Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Gun Building and Repair => Topic started by: AZ Longrifle on January 13, 2010, 09:04:04 AM

Title: Patina to brass? WTK?
Post by: AZ Longrifle 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!

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Post by: AZ Longrifle on January 13, 2010, 10:34:15 AM

Thanks, Steve!
I knew someone would know a trick to it!

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Post by: BEAVERMAN 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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Post by: Hank in WV 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.

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Post by: Buffler Razz 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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Post by: W. Welshman 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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Post by: Riley/MN on March 03, 2010, 07:19:41 AM

Anyone ever try this with copper? It should work, shouldn't it?

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Post by: Indiana 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.

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Post by: Hank in WV 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.