Browning a barrel

[Vaino]

Right on. LMF is nearly fool proof, but does require some judgement as far as the rusting time which is affected by temp and humidity.

After the final carding is done, I "paint" household ammonia on the bbl or soak the smaller parts in ammonia......never had any luck w/ baking soda. ....Fred

 

[jkjohnson]

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice. I finished browning my barrel Saturday. I still had some slightly uneven color but overall I am happy with the results.

 

[jkjohnson]

I sanded it several times with 120 grit drywall sand paper. It would rust some but never get beyond a light tea color brown. I decided to polish it to a shine and leave it in the white. I am really pleased with the way it turned out.

 

[Davemuzz]

If your happy......that's what matters!

 

[jkjohnson]

I went with laurel mountain because of the heating factor using Plum brown.

Why? The heat needed, 250*, won't hurt anything. I use two propane torches, one in each hand. Fun! set the barrel on two solid objects, bricks?, using a tang extension and barrel plug. It is much faster and reliable than a slow rust if you live in a dry area. You will not need to make a sweat box or gunk up the bathroom.

It wasn't because I thought the heat would damage anything. I don't have torches and didn't want to spend more money. Also the barrel wouldn't fit in my oven. If I do brown another barrel,(I most likely will)I will get a couple of propane torches and use plum brown.