Gray finish with phosphoric acid ??

[user 52142]

Have a Walker kit on the way and thinking about how I want to finish it.
I like the look of a gray or what some call french gray. From searching on the forum, I have seen it mentioned that using phosphoric acid or navel jelly will produce a nice grey finish.

Would like to see some pics and information from folks who have done it, and the pro, and con,s.

Also would be interest in other ways to get it gray.

Thanks
Bill

 

[pacanis]

Here's the only closeup I have, but I used naval jelly on the loading lever and it's barely a shade darker than whatever Uberti's finish is. I wouldn't call it gray.

I'd love to know what they use for their antique finish. I've been told it's a finish and not just bare metal or in the white.

 

[user 52142]

Thanks Pacanis.

Both pistolas look good. I really like the engraving on the 58.

It doesnt look like the NV etched the metal very deep, and that's good.

I am just thinking a nice, aged gray looking finish would be perfect for the Walker. Dont really want a new looking finish on this one.

Thanks again
Bill

 

[64Springer]

Birchwood Casey's Blue and Rust remover will give you the exact dull gray look you're looking for.

The bare metal is about eight years old at this point. An annual wiping down with Ballistol has kept her in great shape.

If a pic of a modern gun is against TMF rules, please feel free to remove.

 

[user 52142]

Birchwood Casey's Blue and Rust remover will give you the exact dull gray look you're looking for.

Thanks 64Springer.

I'm guessing that I would apply the BC blue then rub it back with the rust remover ?

I have some Oxpho blue paste from brownells, think that would work in ace of the BC ?

 

[64Springer]

Apply rust remover with 0000 steel wool and rub. Bluing comes off like magic.

If you want to go the extra mile, use fine jewelers' files and 320 paper to remove every sharp edge.

It will feel like you're holding onto a warm stick of butter.

 

[pacanis]

Birchwood Casey's Blue and Rust remover will give you the exact dull gray look you're looking for.

The bare metal is about eight years old at this point. An annual wiping down with Ballistol has kept her in great shape.

If a pic of a modern gun is against TMF rules, please feel free to remove.

Very nice.
Did you do anything extra to get the specks of patina?

 

[64Springer]

Very nice.
Did you do anything extra to get the specks of patina?

Painted the surfaces with a burned black powder slurry and put it the bathroom with steam for a few hours. Get the room steamy then turn off the shower.

Then sprinkled the parts with table salt and let them cook for a while.

The trick is to not get the parts too wet. Too wet will wash the slurry from the parts. You want just humidity.

 

[pacanis]

Interesting. Thanks.

 

[thomasgunn]

Look up my Pedersoli Trade Gun build post (#16), I describe how I came to the beautiful pewter finish (by accident). Would look good on your Walker build.

 

[user 52142]

Look up my Pedersoli Trade Gun build post (#16), I describe how I came to the beautiful pewter finish (by accident). Would look good on your Walker build.

Thank you sir. I will definitely look at your post

 

[user 52142]

Apply rust remover with 0000 steel wool and rub. Bluing comes off like magic.

If you want to go the extra mile, use fine jewelers' files and 320 paper to remove every sharp edge.

It will feel like you're holding onto a warm stick of butter.

Thanks 64springer !