How to tarnish pewter?

[omarick1948]

Has anyone here have experience in tarnishing pewter? I'm making a couple powder horn with pewter bands on them and want to take the new "chrome shine" look off of them.

Thanks in advance, :hatsoff:
Rick

 

[Black Hand]

Cold blue worked for me, at least it took the shine off.

 

[necchi]

I've only used the pewter from TOW, but the shine comes off pretty easy by just rubbing with your palm,
I'm guessing a mild acid like vinegar will do it too,

 

[FishDFly]

The acidity of dirt is different in all places, my dirt is very acid.

What about burying a trial sample in the dirt and water it in and check once a week?

 

[Rifleman1776]

There is all kinds of pewter and things called pewter. If you have scrap, just test with whatever dangerous chemicals you have laying around the house. :shocked2: :wink:

 

[Shack56]

Goggle or youtube "Liver of Sulpher" lots of info on what it is and how to use it. Can be found on Amazon and other places. Good Luck, Steve

 

[omarick1948]

Goggle or youtube "Liver of Sulpher" lots of info on what it is and how to use it. Can be found on Amazon and other places. Good Luck, Steve

Tried Liver of Sulpher...didn't work.,,, :hmm:

 

[LaBonte]

What Black Hand recommended - cold blue. My favorite (and I patina a bunch of pewter stuff every year for the last 45 years) is Birchwood Casey' Super Blue from the local gun shop.

If/when possible I like to soak the part in Blue for 5 minutes or so, on the other hand it can be applied carefully with an artists brush.

Simple, easy, and it works like gangbusters... :hatsoff:

 

[LRB]

+1. If it comes out darker than desired, back it off gently with 0000 steel wool.

 

[LaBonte]

+1. If it comes out darker than desired, back it off gently with 0000 steel wool.

or a worn Scotchbrite pad....

 

[omarick1948]

Got some BC cold blue and it did the trick all right!

Thanks Chuck, Wick and everybody for your help!

Rick

 

[mooman76]

They make a white pad that is much less abrasive.

 

[suzkat]

Here is a simple and cheap method. Hard boil 2 eggs and while they are still hot take the yolk and put it an airtight container with the pewter, but not touching it. Leave for 24-48 hours. It does a good job. Remember to clean the pewter first so there are no oils on it.

 

[LRB]

I can't see how that would be easier or simpler than just wiping cold blue on it. Am I missing something?

 

[swathdiver]

Years ago we used to blacken pewter with a bottle of some wonder liquid. Goes under the name of JAX Pewter Black and the degree of darkness depends on how long you leave it in and how thick you mix it. Won't need much to take the shine off.

However, the cold bluing described seems pretty simple.

 

[necchi]

How about some before and after pictures to add to this thread?
Might help folks in the future decide if they like/want different levels of shine to their pewter.

 

[smo]

How about black powder residue ? It work great on brass :thumbsup: