How to dull down a metal finish?

[kilbuck]

I've been touching up some gun parts to match an old dull brown finish on others. Got the right color with some old Casey browning solution but without wanting to I got a bright sheen from steel wooling with #000.

Does anyone have a suggestion for how I can knock the sheen off without losing the brown color that I want? Been tempted to try vinegar. Any other thoughts?

 

[ricklandes]

HAVE YOU TRIED USING A CLOTH LIKE A BURLAP. IT WILL HELP REMOVE THE EXCESS, BUT MAY HELP TO AVOID THE SHEEN...

 

I use this method on the pulls and hinges on a bureau we were "antiquing". thake the pieces to a garage - where they know you - and have them run the metal through the spark plug cleaner. that fine sand will put a real neat and uniform dull finish on the metal.