Barrel Aging

[Paulk]

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?

[Hank in WV]

It's been my experience, the higher the polish, the harder it is to age.

[Paulk]

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.

[PetahW]

You could try a (removable with lacquer thinner) anti-glare spray atop the barrel.





.

[Roaddog]

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.

[Eric Krewson]

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.

[Uncle Russ]

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...

[Paulk]

OK, thanks fir the info guys.

[Eric Krewson]

This lock has been sanded to 220, blued with Oxpho blue and rubbed back to grey with a scotch bright pad.



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

[Paulk]

Fowler looks really good.  When hunting season's over and I get at this I'll sand first and go from there. Thanks.

[Eric Krewson]

I left the lock bright and greyed everything else;

[Paulk]

That's what I'm thinking of doing.  Thanks for the pic.

[AxelP]

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

[Paulk]

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

[Rocklock]

Vinegar.