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Author Topic: Patina to brass? WTK?  (Read 938 times)

Offline AZ Longrifle

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Patina to brass? WTK?
« on: January 13, 2010, 09:04:04 AM »
I got a .36 rifle that I needed to re-silver solder the catch piece on the patchbox. The heat from the torch took off all of the nice natural patina from the cover.
Anyway to reapply this finish?
Thank you!

Offline AZ Longrifle

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« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2010, 10:34:15 AM »
Thanks, Steve!
I knew someone would know a trick to it!

Online BEAVERMAN

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« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2010, 11:19:06 AM »
If the piece can be removed from the rifle, clean it to get any finger prints off of it, then tie a piece of string to it, pour some ammonia on to a piece of rag and place i a jar or sealable container, preferably one you can see throguh, hang the brass by the string in to the jar, close it up and let the gas do it's work, check after a couple hours, the longer it sits, the darker it gets, you can turn brass black simply by applying the ammonia directly to the brass, rinse with water when you are satisfied with the color.
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Online Hank in WV

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« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2010, 05:07:42 PM »
When cleaning the rifle, I just take a damp patch and clean the pan and flash hole area and then wipe that patch on the brass or any steel I want to rust brown.
Hank in WV
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Offline Buffler Razz

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« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2010, 09:35:52 PM »
I once placed the brass part on the sidewalk, sprinkled a wee bit of 4f on it and lit it off. Poof, Presto, Change-o instant patina! Don't do it indoors though, its kind of like making char cloth on the gas stove in the kitchen...a bit smokey.
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Offline W. Welshman

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« Reply #5 on: March 03, 2010, 01:03:12 AM »
What Beaverman said,I did this to a old CVA rifle and the brass looks olddddddd and dark.It is getting better with age
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Offline Riley/MN

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« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2010, 07:19:41 AM »
Anyone ever try this with copper? It should work, shouldn't it?
~Riley
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Offline Indiana

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« Reply #7 on: March 04, 2010, 03:10:31 PM »
A good way to permanently age brass is to just hang it outside all winter.  Longer if you want an even better patina.  This actually ages the brass itself and it can't be wiped off.
"Damn the sword! When Virginia wanted a sword, I gave her one. Now she sends me a toy when I require bread!” -George Rogers Clark

Online Hank in WV

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« Reply #8 on: March 04, 2010, 05:07:46 PM »
Ah, Indiana. I can see you haven't been in the service. Brasso will change your mind.
Hank in WV
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"Much of the social history of the western world over the past three decades has involved replacing what worked with what sounded good. . ." Thomas Sowell