Browning a color case hardened lock

[putodebabylon]

So I decided to refinish the lock on my flint Traditions Kentucky (see avatar). It came with a color case hardened finish which I thought looked kind of lame so I decided to brown it. I have Laurel Mountain Forge browning solution. I disassembled the lock and soaked in vinegar over night which seemed to remove the finish on all the parts. The frizzen, which was in the white, and all the blued parts (screws mostly) seemed to take to the browning quite well. The case hardened parts (side plate and cock) aren't taking it well at all. I've applied it probably half a dozen times to the cock and it's glossy and light brown, like some cooking oil got baked on it. The side plate just looks like crap. I tried sanding it down but it still just looks awful. :surrender: I assume this is because of the uneven nature of the color case hardening. Any ideas? Thanks! :hatsoff:

 

[Zonie]

Resand it using 180 or 220 grit black silicone carbide wet/dry sandpaper.

The surface must be slightly rough for the solution to attack.

Also, clean off all oils (including your finger prints) with some denatured alcohol, disk brake cleaner or acetone before applying the LMF solution.

Place the part in a VERY humid environment to start the process. If the humidity is low the solution cannot work.

 

[Lock Nut]

I just finished browning a color cased lock like that. Get your self some sno-bowl toilet cleaner, a glass jar and soak the parts in it awhile. Scrub with a good stiff brush in a well ventilated area with rubber gloves. It will take the bluing right off. Rinse well with hot water. Depending on the browning texture you want, you could scuff it up abit with sand paper/emery cloth.
With winter coming on , the air is getting too dry for browning. Get a warm mist humidifier and hang the parts a couple of feet over it.
That will get ya going.

 

[jerrywh]

Case hardened parts just don't brown as well as soft parts do. Case hardening resists rust pretty well compared to soft parts.

 

[rich pierce]

+1. Another option is leaving it bright.

 

[jerrywh]

Right on. I like bright locks. It shows the engraving better.

 

[putodebabylon]

Thanks for the help everyone! Humidity really got the browning process going.

It didn't turn out perfect but I think it matches the barrel a little better now.

Thanks again! :hatsoff: