Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Gun Building and Repair => Topic started by: Paulk on October 15, 2017, 06:16:55 PM

Title: Barrel Aging
Post by: Paulk on October 15, 2017, 06:16:55 PM
I added a smooth rifle to my collection that has a brightly polished barrel.  I know it will age over time but I'm having problems with too much glare when the sun is in front of me, losing the front sight in the glare.  I searched the forum and read about using mustard applied to the barrel to get it grey aged look.  That thread talked about a previously blued barrel.  Will the mustard work on a polished barrel as well?
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Hank in WV on October 15, 2017, 06:19:52 PM
It's been my experience, the higher the polish, the harder it is to age.
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Paulk on October 15, 2017, 09:59:27 PM
It's been my experience, the higher the polish, the harder it is to age.

Thanks Hank.  I'll give it a try and see what happens.  Maybe mix in some extra vinegar and see if that helps it along.
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: PetahW on October 16, 2017, 03:50:03 AM
You could try a (removable with lacquer thinner) anti-glare spray atop the barrel.


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61MYvGMZAYL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)


.

Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Roaddog on October 16, 2017, 06:53:24 AM
PaulKthere are all kinde of ways and they all take time.Go slowe what ever rout you go.A pach that you just wiped the bore out with and rub the black gunk on the barrel.It will make rust.That is why you get it out of  there but it takes some time.the musterd will work but the same thing,time.Let it go to long and you have a new problem.I'm sure there will be some more folks come along soon that will have more help.It all takes time. gud luck.
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Eric Krewson on October 16, 2017, 09:10:50 AM
I grayed a polished barrel and it was still shiny, the next barrel I finished stopped at 220 grit sandpaper.

If you want a dull finish you will have to knock off that shine with some sandpaper to get the best results.
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Uncle Russ on October 16, 2017, 02:34:05 PM
If the barrel is Armor Brite, as in the many Colt 1861 Muskets, good luck with anything you try.
I gave up on one many years ago, but since that time there are a lot of better products on the market that could very well work,
Someone should come along soon and give you some good advice.

Uncle Russ...
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Paulk on October 16, 2017, 07:26:41 PM
OK, thanks fir the info guys.
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Eric Krewson on October 17, 2017, 09:37:44 AM
This lock has been sanded to 220, blued with Oxpho blue and rubbed back to grey with a scotch bright pad.

(https://i.imgur.com/ArUafkT.jpg)

Here is the fowler I went to 400 grit on before I blued and rubbed back to grey, too shiney.

(https://i.imgur.com/CCqQPMz.jpg)
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Paulk on October 17, 2017, 10:56:26 AM
Fowler looks really good.  When hunting season's over and I get at this I'll sand first and go from there. Thanks.
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Eric Krewson on October 18, 2017, 09:06:32 AM
I left the lock bright and greyed everything else;

(https://i.imgur.com/RnnILMY.jpg)
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Paulk on October 18, 2017, 11:09:29 AM
That's what I'm thinking of doing.  Thanks for the pic.
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: AxelP on October 18, 2017, 01:42:59 PM
naval jelly will etch the barrel and make it dull. Then it will be easier to dull it further with mustard or burnt bp fouling or whatever.

K
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Paulk on October 18, 2017, 05:22:19 PM
naval jelly will etch the barrel and make it dull. Then it will be easier to dull it further with mustard or burnt bp fouling or whatever.

How long do you leave the naval jelly on? 24 hr?
K
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: Rocklock on October 18, 2017, 06:15:04 PM
Vinegar.
Title: Re: Barrel Aging
Post by: AxelP on October 23, 2017, 10:20:28 AM
You don't need to leave it on very long. I wiped it on and then rubbed it down with a rag real good. About the time I got it rubbed all around I rinsed with baking soda and water, then dried it really well and oiled it good. I did not want it to etch much, just wanted to get a decent gray tone.

K