Barrel browning

[JackP]

When browning a barrel for an aged look, do you brown the barrel and rub it back with steel wool or scotch brite pad or or just stop browning process when it look about right?

Thanks
Jack

 

[3 trees]

What browning did you use?

 

[dave_person]

When browning a barrel for an aged look, do you brown the barrel and rub it back with steel wool or scotch brite pad or or just stop browning process when it look about right?

Thanks
Jack

Or both.

dave

 

[Loyalist Dave]

When browning a barrel for an aged look, do you brown the barrel and rub it back with steel wool or scotch brite pad or or just stop browning process when it look about right?

I apply mustard, yes the condiment, in a thin layer as it holds the vinegar in place, and allow the metal item (barrel, knife blade, steel revolver barrel and receiver) to hang and dry in the air. I then use a toothbrush and a bit of water and knock off the hard-dried and now rust brown mustard, and repeat. After several applications and when done dark enough to my satisfaction I rinse with a little baking soda in a lot of water, dry, then use some emory paper and oil to rub the finish back until I'm satisfied...or I keep it as is.

There are MUCH better browning solutions out there for doing an actual, intentional brown finish. They are toxic, and so I started doing this about 18 years ago when my boy was 2, and the neighborhood called him "danger boy" as he was into EVERYTHING and had no fear. OH and he was amazingly mobile...so IF he got into the metal items when they were being "stained" by the acid in the mustard...no harm.

LD

 

[JackP]

What browning did you use?

LMF

 

[JackP]

LMF

I've already browned it and it came out darker than I wanted. I kept it up until all the streaks were gone and finish was very even and it looked about right until it was oiled. It will be great the way it is but I would like it to look a little aged. This is my first browning experience so I'm learning and really appreciate all the help I have received here.
Thanks

 

[Pete G]

Scrub it until you get shiny edges, then hit it with cold blue and scrub again.

 

[JackP]

Scrub it until you get shiny edges, then hit it with cold blue and scrub again.

Thanks Pete, is that with green scotch brite or 0000 steel wool?

 

[Pete G]

Thanks Pete, is that with green scotch brite or 0000 steel wool?

I like steel wool, but either will work.

 

[David Coulter]

I apply mustard, yes the condiment, in a thin layer as it holds the vinegar in place, and allow the metal item (barrel, knife blade, steel revolver barrel and receiver) to hang and dry in the air. I then use a toothbrush and a bit of water and knock off the hard-dried and now rust brown mustard, and repeat. After several applications and when done dark enough to my satisfaction I rinse with a little baking soda in a lot of water, dry, then use some emory paper and oil to rub the finish back until I'm satisfied...or I keep it as is.

There are MUCH better browning solutions out there for doing an actual, intentional brown finish. They are toxic, and so I started doing this about 18 years ago when my boy was 2, and the neighborhood called him "danger boy" as he was into EVERYTHING and had no fear. OH and he was amazingly mobile...so IF he got into the metal items when they were being "stained" by the acid in the mustard...no harm.

LD

That’s a great solution for a real life issue. Getting ahead of the problem. As a dad, my hat’s off to you! Dwc