Case Colors Fading

[Virginia Gentleman]

About how long does it take case colors (real ones, not the European type) to fade from exposure to sun light?  What can be done to protect the case colors when used out doors?

[Fox Creek Kid]

Nothing can be done to stop fading in sunlight. A film of lacquer can help "handling" as some modern makers do this to real bone case colors. I have a gun that is faded on one side more than the other. It doesn't really bother me as the gun is a shooter.

[Forty Rod]

1960 vintage Colt SAA right side was almost entirely gone in less than ten years.  Left side finally went away about five years ago.  The gun was on my hip a LOT of that time in all weather including a year in 'Nam in a shoulder rig.

[Coffinmaker]

Well ..........
Almost nothing.  The fading can be "slowed" but not stopped.  The application of a UV inhibited varnish can slow the effects of sunlight, and prolong the color, but eventually it will fade.
I asked Turnbull what they used to coat their spectacular Color Case and they wouldn't tell me.  Trade secret I suppose, but the only method I know of is the same for furniture (I am a professional woodworker) and UV inhibited varnish is it.
Should be sprayed on in light coats, probably with an air brush.

Coffinmaker

[Virginia Gentleman]

Coffinmaker:  His secret was out years ago for the abrasion protection, the case colors were wiped with piano varnish.  I guess it might help slow down the UV fading too.

[Coffinmaker]

He he He.  The last time I talked to the folks at Turnbull, they would call the finish "Violin finish" and wouldn't elaborate  beyond that.  I'v known it was varnish, just not specifically what kind.  It is a gloss varnish and I suspect it is one of the commercially available formulas, just not which one.
I would personally use one of the "general Finish" products intended for floors with a UV inhibitor.  Tough stuff.  Still, any finish, will just slow the process of fading.  I do like Turnbull's color case though.  Dynamic color.

Coffinmaker