lmf brown

[Mark Sluka]

I have just rust browning my barrel with lmf and after 5 coats i like the way it looks.
I have some questions on finnishing off the barrel.
In the instructions that came with the bottle it says to scrub with a baking soda soloution,rinse,dry, and apply a coat of oil or wax.
The instructions in the link at the top of the gunbuilders page for lmf says to scrub the barrel with baking soda soloution,rinse,and dry.
Heat the barrel to 125-130 to drive off moisture and then apply motor oil and let set for 24hr. After 24hr polish off oil then apply final coat of oil or wax. My questions are
1)If i only apply wax after the baking soloution will the barrel stay the same color that it is now?
2)If i let it soak in oil for 24 hr, then polish the oil off, then coat with wax will it darken the finnish (due to oil)?
3)Is one method preferred over the other?
Both of these methods are from lmf so that is the reason for the question. Thanks in advance.

 

[Vaino]

I've not had satisfaction neutralizing w/ baking soda....persistent after rust. LMF is a very "strong" browning solution and janitor strength ammonia "kills" the oxidizing process "dead". W/ a bbl I use a paint brush to apply the ammonia for 3 mins or so and then a hot water rinse and and a light rub down using 0000 stl wool w/ Oxyoke 1000. A wipe off, a coat of Oxyoke 1000 and it's done. Small parts are submerged in the ammonia for a few mins and then the same procedure as for the bbl. Janitor strength ammonia ia avalable at most hardware stores......Fred

 

[Rogue River]

I use the soda w/no problem. I then drench it with WD-40 overnite and then wipe it down and wax with min-wax furniture paste wax! Whatever you use is going to darken it to some extend! It will darken w/use even if you don't use anything!

 

[Bill Hall]

Just pertaining to the method of oiling, I think for browning purposes, oil is oil. I coat browned parts heavily with gun oil or 3 in 1 oil, which is pretty much the same as soaking it in motor oil. After I am sure no more rust will form, I buff it with a denim cloth.

I wouldn't mess with the wax until certain no more rust is forming, and the part is oiled. Bill