Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
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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]
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
2005
"Firearm Blueing and Browning"
by Angier
on
AbeBooks
or
Amazon
(affil links)
Plum Brown Barrel Finish
on
Amazon
(affil links)
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
2007
Birchwood-Casey makes gun blueing [on eBay or Amazon] as well as gun browning [adv: Plum Brown on eBay or Amazon] 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
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