Failed attempts at a rubbed back / French grey finish

[DillyJamba]

I've been trying to finish this fowler barrel and after multiple attempts I'm just not happy with the results. It seems when I rub black the bluing, I keep overshooting the look I want chasing down areas of inconsistency. included pictures of the barrel blued and after my final attempt at rubbing back. Anyone done a finish like this? I used 44/40 in my attempts. Pretty frustrated as I had it to a nice bright mirror finish after filing/sanding before my attempts and wondering if I should have just left it.

Maybe I've looked at it too long at this point, any tips or opinions on my current outcome?

I don't think it looks terrible, but it has a somewhat splotchy appearance in some areas.

I'm opposed to bluing or browning as I want it to appear period correct but bright white, I'm afraid would cause an unpleasant glare.

 

[RiverRat]

I don’t think it looks bad at all. I would assemble it am shoot the heck out of it and try rubbing some dirty cleaning patches on it to speed up the “used look”.

 

[Adam in WI]

It's this sorta what you're looking for?

 

[SDSmlf]

I used 44/40 in my attempts.

Well, you asked for opinions, so…. 44/40 is just a top coat, not actually converting the top coat of steel like a traditional rust/bluing, and a I find it not very durable or long lasting if handled much.

Personally prefer a light rust bluing that has been carded back to the so-called ‘French Grey’ finish, much more permanent once you get the look you want. Now if you are looking for a finish on a display piece that won’t be handled much, any of the cold bluing formulas like 44/40 will give the look you want if you fiddle with it enough.

Again, just my opinion.

 

[Phil Coffins]

I’ve often wondered what French gray finish is so did a little search.

French Gray - An acid etched or phosphate finish, applied typically to shotgun actions, forming a gray-colored, non-relective matte finish which also provides some protection from rust. Also called, gray-etched. Not brightly polished like Coin Finished

So it’s not just a worn bluing but a coating. It can be done by a hobbyist with care.