Aging a Polished bright lock plate

[TDM]

I've used Duke's Mayonnaise, doesn't seem to be as harsh as mustard and might take several applications. Why use Duke's?, because it beats the heck out of Hellman's, has more of a lemony taste, which probably means it has more real lemon juice, and it is my favorite mayonnaise for sandwiches and burgers and I always have it on hand. I have also cut a Granny Smith's apple in half and rubbed it on the steel it will give you that medium gray to light black finish. You will have to just tinker around until you get a finish to your liking.

I love Duke's mayonnaise, never used it on metal but it sure does taste good!

 

[Texas Gil]

Thanks. I forgot about that dulling the finish. It may be what I’m looking for.
I love this forum!

 

[zerb]

Phosphoric acid, sold as rust remover.

How do you apply the phosphoric acid, and how long do you leave it on the lock plate?

 

[user 48702]

Almost forgot about Eagle One Chrome Wheel Cleaner. I used it to strip the factory protective bluing off of a Pedersoli kit barrel as well as the faux case coloring from a lock. It only takes a minute or so to strip, most of the finish just slides off or dissolves. Just use a toothbrush for lettering or tight areas, then flush with water to kill the action. It contains phosphoric acid and a few other mild acids. It produced a slate gray iron finish, but I went ahead and browned mine.

 

[SOLANCO]

I've used Duke's Mayonnaise, doesn't seem to be as harsh as mustard and might take several applications. Why use Duke's?, because it beats the heck out of Hellman's, has more of a lemony taste, which probably means it has more real lemon juice, and it is my favorite mayonnaise for sandwiches and burgers and I always have it on hand. I have also cut a Granny Smith's apple in half and rubbed it on the steel it will give you that medium gray to light black finish. You will have to just tinker around until you get a finish to your liking.

Duke's!

 

[springfield art]

I've used mustard. It will dull it down and discolor it leaving you with a splotchy aged look.

Never heard of this one! Muzzleloading truly IS organic!

 

[MAC1967]

I've used French's Mustard.

 

[tenngun]

Remember the rich guys in Rolls one asking the other if he has any Grey Poupon?
I just see Remington “I took ye fer an *****’ where instead one goes excuse me do you have any Grey Poupon, I need to dull my lock’

 

[TDM]

@tenngun now you have me thinking about making a pork loin sandwich with Grey Poupon at this time of night...

 

[Nor Cal Mikie]

Propane torch, a little flame work, (not so much as to change the temper of the metal) get the "case hardened look" and be sure to stay away from it with the steel wool.

 

[GunCat]

This one was misted with 50/50 water and bleach, allowed to "rust" for a few hours, colored with touch up blue then rubbed back with 0000 steel wool. After cleanup an all over application of grease locks in the color and protects it.

 

[TDM]

That turned out nice.

 

[Texas Gil]

All good suggestions appreciated and enjoyed the MUSTARD side comments.