action of the browning. I have an old shotgun I would like to refinish, but I have been unable to find browning. I have checked with many firearms dealers and even Cabela's, though everyone knew what I wanted, none of them knew where to purchase any.
Gregory Allen- New Martinsville West Virginia USA
2007
Letter 13345 lists the raw chemicals required, Gregory. You can probably get them from a lab supply company like Sargent-Welch. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2007
Birchwood-Casey makes gun blueing ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] as well as gun browning [adv: Plum Brown on eBay or Amazon [affil link] solutions. I just bought a bottle of browning at Sportsman's Warehouse. You can order direct from their website as well.
mark singer- arvada, Colorado U.S.A.
2007
How do I create a brown finish on a piece of gun hardware (buttstock plate) ... not the working part of the gun or barrel? I am a hobbyist and own a Model 1885 Winchester drop block low wall that has long since been bore sleeved (stainless) to K-Hornet. The i885 is actually blue but the plate is a badly worn brown so no match is required ... just a protective finish.
Bob Caldwellhobbyist - Grand Marais, Michigan
2007
Dixie Gun Works. And, they have a nice web site.
Will Clement- East Millinocket, Maine USA
December 13, 2012
Sorry! Finishing.com is temporarily Read-Only.
Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.